1 Peter 1:1

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

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},

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 —

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

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

1 Peter 1:1 KJV Commentary: This opening verse introduces the author, the recipients, and the geographical scope of the First Epistle of Peter, setting the stage for a letter of encouragement and instruction for early Christians.

Context and Audience

The apostle Peter, a prominent leader among Jesus' disciples, identifies himself as an "apostle of Jesus Christ." This immediately establishes the letter's authority and divine origin. He addresses his letter to "the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." These were Roman provinces located in what is modern-day Turkey (Asia Minor). The recipients were likely a mix of Jewish Christians, who were part of the Jewish diaspora, and Gentile converts who had embraced Christianity and now faced social alienation or persecution in their pagan environments. Their status as "strangers scattered" or "exiles" underscores their temporary dwelling on earth and their true spiritual homeland.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority: Peter asserts his divine commission, emphasizing that his message comes with the authority of Christ Himself. This would have provided immense comfort and guidance to believers facing challenging circumstances.
  • Identity of Believers: The term "strangers scattered" (Greek: parepidemoi) highlights a core theme of the epistle: the Christian's identity as a sojourner or alien in this world. Believers are not fully at home in the present earthly realm, but rather are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. This perspective is vital for understanding the Christian's journey of faith and enduring trials.
  • Geographical Reach: The list of provinces demonstrates the wide spread of the early Christian message and communities across significant parts of the Roman Empire, indicating a diverse and geographically dispersed audience.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word parepidemoi, translated "strangers scattered," literally means "sojourners" or "foreign residents." It implies a temporary stay in a foreign land without full citizenship rights. This word choice powerfully conveys the theological concept that while Christians live in the world, they are not ultimately of the world; their true citizenship and hope reside in heaven. This sets the stage for the epistle's emphasis on setting one's mind on things above.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 1:1 serves as a foundational reminder of our spiritual identity. We are called to live as "strangers" in a world that often opposes biblical values. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique identity in Christ, finding our ultimate belonging not in earthly structures or cultures, but in our relationship with God. It provides comfort and solidarity, knowing that Christians throughout history and across the globe share this sense of being "scattered" yet united by a common faith and hope, especially when facing societal pressures or spiritual challenges.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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