| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 Salutation (1:1-12) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1:1) | Chosen person | 9 Conclusion (5:12-14) The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son (5:13) |
| 2 A call to holy living (1:13-2:10) 2:1 Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander;(2:1) | Avoiding evils | 8 Resistance to the devil (5:8-11) 5:8 Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. (5:8) |
| 3 Couple and slave (2:11-3:7) 2:25 For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. (2:25) | Shepherd of the flock | 7 Youth and elders (4:12-5:7) 5:2 Tend the flock of God in your midst (5:2) |
| 4 Brotherhood (3:8-17) 3:8 Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble.(3:8) | End | 6 Avoiding evils (4:7-11) 4:7 The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers.(4:7) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 Salutation (1:1-12) 1:11 investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. (1:11) | Spirit of Christ | 5 Ascension of Christ (3:18-4:6) 3:19 In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison, (3:19) |
| 2 A call to holy living (1:13-2:10) 1:22 Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a (pure) heart.(1:22) | Brotherhood | 4 Brotherhood (3:8-17) 3:8 Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble.(3:8) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 5 Ascension of Christ (3:18-4:6) 3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.(3:18) | Invitation to salvation | 9 Conclusion (5:12-14) 5:12 I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it.(5:12) |
| 6 Avoiding evils (4:7-11) 4:11 glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (4:11) | Dominion forever | 8 Resistance to the devil (5:8-11) 5:11 To him be dominion forever. Amen. (5:11) |