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,
An apostle of Jesus Christ ... There was no need for Peter to defend his apostleship, for it was never questioned, as was sometimes true with Paul. Note also that he did not write "THE apostle," but "AN apostle."  He was always careful to acknowledge his own equality with all the Twelve and with Paul also.  "St. Peter knew no higher title to bestow on himself than that which he held in common with the other eleven."[2]