A very general analysis of the Epistle is the following:
(1) Christian privileges, 1Pe 1:1-25 through 1Pe 2:10.
(2) Christian duties, 1Pe 2:11 through 1Pe 4:11.
(3) Persecutions and trials, 1Pe 4:12 through 1Pe 5:11.
(4) Personal matters and salutations, 1Pe 5:12-14.
The chief doctrines of Christianity are found in 1 Peter. The vicarious suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ (2:24; 3:18); the new birth (1:3,13); redemption by the blood of Christ (1:18,19), faith, hope, patient endurance under unjust suffering, and holiness of life, are all pressed upon Christians with great earnestness and force.
LITERATURE.
Bible Dicts., DB, HDB, Davis, DB, EB, Sch-Herz, volume VIII; Intros: Westcott, Salmon, Zahn; Vincent, Word Studies; Commentaries: Bible Commentary, Cambridge Bible for Schools; Lillie, Jameson, Fausett and Brown, Alford, Bigg, Mayor (on 2 Peter), Johnstone (homiletical), New York, 1888; Hort, 1Pe 1:1 through 1Pe 2:17, New York, 1898.
William G. Moorehead