One of the many striking features of the First Letter of Peter is the affirmation: "Although you have never seen him, you love him, and without seeing him, you now believe in him."

This is very obviously based on Jesus' words to Thomas after the resurrection: "You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (Jn 20:29). In the Gospel according to St John this is the great beatitude, the only "beatitude" which John gives compared with the Eight Beatitudes which Matthew records.

Scholars suggest that Peter's Letter is essentially based on the homily given by the celebrant at an Easter vigil Mass when new converts were baptized, for it is full of references to faith and baptism. The homilist continues, speaking of the inexpressible joy which comes from Baptism and faith. This joy also derives from the "sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt..." In Baptism, faith, hope and love come together as the essence of our heavenly inheritance.