Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as strangers in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
The Recipients: The letter is addressed to Christians in the central and northern provinces of Asia Minor. It is addressed to the elect who are sojourners of the dispersion. It is apparent that the readers were Christians of both Jewish and Gentile background ( 1 Peter 1:14; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Peter 4:3-5). Peter looked upon the scattered Christians as sojourners upon earth and as dispersed among the nations. It is likely that because of Nero’s persecution many Christians had been forced to seek safety in the provinces Peter mentions.