1 Peter 1:1
1 Peter 1:1 in Multiple Translations
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the saints who are living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
This letter comes from Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ, and is sent to God's chosen people: exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
PETER an Apostle of IESVS CHRIST, to the strangers that dwell here and there throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the choice sojourners of the dispersion of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers dispersed through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect,
I, Peter, who have been appointed by Jesus Christ {one whom Jesus Christ has appointed} to be an apostle, am writing this letter to you believers whom God has chosen to belong to him. You are living in the Roman provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Just like the Jews who lived in Israel long ago were scattered to other countries far from their homes [MET], you now live far from heaven, which is your true home.
I am Peter, and this letter is from me. I am one of Jesus Christ’s special workers. I’m sending this letter to you people that God picked to be in his family. I’m sending it to you Christians in a lot of different places, called Pontus, and Galatia, and Capadoshia, and Asia, and Bithinia. You had to leave your homes, and now you live in those places.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Peter 1:1
BAB
Word Study
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1 Peter 1:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
πετρος
αποστολος
ιησου
χριστου
εκλεκτοις
παρεπιδημοις
διασπορας
ποντου
γαλατιας
καππαδοκιας
ασιας
και
βιθυνιας
πετρος
Petros
G4074
[mother-in-law of Peter]
Noun-NSM
αποστολος
apostolos
G652
apostle
Noun-NSM
ιησου
Iēsous
G2424
Joshua
Noun-GSM
χριστου
Christos
G5547
Christ
Noun-GSM
εκλεκτοις
eklektos
G1588
select
Adj-DPM
παρεπιδημοις
parepidēmos
G3927
stranger
Adj-DPM
διασπορας
diaspora
G1290
dispersion
Noun-GSF
ποντου
Pontos
G4195
Pontus
Noun-GSM
γαλατιας
Galatia
G1053
Galatia
Noun-GSF
καππαδοκιας
Kappadokia
G2587
Cappadocia
Noun-GSF
ασιας
Asia
G773
Asia
Noun-GSF
και
kai
G2532
and
Conj
βιθυνιας
Bithunia
G978
Bithynia
Noun-GSF
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Peter 1:1
πετρος
Petros
G4074
"[mother-in-law of Peter]"
Noun-NSM
This is the name Peter, which means a rock or stone. Jesus gave this name to Simon, one of his apostles, in Matthew 16:18. Peter became a key leader in the early Christian church.
Definition: Πέτρος, -ου, ὁ (i.e. a stone, see: πέτρα, Κηφᾶς), Simon Peter, the Apostle: Mat.4:18 10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.5:8, Jhn.1:41, 43, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: Peter, rock See also: 1 Peter 1:1; John 18:17; Matthew 26:75.
αποστολος
apostolos
G652
"apostle"
Noun-NSM
An apostle is a delegate or messenger of Jesus Christ, sent to spread the Gospel. The apostles were given special powers and authority by Jesus, as seen in Matthew 10:2 and 2 Corinthians 8:23.
Definition: ἀπόστολος, -ου, ὁ (ἀοστέλλω), [in LXX; 3Ki.14:6 A (שָׁלַח) * ;] __1. a fleet, an expedition (Dem.). __2. a messenger, one sent on a mission (Hdt., LXX, l.with, and π.; see M, Pr., 37 f.; MM, see word; M, Th., i, 2:7 and reff.): Jhn.13:16, 2Co.8:23 Php.2:25. __3. In NT, an Apostle of Christ __(a) with special ref. to the Twelve: Mat.10:2, Mrk.3:14, Luk.11:49, Eph.3:5, Rev.18:20, al., equality with whom is claimed by St. Paul, Gal.1:1, 11 ff, 1Ti.2:7, a1.; __(b) in a wider sense of prominent Christian teachers, as Barnabas, Act.14:14, apparently also Silvanus and Timothy, 1Th.2:6, and perhaps Andronicus and Junias (Junia?), Rom.16:7 (see ICC, in l); of false teachers, claiming apostleship: 2Co.11:5 11:13, Rev.2:2. (On the different uses of the term in NT, see Lit., Gal., 92-101; Cremer, 530; DB, i, 126; DCG, i, 105; Enc. Br., ii, 196 ff.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: apostle, messenger, he that is sent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 8:14; 1 Peter 1:1.
