“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bythynia,” 1 Peter 1:1

Prior to the previous century, there was little debate as to the author of this epistle.  But then, that could be said about most of the books of the Bible.  Before the surge of liberal thinking, most accepted an author’s identity as valid by its placement in the text. Here, for example, the first words of the letter are, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.”  Today, at least three reasons are presented to challenge his authorship.  First, someone named Silvanus addresses the readers in the closing verses of the letter.  Second, it is argued that the language is too elegant for an unschooled fisherman.  Third, the letter’s recipients are inhabitants of Gentile cities whereas Peter’s primary ministry was to the Jews.

The ever-growing attempt to…