Best Commentaries on 1 Peter

A gem with rich insight. Mathison says that “page for page, it is by far the most helpful commentary on 1 Peter.” Clowney believes no true Christian can escape at least a measure of suffering for Christ’s sake. He argues that Peter, out of his firsthand knowledge, shows us what Jesus’s cruciform life means for believers who must take their cross and follow him.

Grudem’s brief and clear work will encourage Christian readers to see 1 Peter’s message of growth in trust and obedience to God. Carson notes, “Scholars and preachers alike will find the lengthy appendix on the ‘spirits in prison’ passage (whether one agrees with it or not) to warrant the price of the book.

Davids adopts an enlightened approach to the interpretation of 1 Peter, successfully mining the letter’s rich wealth of instruction. His well-researched and balanced commentary contains several notable features: a unique grasp of 1 Peter’s structure, a perceptive excursus on suffering in 1 Peter (and the New Testament), the author’s study translation, thorough and incisive comments on each verse of the text, and frequent parallels to ancient literature. Davids’s writing is lively and exceptionally clear.

Marshall’s shorter commentary is packed with excellent content. He includes a discussion of the letter’s form, authorship, destination and primary theological themes, followed by passage-by-passage commentary that highlights what the text means for its original hearers and today’s readers.

Schreiner’s commentary impressively brings together informed exegesis and theological reflection. This up-to-date volume pays special attention to balancing scholarship with practical application.

Achtemeier’s comprehensive and strong work demonstrates careful scholarship. He regularly zeros in on the central issues of the biblical text in the body of the book, and he includes a host of footnotes for readers to traverse at their own preferred pace. Note that Achtemeier argues that the letter is pseudonymous and that it dates to the 80s or 90s. Nevertheless, readers will appreciate his clear writing and admirable exegesis.

Keener is a trusted and thorough exegete. He’s widely respected for his thorough research, sound judgments, and knowledge of ancient sources. This commentary on 1 Peter features his meticulous and comprehensive research and offers a wealth of fresh insights. It will benefit students, pastors, and church leaders.

Jobes’ second edition includes recent scholarship and remains academically sophisticated and pastorally sensitive. She offers careful translations, showcasing her strength in language and textual histories, and she updates her arguments around how the Greek Jewish Scriptures of the Septuagint shaped the letter. Clearly reasoned and accessible, this expanded resource models charity for various interpretive viewpoints while also asserting a clear perspective on the letter.

Though this volume is slightly dated, Michaels’ work functions as a helpful resource for understanding older academic debates. Readers should note that Michaels suggests the letter was written in the last quarter of the first century. This affects his exegetical interpretation.