I Peter 1
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Commentaries
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Peter, an apostle - Simon Peter, called also Kephas: he was a fisherman, son of Jonah, brother of Andrew, and born at Bethsaida; and one of the first disciples of our Lord. See the preface. The strangers scattered throughout - Jews first, who had believed the Gospel in the different countries here specified; and converted Gentiles also. Though the word strangers may refer to all truly religious people, see Gen 47:9; Psa 39:12, in the Septuagint, and Heb 11:13, yet the inscription may have a special reference to those who were driven by persecution to seek refuge in those heathen provinces to which the influence of their persecuting brethren did not extend. Pontus - An ancient kingdom of Asia Minor, originally a part of Cappadocia; bounded on the east by Colchis, on the west by the river Halys, on the north by the Euxine Sea, and on the south by Armenia Minor. This country probably derived its name from the Pontus Euxinus, on which it was partly situated. In the time of the Roman emperors it was divided into three parts: 1. Pontus Cappadocius; 2. Pontus Galaticus; and, 3. Pontus Polemoniacus. The first extended from the Pontus Polemoniacus to Colchis, having Armenia Minor and the upper stream of the Euphrates for its southern boundary. The second extended from the river Halys to the river Thermodon. The third extended from the river Thermodon to the borders of the Pontus Cappadocius. Six kings of the name of Mithridates reigned in this kingdom, some of whom are famous in history. The last king of this country was David Comnenus, who was taken prisoner, with all his family, by Mohammed II. in the year 1462, and carried to Constantinople; since which time this country (then called the empire of Trebizond, from Trapezas, a city founded by the Grecians, on the uttermost conf…
Open source ↗ADDRESS TO THE ELECTED OF THE GODHEAD: THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIVING HOPE TO WHICH WE ARE BEGOTTEN, PRODUCING JOY AMIDST SUFFERINGS: THIS SALVATION AN OBJECT OF DEEPEST INTEREST TO PROPHETS AND TO ANGELS: ITS COSTLY PRICE A MOTIVE TO HOLINESS AND LOVE, AS WE ARE BORN AGAIN OF THE EVER-ABIDING WORD OF GOD. (1Pe. 1:1-25) Peter--Greek form of Cephas, man of rock. an apostle of Jesus Christ--"He who preaches otherwise than as a messenger of Christ, is not to be heard; if he preach as such, then it is all one as if thou didst hear Christ speaking in thy presence" [LUTHER]. to the strangers scattered--literally, "sojourners of the dispersion"; only in Joh 7:35 and Jam 1:1, in New Testament, and the Septuagint, Psa 147:2, "the outcasts of Israel"; the designation peculiarly given to the Jews in their dispersed state throughout the world ever since the Babylonian captivity. These he, as the apostle of the circumcision, primarily addresses, but not in the limited temporal sense only; he regards their temporal condition as a shadow of their spiritual calling to be strangers and pilgrims on earth, looking for the heavenly Jerusalem as their home. So the Gentile Christians, as the spiritual Israel, are included secondarily, as having the same high calling. He (Pe1 1:14; Pe1 2:10; Pe1 4:3) plainly refers to Christian Gentiles (compare Pe1 1:17; Pe1 2:11). Christians, if they rightly consider their calling, must never settle themselves here, but feel themselves travellers. As the Jews in their dispersion diffused through the nations the knowledge of the one God, preparatory to Christ's first advent, so Christians, by their dispersion among the unconverted, diffuse the knowledge of Christ, preparatory to His second advent. "The children of God scattered abroad" constitute one whole in C…
Open source ↗. 1 Peter 1:1 pe1 1:1 pe1 1:1 pe1 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,.... The writer of this epistle describes himself first by his name, Peter, the same with Cephas, which signifies a rock, or stone; a name given him by Christ at his first conversion, and which respected his after firmness, solidity, resolution, and constancy; for his former name was Simeon, or Simon, as sometimes called; see Mat 4:18 and he further describes himself by his office, an apostle of Jesus Christ; being one of the twelve apostles, and the first of that number; who saw Christ in the flesh, was conversant with him, had his call and commission immediately from him, and was qualified by him to preach the Gospel; and was sent out first into Judea, and then into all the world to publish it, with a power of working miracles to confirm it; and this his character he makes mention of, in order to give the greater weight and authority to his epistle; and it is to be observed, that he does not style himself, as his pretended successor does, the head of the church, and Christ's vicar on earth; nor does he call himself the prince of the apostles, but only an apostle, as he was upon an equal foot with the rest. The persons he writes to are the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: these Jews here intended are called strangers; not in a metaphorical sense, either because they were, as the wicked are, estranged from the womb, and alienated from the life of God, as all unconverted men are, and as they were before conversion; for now they were no more strangers in this sense: or because of their unsettled state and condition in this life; having no continuing city, and seeking one to come, an heavenly country; and living as pilgrims and strangers, in which respect t…
Open source ↗In this inscription we have three parts: - I. The author of it, described, 1. By his name - Peter. His first name was Simon, and Jesus Christ gave him the surname of Peter, which signifies a rock, as a commendation of his faith, and to denote that he should be an eminent pillar in the church of God, Gal 2:9. 2. By his office - an apostle of Jesus Christ. The word signifies one sent, a legate, a messenger, any one sent in Christ's name and about his work; but more strictly it signifies the highest office in the Christian church. Co1 12:28, God hath set some in the church, first apostles. Their dignity and pre-eminence lay in these things: - They were immediately chosen by Christ himself, - they were first witnesses, then preachers, of the resurrection of Christ, and so of the entire gospel-dispensation, - their gifts were excellent and extraordinary, - they had a power of working miracles, not at all times, but when Christ pleased, - they were led into all truth, were endowed with the spirit of prophecy, and they had an extent of power and jurisdiction beyond all others; every apostle was a universal bishop in all churches, and over all ministers. In this humble manner Peter, (1.) Asserts his own character as an apostle. Hence learn, A man may lawfully acknowledge, and sometimes is bound to assert, the gifts and graces of God to him. To pretend to what we have not is hypocrisy; and to deny what we have is ingratitude. (2.) He mentions his apostolical function as his warrant and call to write this epistle to these people. Note, It concerns all, but especially ministers, to consider well their warrant and call from God to their work. This will justify them to others, and give them inward support and comfort under all dangers and discouragements. II. The persons to whom thi…
