1 Peter Outline

Christ as Seen in 1 Peter:

The book is loaded with the person and work of Christ. Through the resurrection of Christ, Christians have “a living hope” and “an imperishable inheritance” (1:3-4). In several places, Peter speaks of the coming glory and revelation of Christ (1:7, 13; 4:13; 5:1). He also speaks (1) of the person and work of Christ as God’s Lamb who redeemed us by bearing our sins on the cross (1:18-19; 2:24), (2) of Christ as our perfect example in suffering (2:21f.), and (3) of Christ as the Chief shepherd and Guardian of believers (2:25; 5:4).

Outline:

First Peter can be easily divided into four sections: (1) the Salvation of Believers (1:1-12), (2) the Sanctification of Believers (1:13-2:12), (3) the Submission of Believers (2:13-3:12), and the Suffering of Believers (3:13-5:14).

I. The Salvation of Believers (1:1-12)

A. Salutation (1:1-2)

B. Future (Living) Hope and Present Trials (1:3-9)

C. Present Salvation and Past Revelation (1:10-12)

II. The Sanctification of Believers (1:13-2:12)

A. The Call to Holiness (1:13-21)

B. The Call to Love One Another Fervently (1:22-25)

C. The Call to Desire the Pure Milk of the Word (2:1-3)

D. The Call to Offer Up Spiritual Sacrifices (2:4-10)

E. The Call to Abstain From Fleshly Desires (2:11-12)

III. The Submission of Believers (2:13-3:12)

A. Submission to Government (2:13-17)

B. Submission in Business (2:18-25)

C. Submission in Marriage (3:1-8)

D. Submission in All Areas of Life (3:9-12)

IV. The Suffering of Believers (3:13-5:14)

A. Conduct Needed in Suffering (3:13-17)

B. Christ’s Example for Suffering (3:18-4:6)

C. Commands for Suffering (4:7-19)

D. Custodians (Shepherds) in Suffering (5:1-9)

E. Conclusion or Benediction (5:10-14)