2. A life of reverence 1:17-21Peter continued the exposition of the Leviticus commands to be holy because Yahweh is holy that he began in 1 Peter 1:16."Peter’s point is that if he and his readers have a special relationship to God by virtue of their calling and their new birth, then it is all the more urgent that they remember who he is in himself, and display the reverence that God deserves." [Note: Michaels, p. 60.] read more
The Greek word for "redeemed" (elytrothete) means to ransom, to free by paying a price (cf. Mark 10:45; Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14)."He [Peter] has some of the most noteworthy statements in the New Testament about the atoning value of Christ’s suffering." [Note: Leon Morris, New Testament Theology, p. 319. See 1:1-3, 18-25; 2:21-25; 3:18; 4:1, and Frederic R. Howe, "The Cross of Christ in Peter’s Theology," Bibliotheca Sacra 157:626 (April-June 2000):190-99.] "Any representative first-century... read more
1:19 spot, (l-13) Or 'by precious blood, as of Christ, a lamb, c.' or 'by [the] precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb, &c.' read more
Greeting in the Name of the Holy Trinity. Encouragement to Hope in Faith and Obedience1, 2. To the strangers scattered throughout.. elect] RV ’to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in,’ etc. The RV order shows that the present circumstances of his readers, as well as their election and his own apostleship, are all according to the foreknowledge of God. Elect] i.e. chosen. Christians, like Israel of old, are God’s chosen people. The ’Dispersion’ was a term used to describe the Jews... read more
(13-4: 6) EXHORTATION TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE.—It is the only charm against persecution. It is like Christ to suffer with a good conscience; and He had His reward for it, in bringing us, and even the spirits of men who had died impenitent, to God thereby. It is the very meaning of the baptism by which He saves us. To feel its beauty and safety, we have but to consider the ugliness and danger of our former life. read more
(18) Forasmuch as ye know.—This correctly paraphrases the simple original knowing. Security, which is the opposite of the fear of the Father, is incompatible with knowing by whose and what anguish alone the inheritance could be purchased for us.Corruptible things.—St. Peter’s contempt for “silver and gold” is shown early in his history (Acts 3:6; comp. 1 Peter 3:4). Gold and silver will come to an end with everything else that is material. Observe that, by contrast, the “blood of Christ” is... read more
(19) With the precious blood of Christ.—“Precious” means, not “much prized by us,” but costly, precious in itself; opposed to the perishableness of gold and silver. Notice that it is not “Jesus,” but “Christ,” i.e., the Messiah. No price short of the “blood,” i.e., the death, of the Messiah could free the Jews from the thraldom of their “vain conversation.” (Comp. 1 Peter 1:2 and Note.) How Christ’s death freed them from it is not explained here; but we may give a twofold explanation, as we did... read more
The Trial of Faith 1 Peter 1:6-7 What is faith? Faith is the heart setting to its seal that God is true. Faith is an appropriating grace. Faith is an apprehending grace. True faith has a quick ear, a clear eye, a ready hand, and a Divine capacity for the word of God. One is tempted to ask, Why does our heavenly Father permit the faith of His poor children to be tried? The answer is in our text, because the trial of your faith is much more 'precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be... read more
Chapter 4 THE CHRISTIAN’S IDEAL, AND THE STEPS THEREUNTO1 Peter 1:13-21THE Apostle, who has set forth the character of the Christian’s election, who has given to the converts large assurance for the hope which he exhorts them to hold, who has proclaimed the exceeding glory of their inheritance in the future and how its nature had been foreshadowed in type and prophecy, now turns to those practical lessons which he would enforce from the doctrines of election and of future glory in heaven. Such... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 1:13-25
B. Our New Way of Life 1:13-25Peter wanted his readers to live joyfully in the midst of sufferings. Consequently he outlined his readers’ major responsibilities to enable them to see their duty clearly so they could carry it out. These responsibilities were their duties to God, to other believers, and to the world.The first sub-section of this epistle (1 Peter 1:3-12) stressed walking in hope. The second sub-section (1 Peter 1:13-25) emphasizes walking in holiness, reverence, and love. Peter... read more