NOTES for Pe1 1:1-12

Peter, like James, addresses the brothers as exiles scattered throughout different lands. Once again, the comparison between Christians and Jews living in the Diaspora naturally suggests itself. But Christians face not only life scattered among other peoples with different customs and beliefs, but also following Christ among their fellow countrymen and relatives, those closest to them, from whom they have suddenly been divided by a wall of incomprehension. Yet while the Old Testament Church was called to become a distinct people set apart, Christians are called to become a close-knit community while remaining part of the peoples to which they belong, and to go to their fellows with the proclamation of the Gospel. We are called chosen, and this election must not become a cause for self-exaltation; there is no merit of ours in being chosen, but it is a reason to be grateful to God.

The value and authenticity of faith are tested by trials. Overcoming temptations not only strengthens the person being tempted but also makes that person’s faith more steadfast. The test is necessary in order to see whether this truly is faith that transforms a person or merely a set of theoretical ideas.