Christians and Persecution

Realizing that Christians were facing persecution during his day, Peter wrote on the ways Christians should conduct themselves during persecution in 1 Peter 1:3 -17 and 1 Peter 4:12 -19. Persecution refers to the act of molesting, threatening or killing a person or group of persons for the sake of their faith.

Inter-personal Relationships among Christians

Peter's teaching on how Christians should relate with each other is found in 1 Peter 5: 1-11. There, Peter described the role of Christian elders in the church and how they should relate to other Christians so as to ensure discipline and unity. He emphasized that it was the duty of the elders in the church to tend the flock of God under their charge. They should do this eagerly, willingly and selflessly, not for shameful gain, but not by a domineering attitude towards those under them, but through exemplary lives. See how Christians should relate with non-Christians here.

Christians Living among Non-Christians

Peter’s teaching on how Christians living among non-Christians should behave is found in 1 Peter 2:9 – 25. There, he described Christians as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, who are called out of darkness into the marvelous light of God, and who have received the mercy of God. As God’s own people living amidst Gentiles, Peter encouraged Christians to maintain good conduct in order to silence those who speak against them. By living exemplary lives, Christians give glory to God.