Open source ↗1:1 to God’s chosen people: Peter opens his letter to suffering Christians by reminding them of the status they enjoy because of God’s act on their behalf (1:2). • living as foreigners (literally exiles of the dispersion): An exile had been uprooted from his or her homeland and taken to live in a foreign country. Peter uses the concept metaphorically to remind Christians that they are living in a world dominated by anti-Christian values and ways of life. • Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia were Roman provinces in what is now Turkey. They might be listed in the order of the route that a messenger would have followed while carrying the letter to the various churches.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus παρεπίδημος (parepídēmos, G3927) — an alien alongside, i.e. a resident foreigner διασπορά (diasporá, G1290) — dispersion, i.e. (specially and concretely) the (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile… Πόντος (Póntos, G4195) — a sea; Pontus, a region of Asia Minor Γαλατία (Galatía, G1053) — Galatia, a region of Asia Καππαδοκία (Kappadokía, G2587) — Cappadocia, a region of Asia Minor Ἀσία (Asía, G773) — Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or (usually) only its western shore καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Βιθυνία (Bithynía, G978) — Bithynia, a region of Asia
Open source ↗ἐκλεκτός (eklektós, G1588) — select; by implication, favorite κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… πρόγνωσις (prógnōsis, G4268) — forethought θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós, G38) — properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑπακοή (hypakoḗ, G5218) — attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ῥαντισμός (rhantismós, G4473) — aspersion (ceremonially or figuratively) αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗εὐλογητός (eulogētós, G2128) — adorable θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἔλεος (éleos, G1656) — compassion (human or divine, especially active) ἀναγεννάω (anagennáō, G313) — to beget or (by extension) bear (again)
Open source ↗εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… κληρονομία (klēronomía, G2817) — heirship, i.e. (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession ἄφθαρτος (áphthartos, G862) — undecaying (in essence or continuance) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀμίαντος (amíantos, G283) — unsoiled, i.e. (figuratively) pure ἀμάραντος (amárantos, G263) — unfading, i.e. (by implication) perpetual τηρέω (tēréō, G5083) — perhaps akin to G2334 (θεωρέω)); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) φρουρέω (phrouréō, G5432) — to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates);… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally) ἕτοιμος (hétoimos, G2092) — adjusted, i.e. ready ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, G601) — to take off the cover, i.e. disclose ἔσχατος (éschatos, G2078) — farthest, final (of place or time) καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō, G21) — properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult ἄρτι (árti, G737) — just now ὀλίγος (olígos, G3641) — puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially)… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are λυπέω (lypéō, G3076) — to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad ποικίλος (poikílos, G4164) — motley, i.e. various in character πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,…
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) δοκίμιον (dokímion, G1383) — a testing; by implication, trustworthiness ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… τίμιος (tímios, G5093) — valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or… χρυσίον (chrysíon, G5553) — a golden article, i.e. gold plating, ornament, or coin ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. δοκιμάζω (dokimázō, G1381) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἄρτι (árti, G737) — just now ὁράω (horáō, G3708) — by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō, G21) — properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult χαρά (chará, G5479) — cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight ἀνεκλάλητος (aneklálētos, G412) — not spoken out, i.e. (by implication) unutterable καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗κομίζω (komízō, G2865) — properly, to provide for, i.e. (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive… τέλος (télos, G5056) — properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally) ψυχή (psychḗ, G5590) — breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient…
Open source ↗περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally) προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet ἐκζητέω (ekzētéō, G1567) — to search out, i.e. (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by Hebraism) worship καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐξερευνάω (exereunáō, G1830) — to explore (figuratively) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) προφητεύω (prophēteúō, G4395) — to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗ἐρευνάω (ereunáō, G2045) — to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ποῖος (poîos, G4169) — individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δηλόω (dēlóō, G1213) — to make plain (by words) προμαρτύρομαι (promartýromai, G4303) — to be a witness in advance i.e. predict πάθημα (páthēma, G3804) — something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, G601) — to take off the cover, i.e. disclose ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀναγγέλλω (anangéllō, G312) — to announce (in detail) νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, G2097) — to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
Open source ↗διό (dió, G1352) — through which thing, i.e. consequently ἀναζώννυμι (anazṓnnymi, G328) — to gird afresh ὀσφῦς (osphŷs, G3751) — the loin (externally), i.e. the hip; internally (by extension) procreative power ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you διάνοια (diánoia, G1271) — deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its… νήφω (nḗphō, G3525) — to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet ἐλπίζω (elpízō, G1679) — to expect or confide τελείως (teleíōs, G5049) — completely, i.e. (of hope) without wavering ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… φέρω (phérō, G5342) — to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows) ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀποκάλυψις (apokálypsis, G602) — disclosure
Open source ↗ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ὑπακοή (hypakoḗ, G5218) — attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… συσχηματίζω (syschēmatízō, G4964) — to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern (figuratively) πρότερον (próteron, G4386) — previously ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἄγνοια (ágnoia, G52) — ignorance (properly, the quality)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.
If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
You have given us up as sheep to be devoured; You have scattered us among the nations.
Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.
Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.