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Literary structure (chiasm, chiasmus) of First Epistle of Peter

Chiastic Structure and Concentric Structure and Parallel of each pericope

[1]Salutation  (1 Pet 1:1-12)
 
  A(1:1-4)  1:2 in the foreknowledge of God the Father (1:2)   (πρόγνωσιν)
    B(1:5)    1:5 through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. (1:5)"   (σωτηρίαν)
      C(1:6-7)      1:7 the genuineness of your faith even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor (1:7)
    B'(1:8-9)    1:9 as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls. (1:9)"   (σωτηρίαν)
  A'(1:10-12)  1:10 prophets who prophesied (1:10)   (προφητεύσαντες)
 
   A: To know in advance. B: Faith and salvation. C: Trial about faith.

[2]A call to holy living  (1 Pet 1:13-2:10)
 
  A1(1:13-15)  Exhortation
    B2(1:16-21)    Citation and interpretation of the Bible
  A2(1:22)  Exhortation
    B2(1:23-25)    Citation and interpretation of the Bible
  A3(2:1-2)  Exhortation
    B4(2:3-10)    Citation and interpretation of the Bible
 
   A: Exhortation. B: Citation and interpretation of the Bible.

[3]Couple and slave  (1 Pet 2:11-3:7)
 
P(2:11-17)2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.(2:11)
  A1(2:18-25)  Slaves
  A2(3:1-6)  Wives
  A3(3:7)  Husbands
 
   A: Exhortation for various people.

[4]Brotherhood  (1 Pet 3:8-17)
 
  A(3:8-9)  3:8 you should all agree among yourselves and be sympathetic; love the brothers, have compassion and be self-effacing (3:8)
    B(3:10-12)    Citation and interpretation of Psalms
  A'(3:13-17)  3:13 No one can hurt you if you are determined to do only what is right (3:13)
 
   A: Doing what is right. B: Citation of Psalms.

[5]Ascension of Christ  (1 Pet 3:18-4:6)
 
  A(3:18-19)  3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once(3:18)   (ἔπαθεν)
    B(3:20)    3:20 who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark (3:20)
      C(3:21-22)      3:21 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (3:21)
  A'(4:1-2)  4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh(4:1)"   (παθόντος)
    B'(4:3-4)    4:3 For the time that has passed is sufficient for doing what the Gentiles like to do: living in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and wanton idolatry. (4:3)
      C'(4:5-6)      4:6 in their spirit they might enjoy the life of God (4:6)
 
   A: Suffering of Christ. B: Sinners. C: Resurrection.

[6]Avoiding evils  (1 Pet 4:7-11)
 
  A(4:7)  4:7 The end of all things is at hand (4:7)
    B(4:8-10)    Exhortation
  A'(4:11)  4:11to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever (4:11)
 
   A: The end and forever. B: Exhortation.

[7]Youth and elders  (1 Pet 4:12-5:7)
 
P(4:12-19)4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.(4:12)
  A(5:1-4)  Presbyters
  A'(5:5-7)  Youngs
 
   A: Exhortation for various people.

[8]Resistance to the devil  (1 Pet 5:8-11)
 
  A(5:8)  5:8Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. (5:8)
    B(5:9)    5:9 Resist him, steadfast in faith (5:9)
  A'(5:10-11)  5:10 The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. (5:10)
 
   A: Sufferings. B: Steadfast in faith.

[9]Conclusion  (1 Pet 5:12-14)
 
 
   Conclusion


Citations of the Bible are from New American Bible, New Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible.

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Literary Structure of the Bible by Hajime Murai is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Caution: The copyright of the cited Bible verses belongs to each translator and publisher.

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