1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries #17

by Wayne Grudem

In 1 Peter, explains Wayne Grudem, readers are encouraged to grow in their trust in God and their obedience to him throughout their lives, but especially when they suffer. "Here is a brief and very clear summary both of the consolations and instructions needful for the encouragement and direction of a Christian in his journey to Heaven, elevating his thoughts and desires to that happiness, and strengthening him against all opposition in the way, both that of corruption within, and temptations and afflictions from without," says Archbishop Robert Leighton in the introduction. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty volumes offer clear, reliable, and relevant explanations of every book in the New Testament. These Tyndale volumes are designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date, and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. The aim throughout is to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today. The original, unrevised text of this volume has been completely retypeset and printed in a larger, more attractive format with the new cover design for the series.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Christian, New Testament, Religion

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 1988

About the author

Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge; DD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary, having previously taught for 20 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Grudem earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, as well as an MDiv from Westminster Seminary. He is the former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, a cofounder and past president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and has published over 20 books, including Systematic Theology, Evangelical Feminism, Politics—According to the Bible, and Business for the Glory of God.

Reviews

[Mike Fendrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the surprise of no one, this commentary on 1 Peter by Wayne Grudem is excellent. I highly recommend this as the go to resource when studying this important epistle. Grudem not only explains the Greek nuances in translation but references Peter's extensive use of the Old Testament. All in a very readable and understandable style with very in depth explanations of the more difficult passages.

1 Peter is an excellent choice for Christians to understand how to live in a world that isn't really fond of your Christian faith. And this book really helps to bring the message to the heart and soul of the believer.

Highly recommend

[Collin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this was the perfect blend of textual analysis and pastoral insight. Grudem was so helpful with his careful attention of the Greek and practicality for the Christian life.

This was my companion as I taught verse by verse through 1 Peter. Highly recommend!

[Paul Silles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply excellent. Recommended to anyone wishing to improve their understanding of this letter.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful little commentary. He brought out all sorts of wonderful truths for each and every section. I really liked how at the end of each section there was a summary thought, these were especially good and very useful! Highly recommended

[Keegan Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little commentary. For it's length, I don't think you can do much better.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a commentary flyweight who ran into a welterweight commentary. What I want from these Tyndale volumes is a nice intro that positions me to understand the author, time, place, message, etc... and then a commentary that tells me in English what each section of the book is about. If the author can take me somewhat deeper while still maintaining understanding and has pastoral thoughts and applications so much the better. This commentary explains every single Greek phrase and often word in detail including all the connecting words. There is no overview, there is only word by word explanations often about why various English versions are wrong. I ended up knowing less than when I started and I got a headache.
This is John Piper's favorite commentary on 1 Peter. I don't want to read Piper's favorite books. I want Piper, or Bruce, Wright or Moo, to digest these types of commentaries and then after grinding them through their mighty cognitive processes to tell me what the book is about.
I recommend it highly for everyone who has a better education in Scripture than I do which is probably anyone reading this review.

[Grace Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly excellent in every way. This is purely the sweet creamy frosting on top of the 1 Peter cake I've been baking over the last year haha.. One of my first commentaries, so perhaps down the road I'd be more equipped to critique this more finely. I have a feeling this will forever rank as exceptional, however. Of course I wouldn't recommend this as the primary way to understanding the text (the text is all I should ever need to ultimately deepen my joy), but I savor the reality that I have access to supplementary materials such as this one. I found myself nodding in thorough understanding of what I was learning. If 1 Peter has been a book you've been laboring over, promise me you'll pick this up. This commentary is very dear to my heart!

[Pam Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short, non-technical (nothing in Greek characters), yet exegetical commentary.
For some reason the author felt it necessary to add a 37-page appendix to support the position he takes on 1 Peter 3:19-20. His position is that these verses refer to Christ preaching through Noah before the flood to unbelievers who are now dead and in hell. I read through it (the only tedious part of the book) and I remain unconvinced.

[Rick Dobrowolski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to the nature and purpose of the Tyndale commentaries, they are intentionally short and do not get too deep into the original languages. I appreciated that Grudem made some excellent applicational points through this commentary. He also points to other resources to dive further into some of the passages and topics.

[Michael Sanelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly conservative, extremely approachable, purposefully theological. Found it good to take a brief dip in. Didn’t turn to this often but when I️ did, he was good. As with most in this series, it was not detailed, technical, or academic. Not great for answering all the tough questions but he did address the major ones.

[Willy Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legal!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid introductory commentary for 1 Peter

[Lucas Nosal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This commentary is very user-friendly and Grudem often provided helpful insight. Grudem is a great scholar and I appreciate his work. He is both academic (without being confusing or getting into needless discussions) and pastoral in his writing. The only reason for the 4 star is because I think there were times when he could have gone into more depth. In certain places where more depth was required, he had written appendices on, however, the whole commentary could have used a little more. I'd still recommend for the study of 1 Peter.

[Jeff Noble]

The First Epistle Of Peter: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Wayne Grudem (?)

[Chris Comis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of the better commentaries on First Peter. Grudem takes some odd positions on some of the passages. I especially think his baptistic theology got in the way.

[Leandro Dutra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best commentary I found on I Peter yet.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given its length, this commentary was a great resource when preaching through 1 Peter this past year. Grudem's insights were valuable while preparing for what the text means and how it applies to our current culture. Some of it was technical, but most of it was just enough to help the reader see more into the text. Of course, there is debate on many issues raised in 1 Peter, but Grudem was a helpful voice in navigating those.