You might say that the “exiles” whom Peter addressed in 1 Peter are expats. Christians who fled from their homeland because of persecution or difficulty. So they arrived in their new residence stressed and with none of the advantages of being with their own people at home.
What would you do if you suddenly had to flee to a neighboring locale where you do not speak the language, are unaccustomed to the rituals and lifestyle of the people, nor eat the same foods. On top of that, imagine how it would be to be in a place where people don’t like you and do things to make your life miserable. What would you do?
In Peter’s letters to these expats he offers wisdom about how to live in a way that would honor God and win God’s approval, no matter how resistant the world is. Peter told them, “So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7.
The core of Peter’s wise advice to the exiles was to remember who you are and whose you are. The words exile and pilgrim describe the mindset he wants them to have. To remember that in terms of the values and ethics of a Jesus follower, being in a foreign land was a temporary inconvenience. Peter reminds them that the citizenship which really counts is being part of God’s “temple.”
In a sort of “Travelers Guide for Living Like a Pilgrim,” Peter gives these disenfranchised people some guideline for being prepared to live outside of your homeland. Here are some highlights of those guidelines:
- Live with a clear mind and a controlled life.
- Don’t imitate the behaviors and ethics of the people who are persecuting you.
- Respect the local authorities and respect everyone around you.
- Be kind and humble in your relationships at home.
- Love your fellow disciples.
- Expect suffering if you break the law.
- Don’t be guilty of the unrestrained, decadent behavior of the culture.
Peter told the exiles that living in such a way would prove to be surprising to their neighbors, and they may even persecute you for it. But this should make you glad because you are living as Jesus did.
Jesus to the persecuted, we know we were not made for the world as it presently is. So we are encouraged by the wise way that Peter instructed the exiles to live. May we seek to be the same sort of controlled, honorable, and loving people toward those we know in our age. In your name we pray this. Amen.