1 Peter 1:1-3 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,… Here is for our consideration, as introductory and preparatory to an intelligent study of this letter, some suggestions about - I. THE GREETER. "Peter." The allusions to incidents in his life, and the checkered light thrown upon his character, which are found in this Epistle, are in harmony with what we gather from the Gospels and the Acts concerning him. For instance: 1. Jigs name. The Rock-man. What a reminiscence of the giving of that name! What it tells (1) of his former character; (2) of Christ's knowledge of him; (3) of the ideal at which he is to aim! 2. His vocation. "An apostle." Here is a hint of (1) his dignity; (2) his brotherliness, not the, but "an apostle;" (3) his allegiance, "Jesus Christ." As Keble sings - "Friend thrice denied and thrice beloved - Master, Redeemer, King." II. THE DESCRIPTION OF THOSE HE GREETS, Who were these? Here at once we open the vein of sadness which runs through this Epistle, and again and again rises to the surface. "Sojourners of the Dispersion." Homeless through persecution. Jewish and Gentile Christians, carried, as seed on the wings of the storm, to many lands where they would fertilize and multiply. Where were they? Widely scattered, from under the shadows of the mountains of Galilee to the shores of the Black Sea. This fisherman is casting his net in a deep and wide ocean. What are they? Divinely chosen to perfection of character. 1. They are being made holy. 2. They are being made holy by the Spirit. 3. They are being made holy by the Spirit in the fruits of obedience. 4. And this by self-sacrificing consecration. 5. And all this through the power of the sacrifice of Christ. III. THE SUBSTANCE OF THE GREETING. "Grace and peace." The highest ideal of both Greek and Hebrew as to tree blessedness. "Grace" - the thought in Greek sculpture, architecture, and oratory, the very name and charm of Greek divinities, and signifying the beauty of gentleness in strength, the favor of the high to the lowly, and all its effects in the lowly. "Peace" - the salutation of Hebrew prophet and patriarch, the wish for the city in the midst of enemies, for the soul in its relations to God and man. And both these combined, and both these multiplied tenfold, a thousandfold, on and on indefinitely and infinitely, for of such blessing a soul cannot have too much. - U.R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, |
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