Peter is one of the most memorable apostles. In the Gospels, he is often the first to speak and act. He jumped out of boats (Matt. 14:22–33) and cut off ears (John 18:10–11). He denied the Lord Jesus three times (Matt. 26:69–75). In a remarkable act of grace, Jesus forgave Peter and reinstalled him as a church leader (John 21:15–19). This month we will study two letters written by Peter. They were not written by the young, impetuous Peter, but by a then mature Christian leader who had given his life to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus.
Peter called his audience by two different descriptions. First, they were addressed as “God’s elect” (v. 1). To be elect means to be chosen. Followers of Jesus are recipients of God’s grace, and it is God who took initiative to make our salvation possible. Peter’s readers were also exiles “scattered” all over Asia Minor (v. 1). An exile is someone displaced from their home country to live elsewhere without legal rights as citizens. Peter’s readers, mostly comprising Jewish Christians, lived outside of Israel. So Peter likely used this term with a double meaning. On one hand, they were literally exiles. But they are also exiles in a spiritual sense—awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus, their true King and Lord.
Peter continues by reminding his readers that their identity is most firmly grounded in the triune God. The Father chose them, and the Spirit is sanctifying them for the goal of obedience to Jesus Christ, who cleansed them with His blood (v. 2). We also need a regular reminder that our most important identity is not found in our career, nation, or family. Rather, we belong to God who chose us. In Him, we can have grace and peace “in abundance” (v. 2).
Go Deeper
Do you realize that you are an exile? In what do you place your identity? How is “exile” a part of that?
Pray with Us
Lord, as we study 1 and 2 Peter, help us see the truths You have for us. Thank You that though we are spiritual exiles on earth, our identity is in You and heaven is our eternal home.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect.1 Peter 1:1
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