1 Peter

Recipients
The first letter of Peter was addressed to those who were believers living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These were all provinces in the region of Asia Minor. This appears to be the area in which Peter laboured. Paul was not permitted by the Holy Spirit to enter into this region at the outset of his second missionary journey. Paul would not go into an area where another apostle was ministering. Peter may have been ministering in the area during Paul's first and second missionary journey.

Theme
The basic theme of first Peter is that of suffering and tribulations. The Christian life is never presented in the bible as an problem free existence. To counter this problem Peter points the hearers to the joy of the Christian life. Peter instructs them about how to act in light of the persecution. The Christian participates in the sufferings of Christ when he experiences suffering. (1 Peter 4:13)

Peter's purpose is summarised in 5:12 when he says that 'I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.' Suffering can only be endured by the grace of God and is to be seen as an occasion for joy and hope. (1 Peter 1:3-5) The Christian can rejoice in suffering because of the hope which is firmly anchored in the faithfulness of God.