1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 is part of a letter written by the Apostle Peter to Christian believers scattered throughout various regions. In this letter, St.Peter addresses the challenges and trials faced by the early Christian community and offers encouragement and guidance on how to live a godly life amid difficult circumstances.
To understand the verse better, let's look at the context surrounding it:
1 Peter 2:4-10 (ESV):
"4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 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. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
'The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,'
8 and
'A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.'
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
In this passage, St.Peter uses the imagery of stones and a spiritual house to illustrate the spiritual reality of the Christian community. He refers to Jesus Christ as the "living stone" and the "cornerstone" that was initially rejected by people but chosen and precious in the sight of God. Those who believe in Christ are likened to "living stones" being built up into a spiritual house, signifying the unity and inter-connectedness of believers in the Church.
In verse 9, St.Peter addresses the believers directly, emphasizing their unique identity and purpose as followers of Christ. Let's break down the different aspects of their identity:
Chosen Race: Peter is not referring to a specific ethnic or genetic race but rather to the fact that believers in Christ are chosen by God. Through faith in Jesus, they become part of God's redeemed people, regardless of their backgrounds or origins.
Royal Priesthood: In the Old Testament, priests had the special role of mediating between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the community. Peter now applies this priestly concept to all believers. In Christ, they become a "royal priesthood," meaning they have direct access to God and can approach Him boldly without the need for human intermediaries.
Holy Nation: The Christian community, comprising believers from different nations and cultures, is considered a holy nation in the sense that they are set apart for God's purposes and live according to His values and principles.
People for God's Own Possession: Believers belong to God; they are His treasured possession, chosen and dearly loved by Him.
The purpose of this chosen and holy identity is highlighted in the latter part of the verse: "that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." The primary mission of Christians is to declare and magnify the greatness, goodness, and salvation of God. They were once living in spiritual darkness, but through faith in Christ, they have been brought into God's marvelous light – a metaphor for salvation and the knowledge of God's truth.
1 Peter 2:9 emphasizes the unique identity and purpose of believers in Christ. They are chosen by God, part of a spiritual priesthood, a holy nation, and God's cherished possession. Their purpose is to proclaim the greatness of God and His redemptive work, sharing the good news of salvation with others. The context underscores the idea that despite the challenges and opposition they might face, believers are called to live as a distinct and godly community, shining the light of Christ in the world.
