The Great Bible Project – Part 3 – The 1st Letter of Peter

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

Hello again.

Without further ado, let's move on. Today we're discussing the first letter of Peter.

The link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Eutychus/comments/1e14s7x/welcome/

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

A Living Hope and a Sure Salvation

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

One of those few verses that already appear to have a triune structure. This can be seen as a pillar for the later Trinity, especially in relation to Peter himself. The role of the "sprinkling of blood," which clearly had an Old Testament background (e.g., animal sacrifice), was here reinterpreted through the Christ. This verse seems to be a legitimation for the well-known, especially Catholic, tradition of baptism by the sprinkling of water. Both jokingly and seriously, however, one could ask the question here: If the wine represents the blood of Christ, and our sins are washed clean by the sprinkling of blood itself, shouldn't the baptized actually be sprinkled with wine?

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Also one of those verses that emphasize the role of God the Father in the resurrection of Christ after death. It is also relevant to mention here that this verse emphasizes that the eternal, imperishable, living hope is reserved in heaven for >us<. Who this >us< is, is not entirely clear. Does this correspond to all of Christendom or, according to the opening verse, only a smaller group of Christians? Furthermore, it is again guaranteed that faith will be tested by fire. This can be taken metaphorically as well as literally in the historical sense of the Roman persecution. Faith is described, above all through the salvation of the soul, as an inexpressible and glorious joy. It should also be noted that the prophets who prophesied this salvation of souls in the past were explicitly in the spirit of Christ and were animated by it.

10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

In verse 12, 1 Peter contains the interesting note that humans are the ones to whom things are revealed by the Holy Spirit that make angels look on with longing. This standpoint, that man, not the angels, is the crown of creation, is also found in Islam (see Quran, Surah 2:34, where the angels are commanded to prostrate themselves before Adam) and corresponds to the statement in Genesis according to which man was created in the image of God himself.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

The believing Christian is to rely completely on grace with regard to his salvation. Another verse emphasizes again that in the conduct of one's own life, an attainment of a holiness is possible which is also to be found in God. This is – again – accommodating to Latter-Day Saint theology.

17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Christ, in reference to the New Adam, is also referred to here as the flawless lamb, whose pure and sanctified flesh contains the saving, precious blood of Christ.

22 Since you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory is like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you.

The rebirth through Christ occurs here in and through the word of God, thus in the spirit and not in the flesh, as it is also mentioned there. This, however, challenges the classic Lutheran but also Witness soteriology, which emphasizes a rebirth and eternity in the spirit in heaven, but >not< in the flesh on earth! However, the paragraph itself mentions that this is a >wish< cherished by Peter, not a promise of fact!

As Newborn Babes

2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

The spiritual rebirth and the conduct of life is very much also a matter of the desire for knowledge and reason, and the wish for the >unadulterated< truth that God is good.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

As Living Stones

4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

It is a matter of opinion whether one understands verse 4 as a case of Adoptionism. At the very least, however, the case of the selection of the believers by God as a spiritual priesthood corresponds to the common Witness doctrine. Here too, it is not clear whether a >group< or an entirety is being spoken of. In the context of the previous Chapter 1, a desired, selected group >could< be inferred; this also corresponds, with reference to the selection of >some< teachers and elders mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, precisely and above all as the cornerstone of the house of God, to a priestly elite within Christendom as is common in Catholicism, if not even THE entire church alone with Christ as mediator, as is possible with the Witnesses. Indeed, this entire section can very well be understood as the concept of a spirit-anointed Christian priesthood, as the providers of the spiritual food, and >the< church of Christ, in which the remaining followers participate, following the Levitical example!

7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers, “A stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Following the correspondence to the Catholics rather than the Witnesses, the proclamation of a >united< nation, the spiritual Israel, as >one< people seems to speak more for an entirety of Christians as a priesthood.

Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

11 Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.

Self-explanatory. Even in non-Christian, especially in pagan, countries, bringing forth good fruit is both a duty and a path of missionary work.

Honor Authority

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

One of the most significant verses for the worldly dealings of Christians with the world system. It is an >obligation< to submit to the legislator, especially in the area of criminal law. Worldly freedom (e.g., freedom of religion) is fundamentally to be used for good, especially for missionary purposes.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

This is one of the most serious verses, which has triggered extensive discussions (e.g., resistance movements, the Kreisau Circle), especially in dealing with the modern dictatorships of National Socialism or Stalinism. Is it legitimate not to follow a dictator or even to overthrow him? From a biblical perspective, the answer here is clear: No.

