MONDAY August 17, 2026

Pilgrims of the Dispersion

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
1 Peter 1:1-2

The Apostle Peter gave us two letters, 1 and 2 Peter. In his introduction, he established his call––he was an apostle of Jesus Christ––an ambassador, one who was “sent out.” Peter’s personal letter to the elect was primarily written to Jewish believers scattered throughout ancient Roman provinces in Asia Minor because of facing persecution in Jerusalem, but he also included Gentile believers (1 Peter 2:10). Today these provinces are located in modern day Turkey.

The believers were referred to as pilgrims of the Dispersion. They were displaced from their homes and became known as strangers in the provinces where they had fled. Are we not all pilgrims and strangers passing through a world that is not our home? Christians will always be persecuted in a hostile world that is adverse to Christ’s teachings.

Peter wrote during a horrendous time when Rome was persecuting Christians. The Roman government enforced a decree that Christians must sacrifice to their pagan gods. One notorious Caesar was Nero. He hated Christians and used them as scapegoats for the famous burning of Rome in 64 AD. Rome burned for six days until brought under control, but flames once again ignited, and the fire burned for another three days.

Under Roman rule, citizens were ordered to declare “Caesar is Lord.” Those who refused were sentenced to death. Christians were crucified upside down. Some were tarred and set on fire to be living torches while being burned alive. Others suffered horrible fates as believers; they were torn apart by wild beasts or eaten alive in Roman arenas.

However, persecution did nothing to quench the fire of the Gospel; it strengthened the Church and spread the Gospel.

I fear neither death nor fire. I am prepared for both, so do your worst!"
~William Lithgow~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!