Ep 338 – 1 Peter 1:1-2

Today's episode is entitled, Chosen By God, and covers 1 Peter 1, verses 1-2. This is basically Peter's introduction to his letter. It contains his greeting to the believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. He calls them elect exiles, which is a title he will spend much of his letter unpacking and applying to their lives. But in this episode, we want to take a closer look at Peter, one of the original disciples of Jesus and an early apostle of the Christian church. He was a type-A personality with a quick temper and a tongue that tended to engage before his brain did. He was always quick to speak and not so quick to listen. He was impulsive and reactionary. And yet, Jesus chose him and would use him in incredible ways. This seemingly unqualified and uneducated fisherman was going to be used by God to spread the good news of Jesus Christ around the world. And Peter was going to take his role as an ambassador for Christ seriously. Which is what led him to write this letter. He had a passion for helping other believers comprehend the radical nature of their newfound union with Christ and the unbelievable reality of their restored relationship with God. This letter is going to challenge his readers, and us, to live like who we are: Children of God, chosen by Him and placed within His family. We are to reflect His nature and rejoice in the wonder of our status as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.