1 Peter 1:1

Authorized King James Version

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Πέτρος
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#2
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
#3
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#5
ἐκλεκτοῖς
select; by implication, favorite
#6
παρεπιδήμοις
to the strangers
an alien alongside, i.e., a resident foreigner
#7
διασπορᾶς
scattered
dispersion, i.e., (specially and concretely) the (converted) israelite resident in gentile countries
#8
Πόντου
throughout Pontus
a sea; pontus, a region of asia minor
#9
Γαλατίας
Galatia
galatia, a region of asia
#10
Καππαδοκίας
Cappadocia
cappadocia, a region of asia minor
#11
Ἀσίας
Asia
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
Βιθυνίας
Bithynia
bithynia, a region of asia

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Peter. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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