ιησου
Iēsous
G2424
"Joshua"
Noun-GSM
Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.
Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.
χριστου
Christos
G5547
"Christ"
Noun-GSM
Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.
Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.
εκλεκτοις
eklektos
G1588
"select"
Adj-DPM
This word means select or favorite, often describing someone or something chosen by God. In Romans 16:13, it describes a chosen person, and in Luke 23:35, it refers to Jesus as the chosen one. It represents God's special selection and love.
Definition: ἐκ-λεκτός, -ή, -όν (ἐκλέγω), [in LXX for בָּחַר (so prob. in Isa.28:16, Pro.17:3, for MT בָּחַן), בָּרִיא, etc. ;] __1. choice, select (cl., rarely; Thuc., Plat., al.), hence, eminent: Rom.16:13 (cf. Eze.27:24). __2. As in Inscr. (MM, Exp., xii), chosen; esp. as in LXX, of Israel, elect, chosen of God (Isa.65:9, Psa.105:43, al.); so in NT; __(a) of Christ: Luk.23:35 (cf. Isa.42:1); figuratively, λίθος, 1Pe.2:4-6 (LXX); __(b) of holy angels: 1Ti.5:21; __(with) of Christians: Mat.24:22, 24, Mrk.13:20, 22 13:27, 2Ti.2:10, 1Pe.1:1; τ. θεοῦ, Luk.18:7, Rom.8:33, Col.3:12, Tit.1:1; τ. Χριστοῦ, Mat.24:31; ἐ. κυρία, II Jn 1; ἀδελφή, II Jn 13; γένος, 1Pe.2:9 (LXX); κλητοὶ καὶ ἐ. κ. πιστοί, Rev.17:14; opposite to κλητός (not so in Epp.; see Lft. on Col.3:12), Mat.20:16 (T, WH, txt., R, omit) Mat.22:14 (Cremer, 405, 775).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: chosen, elect See also: 1 Peter 1:1; Mark 13:20; 1 Peter 2:4.
παρεπιδημοις
parepidēmos
G3927
"stranger"
Adj-DPM
A stranger or foreigner living in a place, like a resident alien. In 1 Peter 1:1 and Hebrews 11:13, Christians are called strangers or pilgrims, living in a world that is not their true home.
Definition: παρ-επί-δημος, -ον (see: ἐπιδημέω), [in LXX: Gen.23:4, Psa.39:12 (תּוֹשָׁב)* ;] sojourning in a strange place; as subst., ὁ π., a sojourner: of Christians, 1Pe.1:1; ξένοι καὶ π., Heb.11:13; πάροικοι καὶ π., 1Pe.2:11 (see Deiss., BS, 149).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: pilgrim, stranger See also: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13.
διασπορας
diaspora
G1290
"dispersion"
Noun-GSF
Dispersion, or the act of scattering, as in John 7:35, where it refers to Israelites living in Gentile countries. It can also mean the state of being scattered, like Christians in 1 Peter 1:1.
Definition: δια-σπορά, -ᾶς, ἡ (διασπείρω), [in LXX of Israelites dispersed and exiled in foreign lands, as Deu.28:25 (זַעֲוָה) Deu.30:4 (נָדַח ni.), Isa.49:6 (נער); by meton., of the exiles themselves (as Psa.147:2, 2Ma.1:27) ;] a dispersion: δ. τῶν Ἑλλήνων, Jhn.7:35; metaphorically, of Christians (DB, iii, 782 f.), Jas.1:1, 1Pe.1:1 (see Hort, in ll).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: (which are) scattered (abroad) See also: 1 Peter 1:1; James 1:1; John 7:35.
ποντου
Pontos
G4195
"Pontus"
Noun-GSM
Pontus refers to a region in Asia Minor near the Black Sea, mentioned in Acts 2:9 and 1 Peter 1:1.
