Peter, one of Jesus' first disciples, was told by Jesus that he would become a leader among the Apostles to guide the church through its earliest years. Eventually he was called to take the gospel beyond the borders of Israel and this letter was written decades into that wider mission. Written in Rome it was circulated to numerous churches in the region of Asia Minor and Peter wrote to encourage them in their faith despite persecution. He affirms their identity in Christ and helps them to view their suffering as an opportunity to witness to Jesus as they wait for their eternal hope.