Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Truth to Learn
If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins then this letter, written by the Apostle Peter, is for you.
Behind the Words
The word “chosen” is translated from eklektois, meaning “chosen ones” or “the elect”. This word is derived from eklego, which means “to choose for oneself after thoughtful and deliberate consideration.
The word translated “sojourners” is parepidēmois, which is a double compound word made up of para, meaning “beside, near, or close to,” epi, meaning “over, upon, or among,” and dēmos, meaning “a people.” This word literally refers to someone who has become integrated among a nation of people. Hence, its full meaning is a foreigner who has settled down, however briefly, next to or among the native people.
“Dispersion” is translated from the Greek word diasporas, which literally refers to “the dispersion.” This is the same term used by James in the opening of his letter. It is a specific reference to Jews as they were dispersed throughout the world since the Babylonian captivity.
Meaning Explained
Peter opens this letter with a typical salutation indicating, first off, who the letter is from. Historically, there never has been any doubt as to who this letter was from. The unvarying testimony of history, and the uniform belief of the church, both ascribe this Epistle to Peter. Indeed, there is likely no ancient writing whatever of which there is more certainty in regard to its authorship.
Having identified who the letter is from, Peter now identifies who the letter is to. Since the expression “sojourners of the dispersion” refers specifically to Jews, we have to ask ourselves, “Was this letter written to Jews or to Christians?” As you will discover from reading the book of Acts, most early converts to Christianity were Jews. Because of this, many people in the first century, especially Jews, considered Christianity simply a sect of Judaism. 1 Peter 1:3 makes it clear, however, that he is writing to Jews of the dispersion who are also believers in the resurrection of Christ (who … has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead).
Although it appears from this verse that Peter is writing to Jews who had converted to Christianity, it becomes apparent as one reads this letter that he recognized that the Christians he was writing to also included Gentiles (pagans) who had converted to Christianity. Gentile readers would have noted Peter’s exhortation to holy living in light of their background of complete ignorance of God’s Word (1Peter 1:14). Gentile Christians also would have been greatly encouraged by the fact that though they were in ignorance, they were now considered “the people of God” (1Peter 2:10). Clearly Peter carefully included both Jewish and Gentile Christians in his letter of encouragement to the churches of Asia Minor.
The specific Christians Peter is writing to were those who lived in the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These were all provinces of Asia Minor which are in present day Turkey, the area of the world first evangelized by the Apostle Paul and his associates.
Application
Even though this letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to Jews and Gentiles who had become Christians living in Asia Minor, the truths that Peter teaches in this letter apply to all Christians throughout history, in all parts of the world. This letter is to you, my sister or brother in Christ!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved