Editing First Epistle of Peter (section)

==Audience==
1 Peter is addressed to the "elect resident aliens" scattered throughout [[Pontus (region)|Pontus]], [[Galatia]], [[Cappadocia]], Asia, and [[Bithynia]]. The five areas listed in 1:1 as the geographical location of the first readers were [[Roman province]]s in Asia Minor. The order in which the provinces are listed may reflect the route to be taken by the messenger who delivered the circular letter. The recipients of this letter are referred to in 1:1 as "exiles of the Dispersion". In 1:17, they are urged to "live in reverent fear during the time of your exile".{{Sfn | Stanton | 2003}}{{Page needed |date=April 2022}}  The social makeup of the addressees of 1 Peter is debatable because some scholars interpret "strangers" (1:1) as Christians longing for their home in heaven, some interpret it as literal "strangers", or as an Old Testament adaptation applied to Christian believers.{{Sfn | Stanton | 2003}}{{Page needed |date=April 2022}}

While the new Christians have encountered oppression and hostility from locals, Peter advises them to maintain loyalty both to their religion and the Roman Empire (1 Peter 2:17).<ref>W. R. F. Browning.   10 May 2012.  "[http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t94.e1457  Peter, first letter of]", ''A Dictionary of the Bible''.  Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.  University of Chicago.</ref>

The author counsels (1) to steadfastness and perseverance under persecution (1–2:10); (2) to the practical duties of a holy life (2:11–3:13); (3) he adduces the example of Christ and other motives to patience and holiness (3:14–4:19); and (4) concludes with counsels to pastors and people (chap. 5).