Lectionary Year A
April 7, 2002
1 Peter 1:3-9

Step III: Composition
A. Immediate Context

(BD)The text proclaims hope that is found in the risen one who died on a cross. The pericope praises the Lord as in a doxology. The text is initially surrounded by the salutation (1 Peter 1:1-2) and followed by text that recalls that the prophets foretold the coming of the risen one (1 Peter 1:10-12). All are part of a letter that addresses the church that glorifies the shepherd who leads the church or his flock. Christ is revealed in his glory and it is through him that we find salvation.

The author drew from several other texts, using stronger parallels in Romans 5:3 in verse 6 referring to the glory and honor of that will be found in Jesus Christ and in verse 8 the author references of John 20:29 concerning the belief in the risen one because having seen him.

B. Organization of the Compositional Whole

(BD)Outline of Letter

I. Salvation 1:1-2
II. Blessings of God's redeemed children 1: 3-2:10
III. The duties of Christians in the world 2:11-4:11
IV. The trails of Christians in the World 4:12-5:11
V. Conclusion and blessings 5:12-14
I used The Interpreters Bible

C. Issues of Authorship

(BD)The authorship of the text is unknown, but it was probably written at the end of the first century to alien residents in Asia Minor. (Ehrman)

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