Introduction
1 & 2 Peter's general letter were written in Rome about A.D 65, since Paul and Peter were killed in Rome during Neronian persecution around A.D 67-69. The letter was written to diapora believers scattered all over Pontus Galatia, Asia, Cappodocia, and Bithynia, to encourage them to resolutely set their face in one direction, in spite of persecutions, and not to mix up with sinful world in a mixed-race settlement termed Babylon where they found themselves. HE urge them to keep their nuclear family together, to serve well in love, the elders to lead well and the youths to be humble.
Note that, of all the Apostles, only Peter used the term "BORN AGAIN" (1:3 & 23), which actual means to be given life again. This letter was dictated by Peter and written down through Silvanus/Silas, to elaborate on the grace of God for our salvation in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 1
Introduction by worshipping God for who HE IS and What HE has done in Christ
1. Peter (Rock), the Apostle (the sent one) of Jesus Christ, to the chosen diaspora of sojourners (Israelite residents in other nations) at Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia and Bithynia of Asia (all in Asia minor),
2. According to the previous-knowledge in sprinkling of blood unto purification; by the submission of Jesus Christ unto the FATHER; the SPIRIT of Grace has multiplied your Peace with God.
3. The Adorable God and the FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO according to HIS mercy to many people, has BORN us AGAIN/given us life again - - unto living by cheerful hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
There is a last day Heavenly inheritance (heirship), so, rejoice.
4. and - - unto keeping indestructible, incorruptible and unfading/perpetual inheritance, in heaven unto you,
5. and to protect in advance, the salvation through Faith unto the latter end, (which will be ready to be revealed in the set-time by the power of God;
6. On which, if we MUST be made sad by divers trials, we shall jump for joy/exult, in a little-while from now.
Authenticity of Faith is known by the test
7. At least, the trial of your faith, is found to be of much value/very costly than golden articles which could perish through fire; however, to ve tested is unto praise, glory and honor, by the appearing/manifestation of Jesus Christ;
8. Whom, you are not aware of, and you selflessly-Love; Whom you have not seen now, but you have Faith unto Him, and magnify/glorify Him by rejoicing and exulting with inexpressible/unspoken joy.
Salvation is freedom of human souls from going to sheol or hades.
9. To carry off/obtain the end goal of Faith, even the salvation of souls.
10. The salvation, about which, the Prophets had searched out and explored, - even those who had prophesied concerning the Grace (charistos) unto you.
11. (They were) investigating into when or what kind of time the SPIRIT will declare Christ plainly, and in the midst of this, they testified beforehand/predicted, the sufferings of Christ, even unto His Glory.
12. But, (they) revealed things which are not for themselves, because it is to minister to you, what is now being announced to you, through those who are proclaiming the gospel to you by the Holy SPIRIT, WHO has been sent from heaven; unto what Angels digress/lean over/stoop down to covet/long for .
Peter told the diasporas to live right before the appearing of the Lord
13. On that account, belt up your loins, be sober/sane in your intellect (deep thought), completely set hope upon the Grace brought forth to you in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
(as contained in the book of Revelation by John)
14. As submissive Children, do not conform/align to the lusts/longings in your former (state of) ignorance;
15 But, according to HIM, WHO called you happens to be Holy, even everybody should be holy in return.
16. On this account, it was written: be Holy, for I AM Holy. (Lev 11:16, 19:2, 20:7).
17. And if the FATHER, WHO will judge every man's work without partiality, call upon you, turn around in reverence, according to the space of time of your sojourning.
Peter emphasized that selflessly -Love is on account/for the sake God
18. Know that you are not redeemed out of your vain/unprofitable handed down traditions, by perishable silver-cash or golden articles, in return;
19 but by the precious/costly blood of Christ, as of a LAMB without blemishes/ immaculate and spotless;
20 as you have indeed foreknown, the things on account of the conception of the world, and also the things to be made manifest upon the space of time prior to the latter end;
21 God is Faithful, WHO has raised Him out of the dead, and has given Him Glory; in so much that your Faith unto Him and cheerful hope, will be on account of God:
22 even to selflessly-Love one another fervently (extenos), out of a pure and sincere heart, and to purify your souls by obedience to the Truth of brotherly-love (philadelphia);
The words of God make you live forever
23 but, (you are) BORN AGAIN/given Life, to be immortal/indestructible, through the act of sowing the words of God which abide (for you) to live.
24 on that very account, all flesh were like grass, and all their glory like flowers of grass. Grass will wither and the flowers will drop off;
25. However, the utterances (rhema) of the the SUPREME Lord will abide unto ages. And these are the utterances (rhema) of the good news announced to you. (Is 40:6-8).