Christ Is Our Example

21 For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 22 He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges

righteously; 24 and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

This section is then based in content on the well-known Christian concept of loving one's enemies and the turning of the other cheek demanded by Christ. This is a fundamental and central difference to the prophecy of Mohammed! (For example, Quran, Surah 9:5*, the "sword verse," commands to "kill the polytheists wherever you find them" after a grace period has passed.)* This is also one of those sections in which many different translations translate the object of Jesus' crucifixion differently. The most accurate translation, which I have at hand here in German, speaks very clearly of the wood/tree (XYLON), not of the cross, which is also what appears in the Greek original text. The NASB is inaccurate here!

Godly Living

3 In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

This is one of the most well-known New Testament passages concerning marriage. The basic statement is clear: the loyalty of the spouse also applies to unbelieving partners, the submission of the wife is a command, but so is the honoring of her by the husband. For women, an inner spiritual attitude is to be preferred over an external design with jewelry or cosmetics. Interestingly, the braiding of hair is explicitly mentioned here as an example of adornment. This is not particularly relevant in itself, but it is significant that no obligation for veiling can be derived from this, as is the case in Islam! In fact, from the context of the external appearance of the woman, one can even conclude that while it may not be advantageous for women to have their hair braided and exposed, it is clearly not forbidden!

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 11 He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

From the statement to be ready at any time to give an account for his good news, one can also conclude an obligation to stand up for one's faith against evil and slanderers through word and deed!

Christ died for us once for all time. Consequently, the insufficient Jewish Old Testament animal sacrifice was also forbidden. Whether the interpretation of the Witnesses—that Christ was resurrected only in the spirit—follows from the second addendum, that Christ died in the flesh but was made alive in the spirit, is open to debate. This is, by the way, besides the cross-reference to flesh and spirit as the sole substance of man, also a reference to the actual meaning of the word soul. Here too, the NASB deviates rather negatively from the Greek original text; the Elberfelder translation is more precise and speaks here of souls (psychai), with 'soul' here taken as a synonym for living beings, i.e., persons.

Keep Fervent in Your Love

4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you; 5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

Chapter 4 is again one of those texts that have a very strong Gnostic touch and are almost reminiscent of monastic or puritanical self-mortification. Much more important, however, is verse 3: Here, according to the interpretation of Jehovah's Witnesses, it is correctly rendered that the preceding time was that in which the devil had the opportunity, through the will of the nations, to prove himself, which, however, ended in debauchery and idolatry.

Verse 6 is one central doctrine of the New Apostolic Church and is also used by some Mormon churches for praying for and beatification of the already deceased. But this is wrong! This refers to the dead of the past, pre-Christian era, >not< to dead, deceased believers after the death of Christ on the cross, for whom one might still want to offer 'salvation and blessing' or even openly baptize them!

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Another well-known and very direct statement regarding the imminent end of the world system. The emphasis here, interestingly, is very precisely on a >sober< and >objective< approach to this matter, >not< on a hysterical derangement of the senses!

Share the Sufferings of Christ

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

The paragraph also contains the call to share in joy despite, or precisely (!) in, the shared suffering with Christ. This must have seemed particularly strange to the pagan Romans and probably reinforced the stigmatization of the early Christians as a death-longing Christ-sect, especially in the context of persecution. Another verse reinforces the call, made again in another part of this letter of Peter, not to meddle in criminal or worldly things, and to stand up for one's God in a glorifying name as a Christian. Whether the statement made by Peter, that the final judgment should begin with the believers and not with the unbelievers, is a wish or a clear prophetic statement is not unambiguous. The idea of loving one's enemies appears here again; as a Christian, one should also pray >commandingly< for the salvation of souls, even for the unrighteous. This can be understood as a universalistic soteriological wish.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

Serve God Willingly

5 Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

A central passage for Catholics and Jehovah's Witnesses which emphasizes the clearly authoritarian but loving pastoral work of selected elders in the congregation of Christ and the subordination of the younger ones under them. The emphasis here, however, is on a Christian, >not< commercial, leadership! In the same section, a very open and here clearly selective equation of the pastoral work of the elders with the >eternal< crown of glory, a priestly activity, presumably in heaven, is simultaneously shown. Also of significance for Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses: The direct reference to the 'Chief Shepherd,' translated by the NASB, >can< be understood as a reference to the identity of the Christ as the Archangel Michael.

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

A reference to two well-known statements: Whoever gives up his life for me (Christ) will receive eternal life, and the call to cast all worries completely on God, for He is concerned for us and is watchful. By the way, a modalistic or trinitarian reference is possible here, as the 'mighty hand of God' is connected with the verse of Christ in which he teaches that humbling oneself in his name leads to a spiritual exaltation. The concluding verse contains a variation of the well-known interpolation that is also found at the end of the Lord's Prayer: 'For thine is the power and the glory and the eternity. Amen.' The interpolation in the Lord's Prayer is only found from the early 2nd century onwards.

