Peter writes that through [Christ]
these exiles are believers in God.
It is not possible to believe in God without Jesus Christ. That is because what one believes concerning God is the good news of his sending his Son to ransom sinners from slavery to sin. It is also because only Christ can work this faith in a sinner’s heart; that is, rebirth is Christ’s work (through his Spirit). See also Acts 3:16.
21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.