The First Letter of Peter

A coherent, covenant-centered reading of 1 Peter

Because the First Letter of Peter is densely woven, readers may focus on favorite verses without understanding the larger framework that gives those statements meaning. Scott J. Hafemann offers a better way in this new contribution to the Pillar New Testament Commentary series, teaching readers how to engage fruitfully with the letter as a whole.

Analyzing the letter as a single, sustained argument, Hafemann uncovers the covenant relationship at its heart: the God who chooses his people, the Christ who redeems them, past and future, and the Spirit who sustains their present life of faithful obedience. As part of this process, he shows how Peter’s repeated use of the Old Testament affirms that the church, as a continuation of the faithful remnant under the old covenant, is the inaugurated fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. For every section, Hafemann provides big-picture rhetorical and conceptual analysis followed by more detailed verse-by-verse explication.

What emerges is a rich vision of the Christian life that takes suffering seriously yet is anchored in hope that is fixed on Christ’s return. It illuminates why believers are “exiles” in this world, why they are called to holiness, how they should respond to unjust suffering, and how their hope in Christ’s vindication and return animates their faith here and now. Written for pastors, teachers, and students, this biblical-theological commentary restores the First Letter of Peter to its full, life-giving coherence.