Summary
PeterPeter (also known as Cephas, Simon Peter) was the disciple who denied Jesus during his trial but later became a leader in proclaiming Jesus. More greets the churches of Asia Minor and provides them with a new identity.
Analysis
In keeping with the style of ancient letter writing, 1 Peter begins with a greeting that establishes its author’s credentials. In this case, the author identifies himself as “Peter” and his credential is that he is an “apostleDerived from a Greek word meaning "one who is sent," an apostle is a person who embraces and advocates another person's idea or beliefs. At the beginning of his ministry Jesus called twelve apostles to follow and serve him. Paul became an apostle of Jesus... More of JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More Christ” (1:1). The greeting continues by naming the recipients as “chosen” and as “exiles,” designations with deep resonance in the Old Testament. Though the recipients may not be literal exiles, the letter will go on to illustrate the way in which becoming “obedient to Jesus Christ” may make them feel like exiles in their own families and communities, and so the author’s choice of this language helps to give their stories a grounding in the story of the people of Israel. That use of Old Testament imagery continues with the proclamation that the recipients have been sprinkled with Jesus’ blood, a phrase that resonates with the purification imagery of Numbers 19 (1:2). The regions where the recipients live (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia) are all regions of the Roman Province of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. Asia Minor became a hotbed of church growth early on, and many other New Testament writings are addressed to the people living there (see Background). The greeting ends with the customary blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God's favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More of “graceGrace is the unmerited gift of God's love and acceptance. In Martin Luther's favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it. More and peace” directed to the recipients (1:2).
