After Peter’s imprisonment in Acts 12, he “went to another place” (Acts 12:17). Here in his epistle he addresses those who, it seems, had become his new field of service. We can draw some encouraging conclusions from the places named in this text. First, we would remember Peter’s preaching in Acts 2 at the inauguration of the Church age, when many Jews were in Jerusalem to observe the feast of Pentecost. In particular, some were from Pontus and Cappadocia (2:9–11), and no doubt people from those cities were among the first new believers in Christ that day. It is likely that the gospel had been carried back to those places, and now Peter had the privilege to follow up that initial work.

Peter also addressed Christians in the region of Galatia. Of course, Paul was used by the Lord in that area as well, and in fact his letter to the Galatians mentions Peter. However, in that epistle Paul spoke of Peter’s need for rebuke regarding certain hypocritical actions towards Gentile believers. After that necessary correction, though, there was no lingering shame for Peter. He freely wrote to them as a fellow laborer with Paul (cf. 2 Pet. 3:15).

Then Peter mentioned Bithynia. The only other New Testament reference to this city is an indication that Paul tried to preach there, but the Holy Spirit did not allow it (Acts 16:7). Evidently it was a field of service reserved for Peter; and here we find that Peter was indeed serving among them.

As with Peter, our own service for the Lord might at times involve follow-up work. Different occasions might include co-laboring with others; and still other service may involve pioneering efforts which the Lord has specifically reserved for us. We can trust Him to direct us in all these things.