1 Peter

Peter blesses God for the living hope believers have through Christ's resurrection and an imperishable inheritance, encouraging joy despite present trials that test faith. He calls believers to be holy as God is holy and to love one another fervently from the heart, having been born again through God's word.

Peter describes believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house and a chosen people, called out of darkness into light. He instructs believers to abstain from fleshly lusts as aliens and strangers, submitting to human authorities and serving as free people who honor God.

Peter addresses wives to win unbelieving husbands through godly conduct and husbands to honor their wives as fellow heirs of grace. He calls all believers to unity, love, humility, and blessing others rather than returning evil for evil, prepared to give a defense for their hope with gentleness.

Peter encourages believers to arm themselves with Christ's mindset of suffering for righteousness rather than living for human lusts. He emphasizes using spiritual gifts to serve one another, rejoicing in sharing Christ's sufferings, and entrusting their souls to the faithful Creator while doing good.

Peter exhorts elders to shepherd God's flock willingly and by example, not for gain, while younger believers should submit and all should be clothed with humility. He encourages casting anxiety on God, being sober and watchful against the devil, and standing firm in faith despite suffering.