The First Letter of Peter

1 Peter is a significant letter, seen by many scholars to be an ecumenical bridge and anchor. It is first and foremost about the transformative joy of faith in Jesus Christ.

This commentary offers a close reading of the text from beginning to end, drawing on a multiplicity of voices and engaging in a number of foundational themes for the Christian community according to the apostolic author: hope, holiness, suffering, joy, hospitality, exile, resurrection, leadership. Tackling the themes raised by the epistle including slavery, exile and refugees, patriarchy, hierarchy, oppression, gender justice, and the risk of hospitality, the book engages with these topics not only through commentary, but also through short excurses which draw the reader more deeply into some of the difficult questions.

Designed as the official commentary resource for the Lambeth 2020 Conference, and structured around the themes of the conference, the book offers a unique range of perspectives on an oft-overlooked epistle. With contributions from an impressive range of contributors including Paula Gooder, Paul Swarup, Isabelle Hamley and Caroline Welby, it will provide an important resource for anyone studying, teaching, or preaching from the letter.