1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
But you are a chosen people
The phrase "chosen people" is deeply rooted in the concept of divine election, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. The Greek word for "chosen" is "eklektos," which signifies being selected or picked out by God for a special purpose. This echoes the Old Testament idea of Israel as God's chosen nation (Deuteronomy 7:6). In the New Testament context, this extends to all believers, emphasizing that Christians are selected by God's grace, not by their merit, to be His representatives on earth.

a royal priesthood
The term "royal priesthood" combines two significant roles: royalty and priesthood. The Greek word "basileios" means royal or kingly, while "hierateuma" refers to a priestly order. This dual identity reflects the believer's access to God and authority in His kingdom. Historically, priests mediated between God and people, and kings ruled with authority. In Christ, believers are granted both privileges, serving as intermediaries who bring others to God and exercising spiritual authority in His name.

a holy nation
The phrase "holy nation" draws from the Greek "ethnos hagion," where "ethnos" means nation or people group, and "hagion" means holy or set apart. This concept is reminiscent of Israel's calling to be a distinct people (Exodus 19:6). For Christians, it signifies being set apart for God's purposes, living in a way that reflects His holiness. This holiness is not inherent but is imparted through Christ's righteousness, calling believers to live lives that honor God.

a people for God’s own possession
The phrase "a people for God’s own possession" translates the Greek "laos eis peripoiēsis," indicating a people acquired or purchased by God. This reflects the idea of redemption, where believers are bought with a price, the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20). Historically, this echoes the covenant relationship God had with Israel, now extended to all who are in Christ. It underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people, who are treasured and valued by Him.

to proclaim the virtues of Him
The purpose of being chosen, royal, holy, and possessed by God is "to proclaim the virtues of Him." The Greek word "aretas" refers to moral excellence or virtues. Believers are called to declare God's excellencies, His attributes, and deeds. This proclamation is both verbal and through the testimony of a transformed life. It is a call to evangelism and witness, sharing the goodness and greatness of God with the world.

who called you out of darkness
The phrase "who called you out of darkness" uses the Greek "kalesantos," meaning to call or summon. Darkness symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. This calling is an invitation to leave behind a life of sin and enter into a relationship with God. It reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which brings individuals from spiritual blindness into the light of truth and salvation.

into His marvelous light
Finally, "into His marvelous light" contrasts the previous state of darkness. The Greek word "thaumastos" means wonderful or extraordinary. Light represents truth, purity, and the presence of God. This imagery is rich in biblical symbolism, where God is often associated with light (John 8:12). Believers are called to live in this light, experiencing the fullness of life in Christ and reflecting His glory to the world. This transformation is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the fullness of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers who are scattered and facing persecution.

2. The Church
The recipients of Peter's letter, representing the collective body of believers in Christ, both Jew and Gentile, who are now considered God's chosen people.

3. God
The sovereign Creator who has called believers out of darkness and into His marvelous light, making them His own possession.

4. Darkness and Light
Symbolic representations of sin and ignorance versus truth and righteousness. Believers are called out of the former into the latter.

5. Old Testament Israel
The original "chosen people" and "royal priesthood," whose identity and mission are now extended to the Church through Christ.
Teaching Points
Chosen Identity
Believers are chosen by God, not by their own merit, but by His grace. This identity should instill confidence and purpose.

Royal Priesthood
As a royal priesthood, Christians have direct access to God and the responsibility to intercede for others and represent God to the world.

Holy Nation
Holiness is both a status and a calling. Believers are set apart for God's purposes and should live in a way that reflects His character.

Proclaiming Virtues
The primary mission of believers is to declare the excellencies of God, sharing the gospel and living lives that reflect His transformative power.

From Darkness to Light
The transition from darkness to light signifies a radical change in identity and lifestyle, calling for ongoing spiritual growth and maturity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our identity as a "chosen people" impact the way we live our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we fulfill our role as a "royal priesthood" in our communities and workplaces?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to live as a "holy nation" in a world that often opposes Christian values?

