As Peter begins writing to what he calls “the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1) the reader can assume he is addressing those who don’t feel like they “fit in” on earth. Have you ever been to a place where you felt out of place…like you didn’t belong? This is the way the recipients of this letter felt as Peter is reminding them that they are foreigners in this strange land. Since Peter was writing to primarily Gentiles who had been dispersed as a result of persecution, it is safe to assume that these Christians had also turned their back on all the immoral festivities and idol worship of the culture. At one time they were joining in these drunken parties, but now their lives were changed because of faith in Jesus Christ. Those who lived next door and across the street from these believers criticized and even persecuted them for their new-found “religion.” The followers of Christ refused to include themselves in the sinful practices of the city and others took notice. Instead of respecting them, they became antagonistic toward them. If the historical situation with Nero burning the city had already taken place at the time of Peter’s writing, this added more persecution for those worshiping Christ. However, Peter did not instruct Christians to overthrow those who were mistreating, but he rather reminded them about what awaited them beyond this life. Peter writes “God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible [does not pass away] and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…” (1:3-4). The living hope Peter writes about is eternal life where the Christian will experience peace, righteousness, and God’s everlasting presence. Although the follower of Christ will face trials on earth, the “end of your faith” results in the “salvation of your souls” (1:9). “The prophets…prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” (1:10-11). Although the Old Testament prophets did not understand all the details about God’s plan to save mankind from sin, they had faith and that alone brought salvation. Now those of us who have lived following the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins clearly understand God’s plan of redeeming sinners (1:12). These truths should provide hope in the midst of persecution because we know that eternal life awaits those who put their faith in Jesus Christ.
Dear God, sometimes this life is hard but help me to catch a glimpse of the hope of eternal life.
