1 Peter 1:1

KJV

¶ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

KJV (with Strong's)

Peter {G4074}, an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, to the strangers {G3927} scattered {G1290} throughout Pontus {G4195}, Galatia {G1053}, Cappadocia {G2587}, Asia {G773}, and {G2532} Bithynia {G978},

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Kefa, an emissary of Yeshua the Messiah

To: God’s chosen people, living as aliens in the Diaspora — in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bythinia —

Berean Standard Bible

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen

American Standard Version

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The opening verse of First Peter immediately establishes the letter's authoritative voice and its specific audience. Peter, identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, addresses believers dispersed across several Roman provinces in Asia Minor. This salutation not only authenticates the epistle's divine origin but also introduces the core identity of its recipients as "strangers scattered," setting the foundational theme of the Christian's transient yet purposeful existence in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the epistolary prescript, a standard opening for ancient letters, which typically identifies the sender, the recipients, and a greeting. In 1 Peter, it functions as a concise yet profound theological statement. It immediately establishes Peter's apostolic authority, which is crucial for the letter's subsequent exhortations and teachings on suffering, holiness, and hope. The mention of "strangers scattered" foreshadows the epistle's consistent emphasis on the believer's identity as a sojourner, a theme woven throughout the entire letter, particularly in [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from Fleshly Lusts"). The geographical listing of provinces prepares the reader for the diverse yet unified body of believers to whom Peter writes, highlighting the widespread nature of early Christianity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipients of Peter's letter were Christians living in the Roman provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, all located in what is modern-day Turkey. These believers, both Jewish converts (part of the Jewish diaspora, often referred to as the "dispersion" or `diasporá`) and Gentile converts, faced significant social and, at times, official persecution in a pagan society. The term "strangers" (Greek: _parepídēmos_) would have resonated deeply with them, reflecting their status as aliens in a culture that often viewed Christians with suspicion and hostility. They were not fully integrated into the dominant Greco-Roman social and religious structures, and their distinct faith often led to marginalization, economic hardship, and even martyrdom. This context of alienation and suffering forms the backdrop for Peter's message of hope, endurance, and proper Christian conduct.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several key themes that permeate the entire epistle. Firstly, it underscores **Apostolic Authority**, as Peter, a foundational figure in the early church, asserts his divine commission from Christ, lending immense weight to his subsequent instructions. Secondly, it immediately establishes the **Identity of Believers** as "strangers scattered" or sojourners (Greek: _parepídēmos_), emphasizing their temporary dwelling on earth and their ultimate citizenship in a heavenly kingdom. This theme is vital for understanding the call to live distinctively in the world, as seen in [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation"). Thirdly, the geographical enumeration highlights the **Universal Reach of the Gospel** and the diverse yet unified nature of the early Christian communities, demonstrating that the message of Christ had spread far beyond its origins in Judea, reaching various ethnic and cultural groups across significant Roman territories. This broad audience underscores the catholic (universal) nature of the Christian faith, a theme echoed in the call to unity and love among believers found in [1 Peter 4:8-10](/1_peter/4-8-10 "1 Peter 4:8-10 - Love Fervently and Serve One Another").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** This word, meaning "a (piece of) rock," identifies the author as Simon Peter, one of Jesus' chief apostles. Its use here immediately grounds the letter in the historical reality of Christ's chosen disciples and their foundational role in the early church, recalling Jesus' declaration in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock").
* **apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to send," this term signifies a "delegate" or "one who is sent" with a specific commission and authority. Peter's self-identification as an apostle of Jesus Christ asserts that his message is not merely his own opinion but carries the divine authority and mandate of Christ Himself, making the letter's contents binding and authoritative for its readers.
* **strangers (Greek, _parepídēmos'_):** This significant term, meaning "an alien alongside" or "a resident foreigner," powerfully conveys the theological concept that Christians are temporary residents in this world, not fully at home in its systems or values. It implies a transient status, emphasizing that believers' true citizenship and ultimate hope lie elsewhere, specifically in a heavenly homeland, a theme central to the epistle's message of endurance and hope amidst earthly trials.
* **scattered (Greek, _diasporá'_):** While literally meaning "dispersion," this term historically referred to the Jewish people living outside the land of Israel. In this context, it is applied to Christians, suggesting that they, like the dispersed Jews, are living in foreign lands, often facing alienation or persecution. It highlights their widespread geographical distribution and their shared experience of being a distinct people group within the broader society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,"**: This opening phrase establishes the author's identity and, crucially, his authority. Peter, a prominent eyewitness to Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection, asserts his divine commission directly from Jesus. This apostolic title signifies that the letter's content is not merely human wisdom but carries the weight of divine revelation and instruction, essential for the recipients facing challenging circumstances.
* **"to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,"**: This clause identifies the specific audience and their unique status. The term "strangers" (Greek: _parepídēmos_) denotes their transient nature and alienation from the surrounding pagan culture, while "scattered" (Greek: _diasporá_) indicates their geographical dispersion across a vast region of Asia Minor. This description highlights their shared experience of being a distinct, often marginalized, community of believers living in a world that is not their ultimate home. The list of provinces underscores the wide reach of the early Christian movement and the diverse yet unified nature of the believers Peter addresses.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of 1 Peter masterfully employs several literary devices to establish its tone and themes. The use of **Apostolic Salutation** immediately lends authority and gravitas to the letter, signaling its divine origin and Peter's legitimate role as a messenger of Christ. The **Metaphor** of "strangers scattered" (or sojourners/exiles) is profoundly significant, serving as a foundational **Symbolism** for the Christian's identity in the world. This imagery evokes a sense of temporary residence, non-belonging to the earthly realm, and a longing for a true, eternal home. It also subtly employs **Allusion** to the Jewish diaspora, drawing a parallel between the historical dispersion of Israel and the new reality of Christians as a distinct, dispersed people of God. The **Enumeration** of the five Roman provinces (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia) provides a concrete geographical scope, emphasizing the widespread nature of the Christian faith and the broad audience Peter intends to reach with his message of hope and endurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Peter 1:1 lays the groundwork for the epistle's profound theological message, immediately positioning believers as a distinct people within the world, called to a unique identity and purpose. The concept of being "strangers scattered" is not merely a geographical description but a theological declaration of the Christian's spiritual citizenship. It underscores the tension between living in the world and not being "of" the world, a theme central to New Testament ethics and eschatology. This transient status is directly linked to the believer's heavenly hope and ultimate inheritance, providing a framework for understanding suffering and perseverance. The apostolic authority asserted by Peter connects this letter to the broader stream of God's redemptive revelation, affirming its place within the inspired Word.

* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Pilgrims on Earth")
* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")
* [John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 1:1 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of our fundamental identity as believers in Christ. To be a "stranger scattered" means recognizing that our ultimate allegiance and citizenship are not to any earthly nation, culture, or system, but to the kingdom of God. This perspective liberates us from the pressure to conform to worldly values and empowers us to live distinctively, reflecting Christ's character in a world that often opposes Him. It encourages us to embrace our temporary status on earth, viewing our lives through the lens of eternity and our heavenly inheritance. In an increasingly globalized and often disorienting world, this verse offers profound comfort and clarity, reminding us that we are part of a vast, scattered, yet unified family of faith, bound together by our common Savior and our shared hope. It challenges us to live with purpose and intentionality, understanding that our true home awaits us, and our mission here is to bear witness to the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you experience yourself as a "stranger" or "sojourner" in your current cultural context?**
* **How does understanding your identity as a "stranger scattered" influence your priorities and decisions in daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully as a citizen of heaven while still engaging faithfully with your earthly responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Who was Peter, and why is his apostolic authority important for this letter?**

Answer: Peter was one of Jesus' twelve apostles, originally named Simon, whom Jesus renamed "Peter" (meaning "rock"). He was a prominent leader among the early disciples and a key figure in the formation of the early church. His apostolic authority, as stated in [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter, an Apostle"), is crucial because it signifies that the letter's message comes directly from a divinely appointed messenger of Jesus Christ. This lends immense weight and truthfulness to his teachings, assuring the recipients that the instructions and encouragements they receive are not merely human wisdom but carry the authoritative voice of God. This divine backing would have been particularly vital for believers facing persecution and needing solid theological grounding.

**What does it mean for Christians to be "strangers scattered"?**

Answer: The phrase "strangers scattered" (Greek: _parepídēmos diasporá_) carries deep theological significance. "Strangers" (or sojourners/pilgrims) implies that believers are temporary residents in this earthly world, not fully belonging to its systems, values, or ultimate destiny. Our true citizenship and ultimate home are in heaven, as emphasized in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven"). "Scattered" refers to their geographical dispersion across various Roman provinces, but it also evokes the historical "diaspora" of the Jewish people, suggesting that Christians, too, are a distinct people of God dispersed among the nations. This identity calls believers to live a counter-cultural life, distinct from the surrounding society, focused on eternal realities rather than temporal ones, and united by a common faith despite their geographical separation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The opening verse of 1 Peter, while a standard epistolary greeting, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. Peter's identity as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" immediately grounds the entire letter in the person and work of Christ. It is from Christ that Peter derives his authority and his message, underscoring that the truths contained within are not merely human philosophy but divine revelation. The recipients, described as "strangers scattered," find their true identity and unity not in their geographical location or ethnic background, but in their shared relationship with Jesus Christ. Their status as sojourners on earth points to the ultimate fulfillment of their hope in Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where they will no longer be strangers but fully at home with their Savior. This transient earthly existence is a direct result of their new birth into Christ, which sets them apart from the world and aligns them with their heavenly King. The entire epistle, therefore, serves as a pastoral guide for these Christ-followers, enabling them to live holy lives in anticipation of the glorious appearing of [Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd"). Their suffering is understood in light of Christ's own suffering, and their future hope is secured by His resurrection, as further expounded in [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope through Resurrection").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:1

¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Acts 2:5

¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Acts 2:11

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Psalms 44:11

Thou hast given us like sheep [appointed] for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

Matthew 24:22

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.