1 Peter 1-3

“And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled” (3:14). Peter wrote this letter to a suffering, persecuted church, scattered through the Roman Empire. He encouraged them to “patiently endure” their suffering (2:20). Their endurance was not born of fear, however, since they were “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (2:9). Knowing they had been redeemed by Jesus’ precious blood and were destined for a glorious inheritance (1:4), they could live confidently in a broken world.

Peter taught the believers to obey Jesus Christ first and local laws second (2:17), bringing honor to God by right behavior (3:16).