The Elect Exiles

Life as a Christian in Peter’s first century world wasn’t that different from following Jesus in contemporary American society. The Roman empire was preeminent in the world, but most of its citizens misunderstood Christians and the Messiah they followed. People worshipped a plethora of gods. The culture was technologically advanced, but also was visibly sex-soaked, idolatrous. And, because Christians just didn’t fit in, they were often maligned and persecuted. How does a Christian make a difference in a too-often hostile, hateful world? The epistle tells us plainly: “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12, ESV) How do we help the cause of Christ in a culture of sin and folly? Through Peter’s pen, God makes it clear: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15, ESV) Take a pilgrimage through 1 Peter this summer and discover fresh hope and joy as you learn how the Gospel empowers you to live graciously in an ungracious world. Embrace the paradox for all its beauty and power—you’re an “elect exile.”

Life as a Christian in Peter’s first century world wasn’t that different from following Jesus in contemporary American society. The Roman empire was preeminent in the world, but most of its citizens misunderstood Christians and the Messiah they followed. People worshipped a plethora of gods. The culture was technologically advanced, but also was visibly sex-soaked, idolatrous. And, because Christians just didn’t fit in, they were often maligned and persecuted. How does a Christian make a difference in a too-often hostile, hateful world? The epistle tells us plainly: “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12, ESV) How do we help the cause of Christ in a culture of sin and folly? Through Peter’s pen, God makes it clear: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15, ESV) Take a pilgrimage through 1 Peter this summer and discover fresh hope and joy as you learn how the Gospel empowers you to live graciously in an ungracious world. Embrace the paradox for all its beauty and power—you’re an “elect exile.”