The author of 1 Peter is Peter, the disciple (Apostle) of Jesus, written to a collection of Jewish Assemblies in Asia Minor (1 Pet 1:1). He indicates that he was an eyewitness to Christ’s suffering (1 Pet 5:1). Peter is writing from Rome, however, he feels the need to say “Babylon” for Rome. This was used also in Revelation and in later early Christian writings, and will be an important factor in dating the book. Marcus (Mark) is with Peter in Rome (1 Pet 5:13).
1 Peter is written with a background of imminent persecution ( 1 Pet 1:6, 2:12, 2:19-21, 3:13-17, 4:12-19, 5:8-10). There are two things noteworthy about these warnings of persecution. First, unlike many earlier warnings of persecution against early Jewish Christians, this time there is no indication that the Jews are involved. Second, Peter repeatedly warns his readers to be good citizens
(1 Pet 2:13), and the warnings of persecution sound as though the Jewish Christians are in a precarious position with the governing authorities, so they need to be on their best behavior. Even good behavior will not eliminate the “fiery trial” that is coming (1 Pet 4:12), but it may ease the consequences. It is believed this epistle will pay a promenade roll during the Tribulation.
Therefore, the background of 1 Peter has three conditions:
- Mark (Marcus) is in Rome with Peter
- There is a background of persecution, and it is coming from Roman authorities rather than the Jews
- Peter feels a need to conceal the fact that he is in Rome.
Remembering that Peter was martyred around 66 A.D., the only time that fits these conditions would be at the beginning of the persecution of Jewish Christians under Nero. Nero made the Jewish Christians scapegoats for the Roman fire of July 18-19 in 64 A.D. Therefore, the best date for 1 Peter would be around 62 A.D.
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