THE LANGUAGE AND CONTEXT

Let us understand the context in which Peter is writing. One rule of scripture interpretation is to ask What this means to the original readers and then ask how we can apply it today.

The New Testament writers wrote in Greek, and certain words that we might think are special were a part of their common day language. For some reason, those words never got fully translated into English, nor was the Vulgate used. Maybe they felt it was best left as it is, and in time, people would associate that one word with the biblical concept or thought.

For example, Apostle or Ambassador, Baptism or immersion, Grace or patronage.

WHO IS HE WRITING TO?

The place

Unlike Paul’s letters, which are addressed to specific churches because of specific issues, Peter’s two letters are general letters of teaching, encouragement, and warnings for believers from an entire region; in this case, it is the provinces of Pontus—N.E. Turkey, Galatia—Central Turkey, Cappadocia—Turkey, Asia, and Bithynia.

The people – To the elect - verse 1b

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. Who are the Elect? They are the ones who have put their faith in Jesus. The term elect implies chosen. Peter’s reason for writing was to encourage the persecuted believers scattered across the regions mentioned and away from their homes. He is reminding them of their special position and calling.

STRANGERS/PILGRIMS/FOREIGNERS/SCATTERED

These people are believers, mostly the Jews (the scattered exiles/ dispersal/diaspora in the regions mentioned, today is modern-day Turkey.

Stranger/exiles/foreigners/pilgrims: One of these words has been used to describe Peter’s readers, depending on which translation you are reading. This is a word Peter repeats in his letters. He keeps reminding the believers that they are not of this world. They are strangers, foreigners, and pilgrims passing through. This is a term that he used to describe the Jews who fled Jerusalem scattered throughout that region. They fled after the fall of Jerusalem when the Babylonians conquered Judah.

Reflections

• Do I see myself isolated from the world?
• Do I see myself as immersed in a world with little difference between the world’s ways and mine?
• Do I see myself in the world but not ‘of’ it?