Definition: Πόντος, -ου, ὁ Pontus, a region of Asia Minor, bordering on the πόντος Εὔξεινος: Act.2:9, 1Pe.1:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Pontus See also: 1 Peter 1:1; Acts 2:9.
γαλατιας
Galatia
G1053
"Galatia"
Noun-GSF
Galatia is a region in Asia where the apostle Paul traveled and preached, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:1 and Galatians 1:2. It was a Roman province that included the region settled by Gauls.
Definition: Γαλατία, -ας, ἡ, Galatia; __1. a gentilic region in Asia Minor, settled by Gauls (iii/B.C). __2. A Roman Province which included this region (DB, ii, 85ff.): 1Co.16:1, Gal.1:2, 2Ti.4:10 (T, Tr., mg., Γαλλίαν), 1Pe.1:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: Galatia See also: 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Timothy 4:10; 1 Peter 1:1.
καππαδοκιας
Kappadokia
G2587
"Cappadocia"
Noun-GSF
Cappadocia is a region in Asia Minor, mentioned in Acts 2:9 and 1 Peter 1:1, where the apostle Peter wrote to early Christian believers. It was an important area in the early Christian church.
Definition: Καππαδοκία, -ας, ἡ Cappadocia, a province of Asia Minor: Act.2:9, 1Pe.1:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Cappadocia See also: 1 Peter 1:1; Acts 2:9.
ασιας
Asia
G773
"Asia"
Noun-GSF
Asia refers to the Roman province of Asia Minor, specifically its western shore, as mentioned in Acts 2:9 and 1 Peter 1:1.
Definition: Ἀσία, -ας, ἡ Asia, the Roman province: Act.2:9 6:9 16:6 19:1, 10 19:22, 26 (M, Pr., 73), Act.19:27 Act.20:4, 16 20:18 21:27 24:18 27:2, Rom.16:5, 1Co.16:19, 2Co.1:8, 2Ti.1:15, 1Pe.1:1, Rev.1:4.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: Asia See also: 1 Corinthians 16:19; Acts 19:26; 1 Peter 1:1.
και
kai
G2532
"and"
Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
βιθυνιας
Bithunia
G978
"Bithynia"
Noun-GSF
A region in Asia, as mentioned in Acts 16:7 and 1 Peter 1:1, where the apostle Peter writes to the early Christian churches.
Definition: Βιθυνία, -ַας, Bithynia, a province in Asia Minor: Act.16:7, 1Pe.1:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Bithynia See also: 1 Peter 1:1; Acts 16:7.
Study Notes — 1 Peter 1:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Peter 1:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Peter 1:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Peter 1:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Peter 1:1
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Peter 1:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
- Sermons on 1 Peter 1:1
Context — A Greeting from Peter
1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen
2according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:1 | James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. |
| 2 | Acts 2:5–11 | Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:13 | All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. |
| 4 | Ephesians 2:19 | Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, |
| 5 | Acts 8:4 | Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:11 | Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. |
| 7 | John 21:15–17 | When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. |
| 8 | Matthew 24:22 | If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. |
| 9 | Psalms 44:11 | You have given us up as sheep to be devoured; You have scattered us among the nations. |
| 10 | John 11:52 | and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one. |
1 Peter 1:1 Summary
This verse is about Peter introducing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and addressing a group of believers who are scattered throughout different regions. These believers are special because they have been chosen by God, just like it says in Ephesians 1:4-5. Being chosen by God means that He has a special plan for their lives, and they are called to live for Him, as seen in Romans 8:28. Just like these early believers, we too can be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, no matter where we are in the world, and trust in His plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be an apostle of Jesus Christ?
An apostle is someone who is sent by Jesus Christ to spread the message of salvation, as seen in Matthew 10:2-4, where Jesus chooses His twelve apostles to preach and have authority to cast out unclean spirits.
Who are the elect and what does it mean to be chosen?
The elect are those who have been chosen by God for salvation, as seen in Ephesians 1:4-5, where it says that God chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.
