An Apostle Encourages

1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.
 
PETER begins his letter in the typical fashion of the day by identifying himself. This was important for his readers then, and it is vital for us today. The church of Jesus Christ – that is, those saved into Jesus’ salvation – regardless of the year it reads these words must know the writer was under God’s authority. Peter was an apostle. What does that mean?
   Peter described an apostle’s qualifications when the 11 prepared to replace Judas: Acts 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” An apostle needed to be a personal witness of Jesus’ ministry. He needed to be able to clearly testify to Jesus’ works, teachings, suffering, resurrection and ascension. Because of Peter’s personal relationship with Jesus, we can trust his words regarding Jesus’ entire ministry.
   Many have wondered if Peter, a common fisherman, was capable of writing such letters. But it appears in the gospels’ accounts of Peter’s words and actions that he was an educated, intelligent person. We look at Peter’s relationship with Jesus and often denounce the apostle as one with a  “big mouth” or one with an unthinking, reactionary nature. But we believe what seems to us as impulsive responses at times to Jesus’ teachings reveals he was a thinking man. His words in Acts 1 and 2 tell us he had an excellent knowledge of Scripture. And even his rebuffs to Jesus would have been the result of his reading of Scripture and some level of education about the Messianic prophesies.
   Of course, he made some terrible mistakes. But he learned from them. He grieved his sins. And remember, Jesus restored him and appointed him to his apostolic work. There is no one on earth it seems who had a more personal and specific mandate from Jesus than did Peter. When Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) he revealed God’s plans for Peter to be a voice of power and authority for Jesus into the world.
   As we learn from the New Testament epistles, we must always remember they were written to the church – people who were God’s elect, strangers in the world. Paul’s, John’s, Jude’s, James’ and Peter’s letters were to teach, correct and encourage those whom God had chosen.
   Peter’s readers are the church scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. These are five provinces of Asia Minor. The word “scattered” refers to the Jews. The churches in this area were composed primarily of Jews, who had received Jesus as Lord and Savior.
   Peter’s letter was a circular letter to encourage many churches into a deeper faith and help them stand against persecution. Such a letter from Jesus’ apostle would be a wonderful confirmation of God’s care for his people.
          May we receive these words as God’s letter to us. Be encouraged to know the Triune God is speaking to you, scattered throughout the world, called by God.