Peter authored this book and it is assumed Silvanus wrote it down (1 Peter 5:12). In reading this book it appears that Peter's audience are Christians who are being persecuted (1 Peter 4:12-14) for their faith. Whether they are scattered throughout the regions mentioned because of persecution or just because they lived throughout a wide area, I'm not sure.
Peter says these Christians are elect according to the foreknowledge of God. To help understand the meaning of this, see Acts 2:23:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
We can see that foreknowledge means more than God just looking ahead and acting in accordance with what He sees man will do, but rather it is God carrying out His predetermined planned.
We are elect by His predetermined plan and His foreknowledge. This shows that He is sovereign over all.
What are we elected to? Sanctification, obedience and to the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. It is through His death, burial and resurrection that we are saved. We are saved to be sanctified and to obey Him.
It is through Him we have peace and grace to endure the trials that life brings to us.
2 comments:
It just amazes me the Love the Lord has for us!! In while we were yet sinners, He sent Jesus to die for our sins, so we could be reconciled to Him. Praise His name! \0/ I imagine Peter must of been a very bold, outspoken man. After denying Christ, and Jesus still called him the rock on which He would build His church. Wow! What amazing forgiveness in Christ. He's our strength and refuge in time of trouble. During this time of grieving my son Johnny's death, He has been my strength, comfort, and joy, knowing my Johnny is safe in His loving care. As hard as it is right now, I can rejoice in that :)
Oh, Donna, I can't imagine what it would be like to have a child die. I think 1 Peter would be such a comforting book in a time like that!
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