Salvation in 1 Peter

This thesis examines the idea of soteriology in 1 Peter from a historical perspective. This thesis questions the notion that Peter and his community appropriated soteriological ideas from the Jews or Israel. Rather, I argue that they saw themselves as legitimate heirs to the covenant at Sinai, and therefore as part of Israel. Because the first century knows of no authoritative Judaism, they have as good a claim to this as any other Judaic system, though we do not know if they regarded themselves as exclusive heirs. I will argue that Peter understands the covenant they regard themselves to be a part of to provide salvation for the community, and probably involves election, atonement, obedience, faith, reward, and punishment. If they obey the terms of this covenant faithfully, they will be rewarded at the eschaton, which Peter believed was soon approaching. Following this, I will briefly examine further how Peter may have acquired his soteriological ideas historically, specifically examining whether Peter may be deceptive in his soteriological statements.