Book of 1 Peter — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 5 · Written by: Peter (apostle) · Approximate date: c. AD 62–64 · Theme: Living Hope Through Resurrection

Summary of the Book of 1 Peter

Peter writes to scattered, persecuted believers, reminding them of their living hope through Jesus Christ's resurrection and calling them to holy conduct among the nations as a people belonging to Jehovah.

The book of 1 Peter is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 5 chapters. It was written by Peter (apostle) approximately c. AD 62–64. The central theme running throughout 1 Peter is living hope through resurrection — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in 1 Peter

  • 1 Pet 1:3
  • 1 Pet 2:9
  • 1 Pet 5:7

Notable Passages in 1 Peter

1 Peter 1:3

Peter's praise to Jehovah for giving 'a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ' establishes the resurrection as the basis for the confident hope that sustains Jehovah's people.

1 Peter 2:9

The description of Christians as 'a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession' calls every Jehovah's Witness to see themselves as personally chosen by Jehovah for his purpose.

1 Peter 5:7

The invitation to 'throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you' assures Jehovah's people of his personal, attentive concern for their individual burdens.

Study Questions for 1 Peter

As you read the book of 1 Peter, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How does Peter's description of Christians as 'foreigners and temporary residents' (2:11) shape our attitude toward the world system and our primary loyalties?
  2. What does Peter's counsel to 'be subject to every human creation' (2:13–17) and its limits teach about the balanced relationship Jehovah's Witnesses have with human governments?
  3. How does Peter's instruction to wives and husbands (3:1–7) — including the principle of 'a quiet and mild spirit' — apply in Christian households today?
  4. What does Peter's call to 'always be ready to make a defense' for our hope (3:15) teach about spiritual preparation for conversations about our faith?
  5. How does Peter's description of the devil as 'a roaring lion' seeking to devour (5:8) motivate Jehovah's Witnesses to maintain spiritual vigilance?

How to Study 1 Peter with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 5 chapters of 1 Peter in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading 1 Peter as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include 1 Peter

The book of 1 Peter is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

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