1 Peter 1:1-2 Know Who You Are: Elect Exiles

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Know Who You Are: Elect Exiles

1 Peter 1:1-2

Introduction: Peter’s first letter is about learning to live in a hostile world. When Peter wrote it was only the beginning of severe hostilities against Christians that would endure off and on for over 200 years. The world of Peter’s audience had been turned upside down. Seemingly overnight they had been ripped from their homes and sent to a foreign land, never to return.

But being exiled from their home was the least of their concerns. Only months before, Nero had set Rome on fire out of frustration that the Senate would not give him the money to refurbish the city. In order to escape the rumors that he was the culprit, Nero blamed the Christians. Christians were an easy mark. Their beliefs in following a crucified criminal was bad enough. They had rejected the Roman gods, who it was believed provided peace and prosperity to the empire, and they condemned the immoral Roman culture. Adding to this, there were wild rumors of cannibalistic meals of flesh and blood. The name, “Christian” was said in the same breath as “murderers, thieves, evildoers, and meddlers.” In other words, in 65 AD, Christians were hated. They were considered atheists and outlaws, and a sect of the Jews who were known as troublemakers in every city.

1. Preparing for the Text: Opening Observations (1:1-2)
   1. Peter’s unique and somewhat intricate introduction prepares for one of the more amazing messages among the 27 letters of the NT. The phrase “elect exiles of the Dispersion” is filled with meaning that must be explored for us to appreciate the rest of Peter’s message.
      1. First, note the term “dispersion” (Greek, diaspora). It is unfortunate that many of our translations do not at least translate the term as “dispersion” as in the ESV, NRSV, and NKJV. It is unfortunate because there is deep meaning to the term diaspora in the Jewish culture. NASB translates, “those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout…” HCSB, temporary residents dispersed.” CSB updated to, “living as exiles dispersed abroad” (much better). 
      2. The significance of the term was well known to the Jews and those knowledgable of OT history. Israel’s captivities, both Israel and Judah, resulted in the people being exiled to foreign countries where they were treated as conquered captives. Of course, the exile was a result of their sins against God. It was a shame to them and their nation; an indication of God’s wrath against them. 
      3. Therefore, the history of “diaspora” was a derogatory term. But the Lord adds “elect exiles” to remind these Jewish Christians that their exile was not a result of sin, but was used by the Lord as purposeful to bring the good news to a part of the empire that did not know the Lord.
      4. Compare this verse with 5:13, “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.” Babylon is a reminder of the great enemy nation of the Jews of old. They represented Satan’s world power. Revelation, which was written 3-4 years later, referred to Rome as Babylon, “the mother of all harlots” with the blood of the saints dripping from her mouth. 
         1. Commentators point out that this verse forms an “inclusio” to the beginning of the letter. “She who is at Babylon” would refer to the Christians in Rome who are also “elect.” These Christians in Rome are sending greetings, indicating that they were well acquainted with one another and therefore had been exiled from Rome.
         2. We now can see the greater message. The term “exile” or “resident alien” is used later in the letter to identify all Christians (2:11). While these first century Christians literally felt the weight of their physical exile, Peter intended that all Christians feel that same weight no matter where they lived in the world
   2. This is an incredible message for us, that I would suggest has not been taken very seriously. We have lived in a country that has made us feel at home, comfortable with our culture and surroundings. And while we have not in the past lived in a culture that would necessarily match the extremes of paganism that were seen in the 1st century, we nevertheless have fit in all too easily in our present world. Further, we need to be aware that these comfort zones are rapidly changing, emphasizing the need for us to be more diligent in adopting our true identity as exiles. 
   3. The tough lesson for us: We must understand the difference between patriotism for America and recognizing our true citizenship and commitment to the kingdom of God. America is subject to all the weaknesses of sin and corruption that every other world nation has suffered. If it continues to give up a respect for God and his moral authority – as has happened historically to every country – it will go the way of all the earth.