What is the Dispersion and where are these places located?
The Dispersion refers to the scattering of Jews outside of Israel, and the places mentioned, such as Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, are regions in what is now modern-day Turkey, as seen in Acts 2:9-11, where people from these regions are present at the day of Pentecost.
Why does Peter address these believers as exiles?
Peter addresses them as exiles because, as believers, they are strangers in this world, just as Abraham was a stranger in the land of Canaan, as seen in Hebrews 11:13-16, and are awaiting their heavenly home.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be an exile in this world, and how does that affect my daily life?
- How does knowing that I am chosen by God affect my sense of identity and purpose?
- What does it mean to be part of the Dispersion, and how can I be a light for Christ in my own community?
- How can I, like Peter, be a faithful apostle of Jesus Christ in my own sphere of influence?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Peter 1:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,.... The writer of this epistle describes himself first by his name, Peter, the same with Cephas, which signifies a rock, or stone; a name given him by Christ at his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Peter 1:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Peter - Greek of Cephas, man of rock. An apostle of Jesus Christ.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
1 PETER CHAPTER 1 1 Peter 1:1,2 The apostle's address to the strangers elect in Christ, dispersed throughout the Lesser Asia. 1 Peter 1:3-9 He blesseth God for having raised them to the hope of a blessed immortality. 1 Peter 1:10-12 He showeth that their salvation in Christ had been foretold by the prophets of old, 1 Peter 1:13-21 and exhorteth them to a vigilant and holy conversation, suitable to their calling and redemption by the blood of Christ, 1 Peter 1:22-25 and to mutual love. To the strangers; not only metaphorically strangers, as all believers are in the world, 1 Peter 2:11; but properly, as being out of their own land, and so really strangers in the places here mentioned. Scattered; so James 1:1. Throughout Pontus; a country of the Lesser Asia, bordering upon the Euxine sea, and reaching as far as Colchis. Galatia; which borders upon Pontus, and lies southward of it. To the Gentile churches inhabiting here, Paul wrote his Epistle inscribed to the Galatians. Cappadocia; this likewise borders upon Pontus, and is joined with it, Acts 2:9. Asia; that part of Asia the Less, which was especially called Asia. viz. the whole country of Ionia, which contained in it Troas, Phrygia, Lydia, Carla, &c. See Acts 16:6,9 19:10,31. And Bithynia; another province of the Lesser Asia, bordering upon Pontus and Galatia, and opposite to Thracia.
Question. Who were the strangers to whom this Epistle was written? Answer. Chiefly the Christian Jews scattered in these countries, as appears by 1 Peter 2:12, and 1 Peter 1:18, where he mentions the traditions of their fathers, of which the Jews were so fond, Matthew 15:2 Galatians 1:14; but secondarily, to the converted Gentiles. As Paul, the apostle of the uncircumcision, wrote principally to the converted Gentiles, at Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, &c., but doth not exclude those Jews that were among them, who, being converted to the faith, were of the same mystical body with them; so Peter, though he firstly wrote to the converted Jews, as being an apostle of the circumcision, yet includes the Gentiles that were mingled among them, and joined in faith and worship with them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Ver. 1. To the strangers] That is, to the provincial Jews. These strangers were (probably) those that came up to Jerusalem at Pentecost, and were converted by St Peter, Acts 2:7-11; Acts 2:41, to whom therefore he here writes, as to newly born babes, 1 Peter 2:2, and such as met with manifold afflictions for Christ’ s sake, 1 Peter 3:14, &c. He exhorts them therefore to steadfastness in the faith and constancy in trial. Christ’ s young plants need watering.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
(1) Peter, an apostle.—The authoritative tone of this Epistle is shown at the outset. The writer assumes his full titles; not (as in the Second Epistle) his merely human name of Simeon, nor his humble capacity of “servant,” but the Rock-name which Christ had given him, and the official dignity of an “Apostle of Jesus Christ”—i.e., one charged with full legatine authority from Christ (John 17:18; John 20:21)—a vicar of Christ to the Church, and not only a representative of the Church to Godwards. Observe also that while St. Paul constantly adds “by the will of God,” or some similar phrase, by way of justifying his assumption of the title, St. Peter has no need to do more than mention it; his claim was never questioned. Again, though St. Silas and St. Mark are with him, they are not associated in the initial greeting, as they would probably have been by St. Paul (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1). “Apostle” though Silas was (see 1 Thessalonians 2:6), and “faithful brother” to the recipients of the Letter (1 Peter 5:12), his support would have added but little weight to the utterances of the Rock-Apostle. And yet, with all this quiet assumption of dignity, St.
