Which theological and rhetorical functions may the naming ????????? of the recipients have had in First Peter? This paper provides a theological and rhetorical analysis of the use of ????????? in First Peter. Theological background is provided through intertextual research on its occurences in the Septuagint (Ex 19:6; 23:22 and 2 Macc 2:17). Analysis of the theological and rhetorical functions of ????????? in First Peter builds on rhetorical methods, and predominantly the work of professor Lauri Thurén.