"To the Elect Exiles..." - 1 Peter Chapter 1:1-4 Commentary

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion ^a in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 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. (1 Peter 1:1-2 ESV, footnote added)

Author: Peter, as stated in the opening lines.

Intended Audience: ^{a "}elect exiles of the Dispersion" (It is safe to assume that Peter's writing can now be applied to the entire church, but it did have specified recipients at the time of writing.)

      The first question I had to ask was, "Who are these elect exiles?"  I am torn between two answers here: Jews or Christians.  I am tending to lean more toward Jews for a number of reasons.  He references "the Dispersion" which traditionally is Israel's plight of being removed from their homeland after the destruction of the temple until the nation of Israel was established in 1948 (though later in the chapter he uses "the time of your exile" metaphorically, so i am not sure if this is part of that extended metaphor or not.)  The Roman Empire occupied Israel at the time of Peter's writing-
      He also references "the futile ways of your forefathers" later in verse 18.  The phrasing makes me think of the Jewish system of law following and sacrifice, which was ultimately futile in producing salvation for them as a people, but he could also just be referring to the Gentiles forefathers' ways as being futile, but to me this seems less likely given the overall message of the chapter.
      Also, I believe Peter is traditionally viewed as being minister to the Jews, whereas Paul is called distinctly to the Gentiles.  Peter makes reference to multiple passages of the old testament in this chapter alone, including Deuteronomy and Isaiah, which is far more effective a tool of persuasion to Jews than Gentiles, though that in and of itself is not enough to go on.
      From the context of the book, mainly Peter's multiple discourses on suffering, I think that it was written during the time of persecution of the early Christian church by Rome, so it is also possible he could be referring to Christians who were refugees of the persecution rather than the Jewish Diaspora.
      Now whether or not they were originally Jews, we know from the language used in verse two (and the word elect in verse one) that they were believers in Christ and that they were residents of those five city regions all within modern day Turkey (Asia Minor) which is near halfway between the Holy Land and Rome.
      Peter talks about the the role of the Trinity in bringing them to salvation and sanctification as was the Father's plan from the beginning.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

       I have noticed recently a tendency to gloss over any verse about salvation and what Jesus did because of my involvement in church for the better part of my life, and the fact that I have heard it so many times.  Father, help me to view this with fresh eyes.
      This section praises God for the salvation we achieve through Christ's sacrifice; We enter a "living hope" through his death.  Death is defeated by life and we are transferred out of our previous inheritance (death) to a hope of a life to come.  Verse four talks more about the inheritance we are promised now that we are no longer in death; our inheritance is unspoiled and is forever and we now look forward to receiving it.  A past action (the Resurrection) has put us in line to receive future glory- The payment is already made, we just have not yet collected what is now owed us.  This is the great mercy of God.