Here, we are witnesses to a letter Peter has written to whom he calls "strangers" scattered abroad throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.  In other words,exhilic Jewish Christians and most likely, those  gentile converts with whom Peter took some issues in the beginning.

The Christo-centric nature of this book just screams much akin to something Paul himself would have written.  Peter is building up the saints much like Ezra did after there was no word for more than 70 years, while Nehemiah built the wall.  Hope, that most human of traits which keeps us from fainting, is what he gives.  In giving, he challenges the saints to be set apart in the world.  As such, Peter tells the reader, be holy- be set apart, be different, be Godly.  As strangers in strange land, I'm sure like their fathers before them, they found it hard to sing Zion's song.

What a magnificent salvation we have in the eternal work which Christ paid on the cross.  You have been redeemed!, not with silver and gold, that which tarnish and perish with time, but rather with the blood of the passover lamb who was chosen before the foundation of the world.  Oh, and by the way, unlike the lambs we used in times past, this one was without spot or blemish.  That old life handed down to you by your fathers-- useless and without purpose.  Now that you are in Christ, life has new meaning and purpose.