First Epistle of Peter

The First Epistle of Peter is the twenty-first book of the New Testament. It is traditionally believed to be a letter from Peter the Apostle, but most scholars disagree.^[1] The letter was sent to Christian Churches in Anatolia who were being oppressed because of their beliefs.

While Roman Catholics believe that it was written during Peter's time as the first Pope in Rome or in Antioch, the letter itself says that it was written from Babylon.^[2]

The letter was written to "exiles"^[3] (Greek: παρεπιδήμοις), Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. It names different provinces in Anatolia where these Christians are, such as Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

The author commands these people to stay faithful and holy during their exile, and to be humble and patient. The letter concludes with advice to other elders.

Most scholars believe that this letter was not written by Peter the Apostle,^[1] partially because it seems to have been written by someone with knowledge of philosophy and who had studied Greek,^[4] none of which was usual for a fisherman from Galilee. The Book of Acts also describes him and John as illiterate (Greek: ἀγράμματοί).^[5] Some people believe that Peter used a scribe or secretary to write the letter for him.

The author says that they are writing from Babylon,^[2] which was used as a code word for Rome after or shortly before the Destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. This leads some scholars to believe that this epistle was written around that time.