Best Commentaries on 1 Peter

There appears to be a strong selection of excellent commentaries on 1 Peter and most of the experts rate Schreiner’s at or very near the top. This is hardly a surprise since many of his commentaries are considered excellent. Carson commends it as “one of the most impressive volumes in the [NAC] series, nicely displaying Schreiner’s combination of exegesis and theological reflection couched in admirable clarity.”

On par with Schreiner’s volume is Karen Jobes’ contribution to the Baker Exegetical Commentary series. It provides a good level of in-depth exegetical analysis but remains accessible to a general audience. It will prove a helpful resource to preachers, scholars and laypersons alike. (The volume was thoroughly revised in a 2022 second edition, which is the one to buy: , , . One reviewer says of it, “this second edition solidifies its place as my top recommendation for a 1 Peter commentary.”)

The Bible Speaks Today is an ideal series for the general reader, though it is also very helpful in sermon preparation. Edmund Clowney’s volume in 1 Peter is one of the best in the series. Keith Mathison commends it with these words: “Clowney’s commentary is not the most technical, nor the most exhaustive work on 1 Peter by any stretch. In fact, it is an introductory level work, accessible to any reader, but page for page, it is by far, the most helpful commentary on 1 Peter. Clowney packs more insight into one page than many commentaries pack into an entire chapter. This one is a must-have.”

D.A. Carson insists this is the fullest commentary at the exegetical level and a masterpiece of careful scholarship. “Achtemeier has a knack for getting to the heart of an issue quickly, while the footnotes allow more advanced readers to pursue fine points. The writing is clear, and much of the exegesis is admirable.” Having said all that, he can recommend it only with some caveats because Achtemeier holds that the epistle is pseudonymous and written in the 80s or 90s. Obviously some care and discernment will be in order.

Grudem’s commentary is necessarily short because of the limitations of the TNTC series. While it does not engage with a lot of secondary literature, it does provide sound, introductory-level explanation and application. Carson points out that the appendix on the “spirits in prison” passage warrants the price of the volume, regardless of whether or not you find that you agree with him.