The First Epistle of Peter

From the earliest days of Christianity, when things in the ways of God were in transition (dispensational) from Judaism to Christianity, there has been a need for Jewish believers in Christ to be instructed in this new departure of God. It is why the Hebrew-Christian epistles (Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter) were written and included in the canon of Scripture. Just prior to going to the cross, the Lord said to Peter, “When once thou hast been restored, confirm [establish] thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). Then, after the Lord rose from among the dead, He formally commissioned him to this work, stating: “Feed My lambs” and “Feed [shepherd] My sheep” (John 21:15-17).



Thus, the Great Shepherd appointed Peter as an under-shepherd to care for His flock and to minister to its needs in the time of His absence—particularly in practical things involved in the change from Judaism to Christianity. In the book of the Acts, and in his two inspired epistles, we see Peter fulfilling this ministry.