1st Peter 1
—Simply Bible Readings

Our Hope of Salvation

(1Peter 1:1-12)

¶“1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are God’s chosen people, who have been scattered to foreign places: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2You are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the holiness of his Spirit. This led to your obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace to you, and may your peace increase.” (1 Peter 1:1-2).

¶“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again for a living hope. Because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, 4we hope for an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

¶“5By God’s power, and through faith, you are being guarded for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6You rejoice in this, though now for a little while, if it must be, you suffer various trials.” (1 Peter 1:5-6).

¶“7These trials serve to prove your faith genuine, like gold melted by fire, yet refined. Of course your faith has more value than gold. When tested by fiery trials, your faith will yield praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed [at his return].” (1 Peter 1:7).

¶“8Though you have not seen Jesus, you love him. You do not see him now, yet you believe in him. Moreover, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and filled with glory. 9You are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9).

¶“10The prophets searched and inquired carefully about this salvation. They prophesied about the grace that was to be yours. 11They wondered what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” (1 Peter 1:10-11).

¶“12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you. They preached by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. To you they preached things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:12).

Obeying the Truth

(1Peter 1:13-25).

¶“13So [as a soldier] girds his loins, prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Fix your hope fully on the grace that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed [at his return]. 14As obedient children, don't be conformed to your former ignorant passions, 15but rather [be transformed]. Just as he who called you is holy, so you also be holy in all your conduct” (1Peter 1:13-15 ).

¶“16For [it is written:] ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’. 17You appeal to God as your Father, and [as a good father] he judges each of you fairly by what you do. So conduct yourselves in awe of him while you walk this earth” (1Peter 1:16-17, Leviticus 19:2).

¶“18You know that you lived in a futile manner which your [earthly] fathers passed on to you. From this you were redeemed [by your heavenly Father] —but not with perishable things; not with silver or gold. 19[You were ransomed] with the precious blood of Christ. [He was sacrificed] as a Lamb without fault or flaw.” (1Peter 1:18-19).

¶“20He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake. 21Through him you are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. Thus your very faith and hope are [sure] in God.” (1Peter 1:21-21).

¶“22You have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth. This leads you to a love for one another that is brotherly, sincere, fervent, and pure-hearted. 23You have been born again —but not with perishable seed. [You were begotten] through imperishable seed, the forever living and abiding word of God” (1Peter 1:22-23).

¶“24As [scripture says]

‘All flesh is like grass
 And all its glory is like the flower of grass:
 The grass withers and the flower falls,
25But the word of the Lord remains forever’

‘All flesh is like grass
 And all its glory is like the flower of grass:
 The grass withers and the flower falls,
25But the word of the Lord remains forever’

And this word is the gospel that was preached to you.” (1Peter 1:24-25, Isaiah 40:6-8).