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Devotion by Ben Stuart
To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Peter 1:1-2).
Peter opens his letter by addressing believers as “elect exiles” (1:1)—a term that would have instantly reminded readers of Daniel’s story. Just as Daniel lived as an exile in Babylon, Christians are described as resident aliens, living in this world but ultimately belonging to the kingdom of Heaven.
Despite their hardships and persecution, Peter reminds believers that their true identity in Jesus is unshakable. They are “born again to a living hope” through the resurrection of Jesus (1:3), and their inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1:4). While Rome sought to compromise their identity, Peter called them to remember their true belonging in Christ.
From this identity flows their activity. Just as Daniel remained secure in his identity and faithful to God in Babylon, Peter calls Christians to do the same: to hope (1:13), to pursue holiness (1:15-16), to live reverently (1:17-19), and to love one another earnestly (1:22).
Reflection: How does knowing your unshakable identity in Christ—chosen, beloved, born to a new hope and redeemed by the blood of Jesus—shape the activity of your day-to-day life?