Peter's first letter to the early churches is a significant expression of New Testament theology and pastoral care. This volume explicates the letter to show how the early church applied Jesus' sayings and the Old Testament writings to contemporary concerns. Peter David's own translation is the starting point for his clearly written, well-balanced discussions on each verse. He draws frequent parallels to ancient literature, interacts with other works on 1 Peter, and presents one of the most up-to-date bibliographies on the book.

The significance of the First Letter of Peter for the formation of Christianity stands in sharp contrast to its brevity. John H. Elliott, a leading authority on this letter, brings its significance to life in this magnificent addition to the renowned Anchor Bible Commentaries. Elliott sets the letter into context, covering its literary, historical, theological, and linguistic elements. In detailed, accessible discussions, he draws on the latest research to illuminate the social and cultural influences on the Church in its initial years. Treating such important Petrine concerns as living honourably in a hostile society, finding meaning in suffering, and resisting social assimilation as the elect and holy family of God, the translation, notes, and commentary in this volume will help readers appreciate the powerful and enduring message of this fascinating letter.

In this addition of the acclaimed BECNT series, respected New Testament scholar Karen H. Jobes provides a fresh commentary on 1 Peter. 1 Peter admirably achieves the dual aims of the BECNT series--it is academically sophisticated as well as pastorally sensitive and accessible. This volume features Jobes' own translation of the Greek text and detailed interaction with the meaning of the text, emphasizing the need to read 1 Peter in light of its cultural background. Jobes' commentary will help pastors, students, and teachers better understand the Christian's role as a "foreigner" in contemporary society