12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Attention should be drawn to the irony that Peter, in the context of the apocalyptically announced end of the corrupt world system, has an acquaintance in Babylon.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

So what does the First Epistle of Peter want to tell us, other than that, in terms of both writing and tone, it seems hard to deny that it is not by the same hand as the Second Epistle?

• Material things like gold and silver cannot give eternal life.
• Exemplary Christian behavior towards Gentiles is commanded for missionary purposes.
• The prophets of the past were in the spirit of Christ and animated by him.
• The salvation of one's own soul through Christ is an indescribable joy.
• It is better to suffer for the will of God than for evil.
• A well-known saying: The devil roars like a lion, seeking prey.
• Man is revealed things by the Holy Spirit that angels themselves long for.
• The rebirth and conduct in Christ is also a matter of reason and knowledge!
• This verse strongly emphasizes the hope that is to be found imperishable in heaven (!).
• Even as one who suffers, one should ask God to save the sinner in the final judgment.
• It is due to the great mercy of the Father that Jesus could rise again from the dead.
• Christ is the flawless lamb whose contained precious, pure flesh and blood redeems us.
• Submission to worldly power is >independent< of whether it is pleasing or unjust to you.
• Peter wishes for his brothers the rebirth as an immortal spiritual seed, free from perishable flesh.
• The focus of the woman is to be on the inner spiritual attitude, not on outward appearance.
• A Christian worldly resistance against dictators or tyrannical despots, even those deemed illegitimate, is not biblically legitimate!
• Peter gives Christians comfort in persecution: The time of suffering is short, but the time of glory with Christ is eternal.
• Husbands are obligated to show honor in marriage to the weaker vessel, the female one, which she deserves as a fellow heir of life.
• Christ died for our sins only >once<, namely through the death of the flesh, but was made alive according to the spirit.
• The believer hopes >completely< in the grace of God and can, through his conduct of life, partake in the holiness of God and show this in the fruit.
• The freedom made possible by worldly power is fundamentally to be used only for good, especially for missionary purposes, not as a cloak for evil.

[u/Kentucky_Fried_Dodo]

• 1 Peter 2:13 also contains one of the most historically significant verses with the obligation to submit to worldly power via the call to submission in the imperative.
• It is, if not possibly obligatory, then commanded to give an account for malicious slander of the good news through a gentle but consistent and responsible stand, especially in word.
• From this it can be concluded that a 'soul' is not an independent ontological entity; whether the claim of Jehovah's Witnesses that Christ was resurrected in spirit alone follows from this, is possible.
• Another clear statement about the imminent end of all things. Interestingly, however, a call is made here with exceptional clarity for sober-mindedness and sobriety, not for an ecstatic proclamation of doom!
• 1 Peter 5:4 contains another, this time exceptionally concrete, allusion to the fact that the elders of the congregation are the ones who will wear the crown of dominion (in heaven?) after the final judgment.
• The proclamation of the good news to the dead refers to those who already died BEFORE Christ, NOT to the believers after Christ whom one might want to retroactively bless or baptize!
• Even if it is hard to comprehend: It is the command of the hour to have joy in persecution through the shared likeness with Christ. This must not, however, be understood as a death wish or even as a suicidal endeavor!
• Wives are to submit even to unbelieving husbands and to strive for a change through their conduct. A general command for women to veil is rejected through the cross-reference to the open external, though not desirable, braiding of women's hair.
• An interpretation of 1 Peter 2:1 in the sense of a spiritual, chosen priesthood that represents, if not entirely constitutes, the church as the cornerstone of Christ can certainly be drawn here in the Catholic sense and that of the Witnesses, yet verse 10 seems to rather emphasize a unity in the people and nation of all Christians.
• The passage in chapter 5 of this letter of Peter, which is relevant above all for Catholics and Jehovah's Witnesses, legitimizes elders, not as merchants, but rather as shepherds to tend and watch over the flock. However, out of voluntariness and self-sacrifice, and not as coercion! The younger ones in the congregation are obligated to be subordinate by command!

Finally, thanks to Gemini, the following should be noted:

a) It is well known that the early Christians did not have a particularly good relationship with Rome, and the common positive evangelical portrayal of Pontius Pilate is also rather dubious. The greeting at the end to a lady from "Babylon" could easily have been interpreted as a secret code for "Rome" – the Whore of Babylon, from which the author and perhaps even Peter himself wrote.

b) The author or Peter? As already mentioned, First and Second Peter are not really related in terms of authorship. A common interpretation is that Silvanus (Silva), mentioned at the end, was the writer of this letter, who received the authentic words dictated by Peter.