New Testament scholars have long questioned 1 Peter's structural and content unity. Furthermore, scholars divide over the existence of the so-called imperatival participle, both in general and within Peter's first epistle. Ervin Starwalt utilizes a full top-down and bottom-up discourse analysis methodology to provide a solution to both problems.

Starwalt first demonstrates the coherence of the overall discourse, which involves Peter slowly constructing his argument around the need for humility and good behavior amidst current and upcoming trials. This discourse analysis then provides the framework for discussing the supposed imperatival participles in 2:18-3:9. Considerations of discourse processing, as well as Peter's careful use of language, lead Starwalt to argue that there is no imperatival participle in 1 Peter. Thematically, the entire discourse points to Peter's loving yet stern reminder of suffering's normalcy, even as God's children.