Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Peter 1:1-2

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied." — 1 Peter 1:1-2 (ASV)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, to obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, be multiplied.

How sweetly the apostle is obeying his Master's command, When you are converted, strengthen your brethren. This is the same Peter who once began to sink beneath the waves, yet now he is helping others to stand. This is the very Peter who denied his Master, but he begins his Epistle by owning himself to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. What wonders the Lord Jesus had accomplished for Peter by his grace! It is no wonder, therefore, that he should say to others, Grace to you, and peace, be multiplied.

To the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, (1 Peter 1:1–2).

You might go for fifty years to some places of worship and never hear the word "elect" even mentioned. Modern ministers seem to be ashamed of the grand old doctrine of election; but it was not so with the apostles and the early Christians. They were accustomed to speak of one another as the elect of God. The doctrine of election was most precious to their hearts, and therefore Peter writes: elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, (1 Peter 1:2).

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied (1 Peter 1:1–2).

So may it be to all of you who are gathered here; grace first, and peace next; but may both grace and peace be multiplied to you!

Much grace, and much peace, may you have, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:1–2)

The first Christians were not so afraid of the doctrine of election as some are nowadays. Peter was not ashamed to address the saints as the elect of God, for so, indeed, they are, if they are saints at all. It is He who chose them, not because they were sanctified, but that they might be sanctified—He chose them to eternal life through sanctification. Oh! happy are they who by grace have made their calling and election sure, and now ascribe all the glory of their salvation to the sovereign choice of God. Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.