As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4–5
Chosen Exiles: The Book of 1 Peter
The letter of 1 Peter was written to a marginalized minority of scattered Christians living in the midst of the oppressive Roman Empire, and throughout the letter, the apostle Peter seeks to encourage believers to stand firm in the midst of suffering.