4. How can we effectively "proclaim the virtues" of God in our current cultural context?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced being called out of "darkness into His marvelous light." How can this experience encourage others in their faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 19:5-6
This passage describes Israel as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation," which Peter echoes to show the continuity of God's plan through the Church.

Isaiah 43:20-21
God speaks of forming a people for Himself to declare His praise, paralleling the purpose given to the Church in 1 Peter 2:9.

Colossians 1:13
Paul speaks of believers being delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Christ, similar to the calling out of darkness mentioned by Peter.

Revelation 1:6
John describes believers as a kingdom and priests to God, reinforcing the identity and role of the Church.
What the Church is forA. Maclaren 1 Peter 2:9
Newborn Babes and the Higher IsraelR. Finlayson 1 Peter 2:1-10
Christian Life Crowned with Wonderful HonorC. New 1 Peter 2:4-10
A Living DoxologyC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:9-10
A Peculiar PeopleW. Arnot.1 Peter 2:9-10
A Peculiar PeopleJ. Trapp.1 Peter 2:9-10
A People Proper to the LordJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:9-10
A Purchased PeopleHubert Brooke, M. A.1 Peter 2:9-10
Children of LightScientific Illustrations and Symbols1 Peter 2:9-10
Christians Must be Real and TrueChristian World1 Peter 2:9-10
Consider What You WereJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:9-10
Corporate HolinessA. Grant, D. C. L.1 Peter 2:9-10
Darkness and LightHomilist1 Peter 2:9-10
Darkness and LightT. B. Baker.1 Peter 2:9-10
Every Baptized Man a Priest of GodH. Melvill, B. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
Mirrors of GodA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
Opened EyesG. W. Bibb.1 Peter 2:9-10
Out of Darkness into LightW. Harris.1 Peter 2:9-10
Refusing LightR. Miller.1 Peter 2:9-10
Showing Forth God's ExcellencesJ. Trapp.1 Peter 2:9-10
Showing Forth the Excellences of ChristE. H. Hopkins.1 Peter 2:9-10
Spiritual Darkness and LightProf. R. Flint.1 Peter 2:9-10
The Christian EstateAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:9-10
The Church of ChristR. Glover, D. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
The Glory of the Church as a CommonwealthU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 2:9, 10
The Glory of the Church as a CommonwealthHomilist1 Peter 2:9-10
The Gospel a LightJ. Parker, D. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
The People of GodE. Steane, D. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
The Sacred in the SecularJ. S. Shipman, D. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
The Superior Light of the Gospel1 Peter 2:9-10
The True IsraelJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 2:9-10
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Zion
Topics
Acquired, Belonging, Choice, Chosen, Clear, Completely, Dark, Darkness, Declare, Deeds, Elect, Excellence, Excellences, Excellencies, Forth, Generation, God's, Heaven, Holy, Kingly, Kings, Lineage, Marvellous, Marvelous, Nation, Peculiar, Perfections, Possession, Praises, Priesthood, Priests, Proclaim, Race, Royal, Shew, Special, Specially, Virtues, Wonderful, Wondrous
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 2:9

     1175   God, will of
     1680   types
     4811   darkness, symbol of sin
     4835   light, spiritual
     5135   blindness, spiritual
     5369   kingship, divine
     5489   rank
     5549   speech, positive
     6606   access to God
     6620   calling
     6622   choice
     7027   church, purpose
     7028   church, life of
     7125   elect, the
     7145   remnant
     7414   priesthood, NT
     7769   priests, NT types
     7942   ministry
     7949   mission, of Israel
     8270   holiness, set apart
     8272   holiness, growth in
     8341   separation
     8419   enlightenment
     8496   witnessing, importance
     8624   worship, reasons
     8665   praise, reasons
     9412   heaven, worship and service
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed

1 Peter 2:9-10

     2030   Christ, holiness
     5424   nationalism
     6686   mercy
     6710   privileges
     7024   church, nature of
     7032   unity, God's people
     7135   Israel, people of God
     7142   people of God, NT
     7950   mission, of Christ
     8106   assurance, nature of

