Peter was with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry. He saw the miracle healings, the raising of the dead, the feeding of massive hoards of people with a tiny amount of food. He saw Jesus crucified and he saw him raised again. He was there when Jesus ascended back into heaven. Peter saw amazing things! And this Peter tells us to be glad and to live with "great expectations!" Amazing and indescribable things are coming and we don't want to miss out. That is how Peter begins his letter to Christians in Asia Minor (today called Turkey).