From Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foresight of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace be multiplied.

          Who is Peter addressing this letter to? The strangers, scattered throughout five different nations. By this, you can conclude that he is speaking of the Jewish believers, because of the word scattered, as God’s people were exiles who were once dispersed in different places. We’re used to the Gentiles being referred to as strangers in the Bible, but in this case, the Jewish people are in other lands, making them the strangers. Now that Peter has made his greeting and well wishes, he continues with praise.

          Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again (we have been born again) to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible (which cannot die), and undefiled, and that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Rejoice greatly in this, even though for a while, if necessary, you are distressed through many different temptations. Rejoice greatly that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you don’t see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving (holding, welcoming, believing, allowing, experiencing) the outcome of your faith, which is the salvation of your souls.

          The prophets who prophesied of the Grace that you would receive, have inquired and searched diligently for this salvation, wondering what, or when, the Spirit of Christ (which was in them) meant, when it testified beforehand about the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that would follow. Not to those whom it was revealed to (the prophets and people who they spoke to), but to us, they ministered (spoke of) the things that are now reported to you (fulfilled prophecies) by those who have preached the Gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven; which things the Angels desire (wish) to look into.

          What does all this mean, it sounds soooooooo complicated, but it is really quite simple. Let's check it out. Well, it means that long ago the Spirit of Christ told the past prophets of the Bible about the sufferings of Christ and the Grace that would follow, way before Christ’s time, but the prophets and the people they taught, couldn’t understand it, because it hadn’t come to pass, and they never saw such things happen. Don’t forget that Peter’s audience here is made up of Jewish people who heard scripture all their lives, and he’s telling them, Look, scripture has been fulfilled, and those prophets were talking to US! And now, people are preaching the Gospel with the Holy Ghost and doing things that even the Angels wish they could comprehend!

          Peter continues, so prepare your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought to you when Jesus Christ returns. Be as obedient children, not following your former desires in your ignorance: but as Jesus, who has called you, is Holy, so should you be holy in all your manner of living; because it is written, Be holy; for I am Holy.

          And if you call on the Father, who without partiality of persons, judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your pilgrimage in fear (respect for God), since as you know, you weren’t redeemed with material things, like silver and gold, from your empty manner of life (received by tradition from your fathers), but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: who truly was predestined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your Faith and hope might be in God.