Peter knows no higher title to bestow on himself than that which he held in common with the other eleven—“an Apostle;” not “the Apostle,” nor “bishop of bishops,” nor (which means the same thing) “servant of servants.” To the strangers scattered throughout . . .—Literally, to the elect, sojourners of the dispersion of Pontus. The persons for whom the Letter is destined are very clearly specified. In John 7:35 we have “the dispersion of the Greeks,” where it clearly means “those of the dispersed Jews who live among the Greeks,” so here “the dispersion of Pontus,” or “the Pontine dispersion,” will mean “those of, the dispersed Jews who live in Pontus.” In James 1:1 the same word is used, and, in fact, it seems to have been the recognised name for all Jews who did not live in Palestine. The word rendered by “sojourners” means people who are resident for a time among strangers: it might, for instance, describe English people who have taken houses in Paris without becoming naturalised; and, as it is here in so close a connection with geographical words, it seems forced to interpret it metaphorically (as in 1 Peter 2:11). Palestine, not Heaven, is the home tacitly contrasted; Pontus, not earth, is the place of sojourn. This, then, is clear, that the Apostle of the Circumcision is writing to those of the Circumcision. The addition of the words “the blood of Jesus Christ” is the only thing which shows that they are Christian Jews. Pontus, Galatia . . .—The provinces which between them make up the whole, or nearly so, of what we call Asia Minor, are named in no order that can be assigned a meaning, or that indicates the quarter whence the Letter was written.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
THE FIRST GENERAL EPISTLE OF PETER. Chronological Notes relative to this Epistle. -Year of the Constantinopolitan era of the world, or that used by the Byzantine historians, and other eastern writers, 5568. -Year of the Alexandrian era of the world, 5562. -Year of the Antiochian era of the world, 5552. -Year of the world, according to Archbishop Usher, 4064. -Year of the world, according to Eusebius, in his Chronicon, 4288. -Year of the minor Jewish era of the world, or that in common use, 3820. -Year of the Greater Rabbinical era of the world, 4419. -Year from the Flood, according to Archbishop Usher, and the English Bible, 2408. -Year of the Cali yuga, or Indian era of the Deluge, 3162. -Year of the era of Iphitus, or since the first commencement of the Olympic games, 1000. -Year of the era of Nabonassar, king of Babylon, 809. -Year of the CCIXth Olympiad, 4. -Year from the building of Rome, according to Fabius Pictor, 807. -Year from the building of Rome, according to Frontinus, 811. -Year from the building of Rome, according to the Fasti Capitolini, 812. -Year from the building of Rome, according to Varro, which was that most generally used, 813. -Year of the era of the Seleucidae, 372. -Year of the Caesarean era of Antioch, 108. -Year of the Julian era, 105. -Year of the Spanish era, 98. -Year from the birth of Jesus Christ, according to Archbishop Usher, 64. -Year of the vulgar era of Christ's nativity, 60. -Year of Claudius Felix, governor of the Jews, 8. -Year of Vologesus, king of the Parthians, 11. -Jesus, high priest of the Jews, 1. -Year of the Dionysian period, or Easter Cycle, 61. -Year of the Grecian Cycle of nineteen years, or Common Golden Number, 4; or the second after the first embolismic. -Year of the Jewish Cycle of nineteen years, 1; or two years before the first embolismic. -Year of the Solar Cycle, 13. -Dominical Letter, it being Bissextile, or Leap Year, FE. -Day of the Jewish Passover, the second of April, which happened in this year on the fourth day after the Jewish Sabbath. -Easter Sunday, the sixth of April. -Epact, or age of the moon on the 22d of March, (the day of the earliest Easter Sunday possible,) 3. -Epact, according to the present mode of computation, or the moon's age on New Year's day, or the Calends of January, 11. -Monthly Epacts, or age of the moon on the Calends of each month respectively, (beginning with January,) 11, 13, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 19, 21, 21. -Number of Direction, or the number of days from the twenty-first of March to the Jewish Passover, 12. -Year of the reign of Caius Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar, the fifth Roman monarch, computing from Octavianus, or Augustus Caesar, properly the first Roman emperor, 7. -Roman Consuls, the Emperor Nero Augustus, the fourth time, and Cossus Cornelius Lentulus. CHAPTER I. Of the persons to whom this epistle was directed, and their spiritual state, 1, 2.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Peter 1:1
