CHAPTER ONE

Contents: Christian's conduct under suffering in the light of full salvation.

Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Peter.

Conclusion: The true Christian's hope of eternal life and a glorious inheritance through the precious sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, is a hope that quickens him to service, supports him in every trial of faith and conducts him in a way of holiness to heaven.

Key Word: Living hope, vv. 3, 5, 7, 13, 25.

Strong Verses : 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 15, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25.

Striking Facts: vv. 18, 19. The blood of Christ is precious because it redeems (v. 19). Brings us nigh to God (Eph. 2:13). Blots out our sins (Rev. 1:5). Brings peace (Col. 1:20). (Justifies) (Rom. 5:9). Cleanses (1 John 1:7).

CHAPTER TWO

Contents: Exhortation to holiness and growth in view of Christ's great sacrifice. Christ's vicarious sufferings.

Characters: God, Christ, Peter.

Conclusion: The Word of God is the proper and necessary food for the soul, which, if rightly used, does not leave a man as it finds him, but improves him, causing him to realize his spiritual position in the world, the duty of patient and Christ-like submission, and the necessity of purging out those things from the life which are contrary to Christ.

Key Word: Growth, vv. 2, 21.

Strong Verses: 2, 5, 9, 11, 15, 19, 20, 21, 24.

Striking Facts: v. 8. Christ crucified is the Rock. To the church He is the foundation and chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20). To the Jews, at His first advent, a stumbling stone (Rom. 9:32, 33; 1 Cor. 1:23). To Israel at His second advent he will be made headstone of the corner (Zech. 6:7). To the Gentile world powers at His second coming, He will become the smiting stone (Dan. 2:34).

CHAPTER THREE

Contents: Duties of husbands and wives toward one another. Exhortations to Christian consistency. Christ's vicarious sacrifice.

Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sara, Abraham.

Conclusion: Worldly men are strict observers of the manner of life of the professors of religion. A chaste conversation with Christian respect in the home life and careful Christian conduct toward all, following the Lord Jesus especially in His example of suffering for righteousness sake, is an excellent means to win men to the faith of the Gospel.

Key Word: Good conversation, v. 16.

Strong Verses: 1, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Striking Facts: vv. 18-20. The word "preached" is lit. "Heralded." Christ's spirit at His death heralded the triumph of the cross in the spirit world. There is no indication of any chance for repentance either of angel or man. The saved spirits who awaited Him in Paradise, upon the announcement of the finished work of the cross went with Him above, whence He then removed Paradise, and they will appear with Him at His second advent to receive their glorified bodies.

CHAPTER FOUR

Contents: Exhortations to mortification of sin and living unto God. Suffering with Christ.

Characters: God, Christ.

Conclusion: Christ having suffered so much for us, should cause us to fortify ourselves with His mind, courage and resolution, living no longer to the flesh but being conformed to the holy will of God, as those who must give account any day at His appearing. We should rejoice to suffer with Christ for righteousness' sake, knowing that if we are in His hands our suffering will promote the Gospel and prepare us for glory.

Key Word: Godly living, vv. 2, 7, 19.

Strong Verses: 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19.

Striking Facts: v. 1. Some of the strongest arguments against sin are taken from the suffering of Christ. He died to destroy sin, and having submitted to such sufferings on account of sin, why should we grieve Him by continuing in sin? All sympathy with Christ is lost if we do not put away sin.

CHAPTER FIVE

Contents: Christian service in view of Christ's soon coming.

Characters: God, Christ, Peter, Satan, Silvanus, Marcus.

Conclusion: Humility is a great preserver "of peace and order in the church, giving to Christ's ministers a proper attitude toward the flock and to His people a proper submission to their leaders in the Lord. There is mutual opposition between God and the proud, but he who is humble before God will find grace for every trial and power to meet every assault of the devil.

Key Word: Humility, v. 5, vigilance, v. 8.

Strong Verses: 4, 6, 7, 8, 10.

Striking Facts: v. 6. The best definition of humility is found in John 13:4, 5. Our Lord Jesus was the perfect embodiment of humility.