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,
Peter was the beloved name that Jesus himself had bestowed upon this apostle, and is the Greek form of the Aramaic name meaning "stone" or "pebble."  Jesus had first spoken it prophetically (John 1:42), later confirming it, when in his great confession of Christ  (Matthew 16:18), this great apostle was proving his perception and dependability.