1 Peter 1:1

Observe here, 1. The penman of this epistle described by his name, Peter; by his office, an Apostle; by the author of his office, Jesus Christ. This name Peter was given him by our Saviour, and signifieth. stone,. rock, probably for his confession and acknowledgment of Christ, the rock upon whom the Christian church was built; his call to the office, first of. disciple, and then of an apostle, was from Christ himself. It is. singular support to the ministers of the gospel of Christ, under all their discouragements, to consider whose officers they are, and from whom they have both their mission and their message, their authority and their abilities, for the sacred function: Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ.

Observe, 2. The persons to whom the epistle is directed, to the strangers scattered abroad in Pontus, Galatia, &c. that is, to such of the converted Jews and proselyted Gentiles as were dispersed into several countries, exiled and banished from house and home, for the sake of Christ and his holy religion, which they made. faithful profession of.

Learn hence, That. state of exile and banishment from outward comforts and privileges, has been, and may be, the lot and portion of. people that are exceeding dear to Almighty God: To the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

Observe, 3. How he comforts them in this their persecuted condition, by declaring to them the great things which God had done for them in their election, vocation, and sanctification; assuring them that God had chosen them out of the world, according to his foreknowledge and unsearchable counsel, and effectually called them to the participation of his grace, sanctifying them by his Spirit that they should obey the truth, and by faith be sprinkled with the blood of Christ, and thereby be brought into. state of perfect peace and reconciliation with God.

Learn hence, 1. That God has certainly chosen some to happiness as the end, are also chosen to holiness as the mean: Elect through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience. Sanctification is the fruit of our election, and obedience the end of our sanctification.

Learn, 2. That sanctification and justification always accompany one another; here is sanctification and sprinkling with the blood of Christ joined together: where note, Christ, as mediator, has blood, his blood was shed, his blood that was shed must be sprinkled, and by faith applied; and we can never discern our interest in the blood of Christ, till we are sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, and our hearts and lives wrought unto obedience. Justification and sanctification, though distinct in their nature, yet are inseparable in their subject.

Observe, lastly, The salutation here sent to these dispersed saints, Grace and peace be multiplied.

Where note, 1. The connexion, grace and peace. 2. The order, first grace, and then peace. 3. The option, be multiplied.

The blessings prayed for, are the choicest, the sweetest, and the best of blessings, grace and peace: together with the augmentation and abundant increase of both, Grace and peace be multiplied.

Learn, That there is nothing that the ministers of Christ do more passionately desire and more earnestly endeavour, than to see their people brought into, and preserved in,. state of favour and peace with God, and enjoying. multiplied increase of all spiritual and temporal blessings from him.