1. Peter] We note that the new name which his Lord had given him has replaced, in his own mind as in that of others, that of Simon Bar-jona (Matthew 16:17), by which he had once been known. So, in like manner, Paul takes the name of Saul, in the letters of that Apostle. Like him also, he describes himself as the “Apostle,” the envoy or representative, of Christ.to the strangers scattered …] Literally, taking the words in their Greek order, to the elect sojourners of the dispersion. The last word occurs in the New Testament in John 7:35 and James 1:1, and in the Apocrypha in 2Ma 1:27. It was used as a collective term for the whole aggregate of Jews who, since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, had been scattered in Asia and elsewhere. It follows from this that the Apostle, true to his character, as sent to the circumcision (Galatians 2:7), addresses himself mainly, if not exclusively, to the Jewish Christians of the regions which he names, but the term would naturally include also the proselytes to Judaism, and so accounts for some of the phrases in the Epistle which seem to imply that some of its readers had had a Gentile origin. The term “sojourners” is translated “pilgrims” in chap. 1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 11:13. Its exact meaning is that of “dwellers in a strange land.”Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia] The order of the names is, on the whole, that which would present itself to the mind of a man writing, as St Peter does, from the East (chap. 1 Peter 5:13). The existence of Christian communities in the five provinces witnesses to the extent of unrecorded mission-work in the Apostolic age.
The foundation of the Churches in Galatia and Asia is, of course, traceable to St Paul (Acts 16:6; Acts 19:10); those in Pontus may possibly have been due to the labours of Aquila, who was a native of that region (Acts 18:2). Bithynia had once been contemplated by St Paul as a field for his labours (Acts 16:7), but we do not read of his actually working either there or in Cappadocia. See Introduction as to the history of the Churches thus named.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Peter 1:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ - On the word apostle, see the Romans 1:1 note; 1 Corinthians 9:1 ff notes.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1
Apostolic salutation, 1 Peter 1:1-2.1. Peter—The Greek for Cephas. See Introduction. An apostle—And therefore entitled to a hearing. Unlike St. Paul, his apostleship was never questioned.
Sermons on 1 Peter 1:1
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How to Live the Rest of Your Life by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude and outlook as we approach the end of our lives. He encourages listeners to arm themselves with |
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Crowns by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that believers are born for glory. He explains that through God's abundant mercy, believers are born again into a living hope. This living h |
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Practical Problems in Christianity by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consistency of a spiritual life and what it means to truly commit to the Lord. He refers to the book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, |
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Our Light Affliction by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the trials faced by Job in the Bible. He highlights how Job experienced two consecutive trials, with calamities befalling him one after anothe |
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Sifting by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a recent news event where a United States military bus was blown up in Greece. He highlights the fear and devastation caused by su |
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The Election of Grace by E.W. Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Glorious Gospel in establishing the kingdom of mercy. He explains that God became man through the Virgin Mary to fulfi |
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The Last Time by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a Russian mini-sub that got caught in a fishing net 620 feet under the ocean. The sailors struggled to free themselves bu |