Standing Firm in God’s Mercy

Peter writes his first letter to a diversity of believers who have been dispersed throughout Roman provinces in Asia Minor. While many Christians were literal exiles in the Greco-Roman world, Peter especially has in mind “spiritual exiles” who are awaiting their heavenly inheritance. He encourages his readers then/now to endure suffering and hardship by standing steadfast in Christ. Peter reminds us from the start that the God who has called us, given us His Spirit, sprinkled us with Jesus’ blood, and rebirthed us into a living hope via His great mercy (vs3), is the same God who continues to guard us by His power for the salvation to be revealed on the last day. Hence, whatever our earthly trials, we rejoice; and though our faith be tested by fire here, we know that our faith will culminate in the salvation of our souls.