Testimony Through Trials

The first epistle of Peter was written to Christians who were scattered throughout the five provinces of Asia (see 1:1,2). These believers were enduring serious persecution; thus, the major purpose of the letter was to encourage them to trust God through their suffering and to make it their goal to proclaim to their world the reality of their faith in Christ even as they suffered. The theme of the letter can be stated: Trials can become your testimony if you suffer well.