Summary
KEY VERSES // Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. | 1 Peter 1.1-2
This greeting sets the tone for the rest of the letter, revealing to us the author, the recipients, and the purpose for writing. The author is the Apostle Paul, a man called by Jesus from spending his time on a boat to becoming a ‘fisher of men.’ He was the first to declare Jesus the Messiah, renamed by Jesus (Peter which means ROCK) and is in Jesus’ inner circle. He was a man full of sin and pride, who denied Jesus on the night of the crucifixion, but who was continually strengthened through his failures. He is writing here to ‘elect exiles.’ This includes Jewish people who have been scattered from Israel and our suffering an identity crisis as people without a home, but also Gentiles who have been invited into this family that they do not naturally belong to. On top of this confusion there is a rising resentment toward Christianity that is causing suffering and oppression. This letter is written to these ‘elect exiles’ to help them find their identity in the sanctification of the Spirit, the blood of Jesus, and the plan of God the Father. It is written to help them to SET THEIR HOPE in God’s faithfulness and to STAND FIRM in the midst of hostile culture.
Bible References
- 1 Peter 1:1 - 2
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