1 Peter 1:1-13
Identity Papers for Resident Aliens
1 Peter takes us into the life of 1st century Christians under intense stress. Peter writes "through Silvanus" (5:12) from Rome to Gentile and Jewish believers scattered across northern Asia Minor (Turkey). Tradition says Peter was executed in Nero's persecution in a.d. 64 after fire in Rome.
The experience of dislocation by joining new communities of faith and then suffering persecution stamps the intensity of the letter. Who am I? Why is this happening? Where's my life going? Should I stay?