What does 1 Peter 1:1 mean?

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:1

Explanation

[1 Peter 1:1] begins the epistle with the author identifying themselves as Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. The apostle is addressing an audience described as “strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The term “strangers” in this context refers to Christians who are considered sojourners or exiles, possibly both spiritually and literally—spiritually as travelers through this world to the next, and literally as many were dispersed due to persecution or other reasons.

The mention of being “scattered” is important, as it suggests that these Christians are a diaspora, physically separated yet united in their faith. The letter thus serves to provide encouragement and instruction for how to uphold their Christian identities in the midst of challenges. This sense of living in a place that is not one’s true home is a recurring motif in the New Testament, advocating a mindset where believers see themselves as temporal residents on earth, with their ultimate citizenship in heaven.

Historical Context

At the time when 1 Peter was written, most scholars agree that it was during the reign of Emperor Nero or shortly after (approximately 62-64 AD or into the late first century). During this period, Christians faced sporadic yet intense persecution, socially and sometimes officially sanctioned by the Roman Empire. Peter himself was believed to have been martyred in Rome during Nero’s persecution.

The regions listed (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia) were provinces of the Roman Empire, and Christianity had spread there relatively early after Pentecost. However, the believers were a minority and faced various degrees of hostility due to their faith, which separated them from many cultural and social practices of the time that were inconsistent with Christian teachings.

Theological Insights

The opening of 1 Peter contains several insights of theological importance. Firstly, the identity of the author as Peter, an apostle, lends authority to the epistle. In the New Testament, an apostle is someone sent with Jesus’ authority to teach and guide the church.

Secondly, the term “strangers” has theological weight as it evokes the Abrahamic tradition of sojourning in foreign lands and reflects the Christian concept of being in the world, but not of it (John 15:19, 17:14-16). Theologically, this acknowledges believers’ dual existence: physically present in this world, yet belonging to God’s kingdom.

Practical Applications

1 Peter 1:1 has several practical applications for Christians. Recognizing oneself as a “stranger” in this world encourages a focus on spiritual priorities over transient worldly matters. It reminds believers to maintain their distinctiveness as followers of Christ. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of unity and support among Christians, especially when scattered or facing difficulties, seeking to build a sense of community despite geographical separation.

Cross-References

• 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.”
• James 1:1: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”
• John 15:19: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of this verse have great significance:

• “Apostolos” (Apostle): One who is sent, carrying the connotation of authority and commissioning.
• “Parepidemos” (Strangers): This word indicates someone who is a resident foreigner, emphasizing the temporary and alien status of Christians in the world.
• “Diaspora” (Scattered): Often used to describe the dispersion of the Jews outside of Israel, and in Christian terms referring to believers spread throughout the world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ways, the Christian concept of being “strangers” or “aliens” in the world parallels the Jewish experience of exile and dispersion. Moreover, similar ideas can be found in other religious and philosophical systems. For example, in Platonism, there is a notion of the soul’s origin being apart from the material world, evoking a sense of being “stranded” in an unfamiliar realm.

Scientific Perspectives

While 1 Peter 1:1 doesn’t directly interact with scientific concepts, the metaphoric language of being “scattered” might resonate tenuously with ideas in physics about matter distribution in the universe or the dispersal patterns in biology. This, however, would be a symbolic linkage at most, as the epistle’s context is primarily theological and spiritual.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have provided insights into 1 Peter 1:1. They generally affirm the authorship of Peter as significant, acknowledging his leadership role in the early church. Furthermore, they often comment on the term “strangers,” recognizing the theme of Christian sojourners as fundamental to the identity and ethic taught in the epistle. The mention of geographical regions illustrates the actual historical churches in existence and reflects the practical and pastoral concern of the apostle for these distinct communities.