   4. We must put our culture and our political world in perspective. Luke argued throughout the book of Acts that being a Christian was not a threat to human governments. Paul was repeatedly found innocent of sedition. But along side this principle Luke also made clear that if governmental authorities attempted to crush or make illegal the God-ordained mission of Christians, they would find themselves falling on the “rock of offense.” They would be declaring war on the King of kings, and their end would come. (70 AD on the Jews)
   5. Now we can combine the terms “elect” and “exile.” To help, read the word “elect” as is also translated, “chosen.” Therefore we are chosen exiles. There are two principles we must consider:
      1. First, this is a term of identity. In other words, “chosen exile” is intended to define us. Say it to yourself! I am an elect exile; I am a chosen exile! Giving me an identify and purpose was one of the most important principles my parents gave me to prepare me to handle the pressures of a public school environment. That same identity is still critical!
      2. Second, we can now relate to biblical heroes in the past who were also elect exiles. Abraham was the first chosen exile of the Lord, and we are his offspring. Ezekiel and Daniel were elect exiles of the Lord. Consider Daniel’s life and think of living it. Captured as a teen and made a eunuch to serve in a pagan king! Why? Well, how else can God get his message to the kings of Babylon and Persia? And what an impact! Six hundred years later Gentile wise men from the East are the first to come and worship the newborn King! 
      3. Yes, I know, we like to say to ourselves, “I’m not a prophet.” Ah, but we are wrong. Do we not remember the Lord telling his disciples that John the Baptist was the greatest of all the prophets – that is – greatest in his purpose and ministry? [and yes, John was an elect exile living in the wilderness!]. But then Jesus added these words, “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he!” Indeed, our mission, our purpose, our identity as elect, chosen exiles is greater than all the prophets that every lived. Now, who are you?
2. How We Became Elect Exiles
   1. We have only observed the first half of Peter’s opening sentence. The second half describes four ways that God has made us elect exiles. This part of the sentence magnifies the greatness of our purpose and is an apt conclusion to Peter’s introduction.
   2. “According to the foreknowledge of God”: 
      1. Here is the point. These Christians who have been transplanted into a hostile environment are not suddenly being called “elect exiles.” In other words, Jesus is not just taking advantage of an unfortunate circumstance to give these Christians a purpose and reason for hope. No, their lives and the lives of all of God’s people as elect exiles was according to the foreknowledge of God – that is – before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).
      2. God’s intentionality in who we would be is therefore rooted in God’s purpose in all that he did in creation. “Chosen exiles” is an eternal purpose/identity.
   3. “In the sanctification of the Spirit”: “sanctification” is merely the idea of “setting apart.” In this case, making holy for a divine purpose. The work of the Spirit in  causing us to be born again by the living and transforming word of God has set us apart for God’s purpose. Cf. Exodus 19:5-6.
   4. “For obedience to Jesus Christ”: the work of the Spirit in sanctification drives us to obedience to Jesus and the resultant sprinkling of his blood on our hearts which cleanses us for service and seals an eternal covenant with him.
   5. These words are Peter’s reminder to all disciples that in order for God to make us who he intended us to be before the foundation of the world, he and he alone did a work that transcends the ages, and a purpose to the end goal of God’s glory throughout eternity!
   6. However, lest we think “exile” means that we withdraw from our world, in 2:9 Peter adds the purpose: “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 
   7. Now turn again to 5:12 “I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that his is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” Again, the letter is bookended with Peter’s key message: the true grace of God is described as living as elect exiles. Throughout this letter, Peter refers to suffering 12 times. An exile, one who adheres to the absolute authority of King Jesus, will stand out and stand firm against a world with its moral fads. This is the true grace of God.

Conclusion: Now we need to say it again to ourselves and say it out loud every day: I am an elect, chosen exile. I am not here to blend in comfortably with this world, but to stand out as one who is a citizen of an eternal Kingdom, serving an eternal God, and proclaiming the excellencies of him.

“At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ This phrase, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of things that are shaken – that is, things that have been made – in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire”  (Hebrews 12:28-29)

Berry Kercheville