1Peter 1:1-2 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.” (NASB)
Peter is frankly my favorite apostle. Why? I simply identify with him more than the others because he reminds me of me. In future discussions I’ll share insight of why but for today I want to take a look at the opening of one of his letters. Peter was considered the leader of the early church. He was also one of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples along with James and John. As such he is also considered an apostle of Jesus Christ. In this context an apostle means he was an eye witness and directly commissioned to ministry by Jesus Himself.
I think it is interesting to note that in looking through the letters of the New Testament rich chewy truth is available in the opening few verses universally. Peter’s first letter is no different so I’d like to take a look at the first two verses here.
Peter identifies himself first as an apostle and since I’ve already explained what that means I won’t do it again. He mentions this however to let those who are reading know (in case they don’t) just who it is that is writing to them. Next Peter identifies his audience. This letter is written to those Christians who first “Reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia”. Why aliens? I think this is twofold. First, because they are literally aliens. They are primarily Jewish Christians who were displaced or dispersed out of Palestine. Living in a foreign land they are aliens. I believe however the term alien also applies to them as Christians among non-Christians. That would be among unbelieving Jews and native Pagans. Later in this letter Peter refers to Christians as “Aliens and strangers” as he urges them not to conform to their surroundings1 Peter 2:11. The geographical areas referenced are located in modern day Turkey and Greece.
Okay – now it gets interesting.
These Christians, scattered into this foreign land, “Are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”. In Christian circles the term “Election” is tossed around. It means that God chooses. This Scripture confirms that Peter is writing to those, “Who are chosen” and let’s us know who did the choosing. “God the Father” did the choosing. It goes even further however and says His choosing was, “According to” His “Foreknowledge”. Elsewhere we learn that God’s choosing was done from eternity past. How is that possible? Well, “With God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26 and God quite frankly isn’t bound by the constraints of time; He created it! He can look at the act of creation, Jesus time on this earth, our brief lives and Christ’s return right now; all at once, as though it were a thing to be examined.
Can I hear a WOW!
How were we Chosen? Well, it is by the “Foreknowledge of God the Father” but it is “By the sanctifying work of the Spirit”. We discussed before that sanctification is the setting apart for a special purpose. When the Spirit does his work of sanctification of the believer it means He sets us apart for something special. Peter doesn’t disappoint us because he shares what that something special is. He says we were set apart by the Spirit, “To obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood”. That simply means that we were set apart to have obedience of faith in Christ. It is that obedience of faith that saves us. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”. Galatians 3:26
Peter reminds us also of what this faith in Christ brings. He reminds us that the obedience of faith is, “To obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood”. The sprinkling of blood is a reference to the atonement sacrifice established in the Law. Animal blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat on the arc of the covenant in a ritual that, “Covered” the sins of the people. That sacrifice of animals in atoning for sin had to be repeated over and over to satisfy God's wrath. The blood of Jesus however, following the premise of the animal sacrifice is much more effective. “His blood”, shed for our sins satisfies God’s wrath once and for all . When the believer is, “Sprinkled with His blood” by faith in Him all our sins are forgiven forever.
When the reality of the efficacy of “His blood” is realized Peter’s statement becomes possible. “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure”. AMEN!
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