Week 1

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE

Christians in Asia Minor had experienced persecution (1:6), and more suffering was on the way (4:12-19).  Throughout the epistle Peter encourages them to remain steadfast (1:13; 4:16; 5:8,9).  He reminds them of their blessings and duties that are incumbent upon them as God’s “elect” (1:2), “His own special people” (2:9).
Written between 62-64AD in Babylon

Directed to those Israelites scattered due to the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities

INTRODUCTION (1 Peter 1-2)
THE AUTHOR (1a)
Peter
An apostle of Jesus Christ

 

THE RECIPIENTS (1b-2b)
Pilgrims of the Dispersion
In Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia
Elect (chosen)…
According to the foreknowledge of God the Father

 

(Ellicott) The election is not accidental, nor yet something done on the spur of the moment, an afterthought of God. but “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”—i.e., in execution of His fore-arranged scheme. The word implies not simply a perception of the future, but the forming of a decision.

Matthew 22:14(KJV) For many are called, but few are chosen

Ephesians 1:4-5(KJV)

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Romans 8:29(NLT)

29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn[a] among many brothers and sisters

Chosen Out and Called In

In sanctification of the Spirit

The election that was purposed by the Father was carried into effect by the agency of the Spirit in making them holy.

For obedience and sprinkling of blood of Jesus Christ

This expresses the design for which they had been chosen by the Father, and renewed by the Spirit. It was that they might obey God, and lead holy lives

GREETINGS (2c)
Grace and peace
Be multiplied

The phrase “be multiplied” means, “may it abound,” or “may it be conferred abundantly on you. An increase.