Introduction to Peter Peter is writing this letter to the Christians scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia in Asia minor a part of Modern turkey. He probably wrote the letter from Rome (see 5:13; “Babylon” almost certainly refers to Rome) around A.D. 62–63 during Nero’s reign.

Purpose of this letter is to encourage his readers to endure suffering and persecution (1:6–7; 2:18–20; 3:9, 13–17; 4:1–4, 12–19; 5:9) by giving themselves entirely to God (4:19). They are to remain faithful in times of distress, knowing that God will vindicate them and that they will certainly enjoy the salvation that the Lord has promis1ed.

So lets begin studying the 1 peter 1:1 and 

1 Peter 1:1,2 (ESV)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

What is the meaning of election?

Election communicates a powerful truth in the bible about God .Paul has used word election in several of his epistles (Letters). Bible says God has chosen us before the foundation of earth in Christ. We were far away from God and were not partakers of any blessings promised to Abraham because we didn’t belong to the family of Abraham. But before the foundations of the earth that means before even God calling out Abraham, God had seen us in Christ. Paul used the verb “eklegomai”, In the middle or passive voice it means “to pick out for oneself” or “choose”. Yes Bible says God has chosen us or elected us out of many for a purpose. The purpose of God’s calling can be found throughout the bible. Let’s look into few verses that would shed light on to purpose of God’s election. Bible says God has chosen us in Christ to be holy, blameless and to be confirmed to the image of His son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4,5). God has chosen us not just for this world but for an eternal hope to an eternal house whose builder is God alone. Jesus said we are light of the world and apostle Paul beautifully portraits this in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 that we are ambassadors of Christ called to make an appeal to the world to be reconcile to God through Christ Jesus.

Encouraging Each other

Peter is writing this letter to encourage the churches in Asia. Why is this necessary? We live in a day where discouragement is all around us. Every single day we run into someone who is complaining, being negative, or is very discouraged. How do we respond to this discouraging situation and help other who go through the same situations?
God is not a God who has designed us to live a life of discouragement or to lose hope. That is not who we really are and you can be assured if you’re living this way, that’s not who you really are. We live in a world which is broken by sin. And only God can truly help us during the discouragement we face. When Jesus was in gethsemane the night before his crucifixion cried out to father because of the pain he was about to bear; Father heard his prayer and send angels to assist him. When you are discouraged lets boldly call our God who can deliver us. God’s word also encourages to encourage others “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11.