The apostle Peter, or more likely the unknown later author who belonged to Peter’s circle and wrote in his name, introduces himself with the same title of apostolic authority that we see in Paul’s epistles. The recipients are described with two qualifiers that set the tone and content of the letter: “chosen” and “residents outside their homeland.” Today, it is hard to imagine the emotion and grateful surprise those Christians must have felt as they reflected on this free gift from God, who had made them his new people. A divine choice that was, at the same time, a source of demands and commitments, to which the author alludes with the phrase “obey Jesus Christ” (2), and in imitation of him, face suffering and tribulation. He wishes them “grace and peace in abundance” (2).