1:1 Peter. The name (which means “rock”) was given by Jesus (Matt. 16:18; John 1:42) in anticipation of the disciple’s role in the early church. His given Hebrew name was probably “Simeon,” or “Simon” in Greek. “Cephas” (John 1:42; 1 Cor. 1:12) is the transliteration of the Aramaic word for “rock.”

apostle. See note 2 Cor. 1:1.

elect. Peter reminds his readers of their privileged and secure position as the objects of God’s sovereign, gracious, eternal choice to be His people in and through Jesus Christ (2:9, 10).

exiles. This word (seen again in 2:11) emphasizes the temporary nature of a sojourner’s stay in a place. As exiles, Christians live in the world, but their real homeland is in heaven (Phil. 3:20; Heb. 11:13–16) and their hope is anchored there.

the dispersion. This word (Greek diaspora) was a technical term among Greek-speaking Jews for the Jews living outside Palestine (John 7:35). Here it is probably used figuratively to describe Christians as people who are away from their true homeland.

Pontus. Although 1 Peter has the character of a general letter (like James, 2 Peter, 1 John, Jude), it differs from the other General Epistles in that it specifies the areas in which the readers lived.