Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 1

Peter begins by using his name in its most common NT form (see introduction for more on his name). “An apostle [GK 693] of Jesus Christ” indicates the dignity and authority of someone selected by Jesus and given unique responsibilities of ministry in the establishment of the Christian church (Matthew 16:18–19; Mark 1:16–17; Mark 3:16; Mark 21:15–19).

As is common in Greek letters of the NT era, the writer first identifies himself, then identifies the recipient, and finally gives a word of greeting. Peter designates those he is writing to as “God’s elect” (GK 1723). In biblical teaching, election is a central theme and the foundation of spiritual blessing (cf. Dt 4:37; 7:6; 14:2; Psalms 105:6, 43; Isaiah 15:4; Ephesians 1:4–5). No believer should ever feel threatened by the doctrine of election, because it is always presented in Scripture as the ground of comfort. So here the designation “elect” reminds the scattered Christians in danger of persecution that God’s purposes for them are certain and gracious. “Strangers in the world” points to the fact that Christians are pilgrims who do not reside permanently on earth. They belong to the heavenly realm (cf. Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 11:13–16). The destination of the letter is “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.” These were the Roman provinces north of the Taurus Mountains in what is today Turkey.

Peter next announces some basic themes of his letter that will later be expanded and developed. He reminds his readers of their Triune faith and of the work of the Triune God. The “foreknowledge [GK 4590] of God” is more than God’s simply knowing what will take place in the future, for it includes God’s special relations with humankind even before creation (cf. 1:20; Amos 3:2; Acts 2:23; Romans 8:29–30; Romans 11:2). The “sanctifying” (GK 40) work of the Spirit is his operation of applying the work of redemption to Christians, purifying them and setting them to tasks of service. The goal of election and redemption is “obedience” (GK 5633) to Jesus Christ, who shed his blood on Calvary (cf. Romans 1:5). The salutation closes with the wish for the multiplication of God’s “grace and peace” to the believers.

The nature of this salvation as a new birth according to the mercy of God evokes praise to God the Father, who is the source of salvation. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit . The Christian has a “living hope” because Jesus has been raised by the Father (cf. Titus 2:13). This hope is further described in v.4 as an “inheritance [GK 3100] that can never perish, spoil or fade.” The concept of inheritance is one of the major Bible themes and stresses family connection and gift (cf. also Mt 5:5; 19: 29; 25:34; 1 Peter 3:9). The inheritance “is kept” (GK 5498) or reserved in heaven by God for his people.

The nature of this salvation as a new birth according to the mercy of God evokes praise to God the Father, who is the source of salvation. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit . The Christian has a “living hope” because Jesus has been raised by the Father (cf. Titus 2:13). This hope is further described in v.4 as an “inheritance [GK 3100] that can never perish, spoil or fade.” The concept of inheritance is one of the major Bible themes and stresses family connection and gift (cf. also Mt 5:5; 19: 29; 25:34; 1 Peter 3:9). The inheritance “is kept” (GK 5498) or reserved in heaven by God for his people.

God’s people are described as those who are being “shielded” (lit., “guarded”; GK 5864). This stresses the continued activity of God in their lives, while the phrase “through faith” stresses the believers’ activity. The divine protection and the final salvation are only for believers. The salvation “ready to be revealed in the last time” looks at the final realization of what Christians already have and enjoy.