1 Peter 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Peter 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Peter greets the chosen ones, who live as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (vv. 1-2). He praises God for giving believers new birth to a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection.

Key verse

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
1 Peter 1:3 (WEB)

Outline

1 Peter 1:1–2 Greeting to the Elect Exiles
1 Peter 1:3–5 Hope in Resurrection and Inheritance
1 Peter 1:6–9 Rejoicing in Trials
1 Peter 1:10–12 Prophets and the Mystery of Salvation
1 Peter 1:13–16 Call to Prepare and Be Holy
1 Peter 1:17–21 Redemption Through Christ's Blood
1 Peter 1:22–25 Love and Enduring Word

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Peter say God caused believers to be born again to?
In v24, what does Peter compare all flesh and man's glory to?
The phrase 'you were redeemed', v18: what does it imply about the nature of the believers' past?
The mention of 'various trials' in v6: how do these trials relate to faith being tested?
When have you found it difficult to 'set your hope fully' on grace, as mentioned in v13?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Peter 1: Romans 8, Romans 12, James 1.

Before next time: read 1 Peter 2.