Articles
Who We Are
The letter we call 1 Peter begins, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1, ESV). Peter uses three terms to describe Christians.
Exiles
English translations vary: they say exiles (ESV) or aliens (NASB) or strangers (NIV) or pilgrims (NKJV). The New Testament word literally means to reside alongside. It refers to “one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives; hence, stranger; sojourning in a strange place, a foreigner” (Thayer).
When we become Christians our citizenship is transferred into Jesus’ kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:20). Yet we still live in the world. That makes us “resident aliens” here. It explains why we often don’t fit in. And because we don’t fit in, we sometimes experience adverse reactions from the world. Peter’s original readers certainly did (4:1-5). That should be no surprise, nor should we let it bother us. Instead, it is a mark of honor (4:12-16).
Dispersion
Dispersion was the word used to designate Jewish people who were scattered among the Gentiles, versus those who lived in Palestine (see John 7:35). Both Peter and James use it of Christians generally. It reinforces the exile idea and reminds us that we are not alone but are part of a worldwide group of scattered Christians.
Elect
Christians are also elect or chosen by God. In verse 2, Peter adds three elements of that choice.
First, we are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God. God knew ahead of time what group He would choose as His people: those in Christ (Ephesians 1:4). In Christ is where we are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:20) and where every spiritual blessing is found (Ephesians 1:3).
Second, we are chosen by the sanctifying work of the Spirit. The Spirit sanctifies us or sets us apart, both in state and conduct, by revealing through the gospel God’s invitation to us and His will for us (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15).
Third, we are chosen to obey Jesus and be sprinkled by His blood. Those who become Jesus’ disciples are cleansed by His blood (1:18-19). Discipleship begins with obeying the gospel by being baptized into Christ for forgiveness of sins (1:22; Acts 2:38), which then leads to an ongoing life of obedience (Romans 6).
Peter’s opening statement to suffering Christians is, whatever the world thinks of us, remember that God favors us and loves us. That is what matters.
