1 Peter 1:1

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen…

In this first verse of 1 Peter, we see that Peter was definitely one of Jesus’ apostles. In fact, he was the first to be chosen, along with his brother Andrew. When Jesus first saw them they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee, and He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:18-20).

Peter refers to the recipients of this letter as “aliens.” That word is used because they are true believers who by their conversion to Christ have their citizenship not of this earth but in heaven (Phil. 3:20).Peter later on (in 2:11) also calls them “aliens and strangers,” an even stronger term, depicting their excellent behavior among Gentiles (but strange to them, 2:12).

The ones he is sending this letter to are “chosen” believers who are scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia—which are areas you can easily find on any bible map, generally located between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.