In the later years of his ministry, Peter was inspired to write to the believers "scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." His letters were the means of reviving the courage and strengthening the faith of those who were enduring trial and affliction, and of renewing to good works those who through manifold temptations were in danger of losing their hold upon God. These letters bear the impress of having been written by one in whom the sufferings of Christ and also His consolation had been made to abound; one whose entire being had been transformed by grace, and whose hope of eternal life was sure and steadfast.

Senere under sin virksomhed fik Peter tilskyndelse til at skrive til de troende, der var spredt "i Pontus, Galatien, Kappadokien, provinsen Asien og Birynien." Hans breve var et middel til at genoplive modet og styrke troen hos dem, der led prøvelser og sorg og til at forny dem, der ved mange slags fristelser var i fare for at miste forbindelsen med Gud, til at gøre gode gerninger. Disse breve er præget af at være skrevne af et menneske, på hvem Kristi lidelser og også hans trøst havde virket overvældende én, hvis hele væsen var blevet forvandlet ved nåden og hvis håb om det evige liv var sikkert og bestandigt.