1 Peter 1:1 KJV
[1] “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”
The name Peter comes from the word “petros”, which means stone. Peter is writing to Jewish Christians scattered among the Gentiles. He begins this epistle by listing the five providences of Asia Minor, north of Palestine. It is interesting that verse one starts with Peter the little stone, then moves to Jesus Christ, the great Savior, and finally to the scattered strangers in this world.
The world has not changed its philosophy about Christianity today. They still see us as strange because they don’t know the Savior. They have no understanding of our love and devotion to Him. Though most Christians today are not as devoted as they were in Peter’s day, there is still a remnant that will not allow the world to conform them.
The saints in Peter’s day were experiencing severe persecution for their faith in Christ. That was one of the reasons they had become scattered throughout the land. Another reason was because the Gospel was exploding throughout the world. Persecution did not stop the Gospel, but it helped to spread it. The more Satan tried to snuff out the church, the more it grew. While this world embraces all forms of man-made religion, it despises Christianity. This hatred for Christians further proves that the world never has accepted us, and they never will. We will always be strangers to this lost world, and we should thank God for it! I want to remind you that there was a time when we were a part of this world. We were lost, living in darkness with no hope of eternity. Jesus not only rescued us from Hell, but He rescued us from this world. We are no longer bound to them, and He has given us the victory to overcome this world. Salvation has drawn the line between us and the world, which is the enemy of God, and we are grateful to Him and strangers to them.