Edmund Clowney, The Message of 1 Peter, Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 1988

 

Edmund Clowney, The Message of 1 Peter, Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 1988

 

The apostle seeks to encourage and reassure Christian churches in Asia Minor as stormy seasons of persecution begin... no true Christian escapes a measure of suffering for Christ's sake. Peter speaks to us all when he tells of suffering now and glory to come... Our deepest needs drive us to our deepest beliefs. What hope do we have? Peter proclaims Jesus Christ, our sure hope now and for ever... (15)

 

Peter's testimony about the life of Jesus is reflected in Mark's Gospel. In this letter he shows us what that story means for us as Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him. (16)

 

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia are the provinces or areas where the Christian lived to whom the letter is addressed. If the terms are used to mane Roman provinces, the area covers the whole of Asia Minor north of the Taurus mountain chain that skirts the southern coast. It is possible, however, that the terms describe regions rather than official provinces... The early church historian Eusebius suggests that Peter himself may have had a part in the evangelization of the areas he names. Obviously, Peter had some reason for addressing Christians in these provinces or regions and not in others... (16)

 

Much of the population was rural, however; the interior was dotted with tribal villages where Roman chlture had made little impact. The power of the Christian gospel among tribal peoples may first have become evident in Asia Minor.... (17)