I always love reading Peter’s letters, not just because of the substance, but also because he was an actual disciple of Jesus. Every time I read these books I think to myself, “not bad for a fisherman, there is still hope for me.” This first letter was written when Christians are being heavily persecuted and executed by Nero. Paul himself would eventually be executed during this persecution. Paul works hard to encourage the believers and reminds them of the permanence of their purification through Christ in their salvation. In verse 23 Peter says, For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. The encouragement of the imperishable salvation through Christ is what should keep each of us encouraged in knowing our hardship here on earth is temporary but our salvation is eternal.