Context: 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter (~62–64 AD) from Rome — called "Babylon" (5:13), a code for Rome in the context of persecution — to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who faced growing social hostility and possibly State persecution under Nero. It is a manual of hope and Christian conduct in a context of suffering.

Identity and mission: "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (2:9) — applying to the messianic people the categories the OT reserved for Israel. The identity as "sojourners and exiles" (2:11) is a call to live with the lightness of those who have no permanent citizenship here.

Suffering and hope: The theology of suffering in 1 Peter is remarkable: the Christian's suffering is participation in Christ's suffering (4:13), the purification of faith like gold in fire (1:7), and testimony before the watching world. The "living hope" of the resurrection (1:3) transforms the meaning of everything. "Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (5:7) is one of the most consoling verses in the NT.