1 Peter 2:9-11

     7923   fellowship, in gospel
     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

1 Peter 2:9-12

     6627   conversion, nature of
     6746   sanctification, means and results
     8271   holiness, purpose

Library
Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The Jewish Rebellions
1 PETER ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. I think that you will understand the text, and indeed the whole of St. Peter's first Epistle, better, if I explain to you somewhat the state of the Eastern countries of the world in St. Peter's time. The Romans, a short time before St. Peter was born, had conquered all the nations round them, and brought them under law and regular government. St. Peter now tells those
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Christ the Exemplar
'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.'--1 Peter ii. 21. These words are a very striking illustration of the way in which the Gospel brings Christ's principles to bear upon morals and duty. The Apostle is doing nothing more than exhorting a handful of slaves to the full and complete and patient acceptance of their hard lot, and in order to teach a very homely and lowly lesson to the squalid minds of a few captives,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Transcriber's Note:
List of corrections and amendments made: Ephesians: Page 36: added closing quote after "the event of our inheritance" (line 3) 102: "gentle words ot" to "to" 154: "it" added in "what it is to hear" 263: [Preached on Whitsunday] was a footnote. 286: (R.V.) to (R.V.). for consistency with other references. 286: "please to understand" to "do" 287: "we shoud be entitled" to "should" 391: added -- and changed Ephes. to Eph. for consistency with other headings 391: added colon after "Mark its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Spiritual Sacrifices
'... Spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter ii. 5. In this verse Peter piles up his metaphors in a fine profusion, perfectly careless of oratorical elegance or propriety. He gathers together three symbols, drawn from ancient sacrificial worship, and applies them all to Christian people. In the one breath they are 'temples,' in the next 'priests,' in the third 'sacrifices.' All the three are needed to body out the whole truth of the relationship of the perfect universal
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Mirrors of God
... That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness ...'--1 Peter ii. 9. The Revised Version, instead of 'praises,' reads excellencies--and even that is but a feeble translation of the remarkable word here employed. For it is that usually rendered 'virtues'; and by the word, of course, when applied to God, we mean the radiant excellencies and glories of His character, of which our earthly qualities, designated by the same name, are but as shadows. It is, indeed,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
'To Whom coming, as unto a living stone ... ye also, as living stones, are built up.'--1 Peter ii. 4, 5. I wonder whether Peter, when he wrote these words, was thinking about what Jesus Christ said to him long ago, up there at Caesarea Philippi. He had heard from Christ's lips, 'Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church.' He had understood very little of what it meant then. He is an old man now, years of experience and sorrow and work have taught him the meaning of the words, and he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ Precious to Believers
This remark is uttered by way of introduction, it may seem egotistical, but that I cannot help. I must give glory to God in the midst of the great congregation, and pay my vows to the Lord now in the midst of all his saints, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. My text states a positive fact, namely, that Christ is precious to believers. This shall be the first part of our discourse; then in the second we will try to answer the question, why is Jesus Christ so precious to his believing people? And
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Coming to Christ
"To whom coming."--1 Peter 2:4. IN THESE three words you have, first of all, a blessed person mentioned, under the pronoun "whom"--"To whom coming." In the way of salvation we come alone to Jesus Christ. All comings to baptism, comings to confirmation, comings to sacrament are all null and void unless we come to Jesus Christ. That which saves the soul is not coming to a human priest, nor even attending the assemblies of God's saints; it is coming to Jesus Christ, the great exalted Saviour, once slain,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."--1 PETER ii. 5. There is a manifest reference in the fourth verse to the personage alluded to in Psalm cxviii. 22, 23: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." And this passage is applied by Christ to himself in Matthew xxi. 42: "Jesus saith unto them, Did
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

That the Grace of God Doth not Join Itself to those who Mind Earthly Things
"My Son, precious is My grace, it suffereth not itself to be joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations. Therefore thou oughtest to cast away all things which hinder grace, if thou longest to receive the inpouring thereof. Seek a secret place for thyself, love to dwell alone with thyself, desire the conversation of no one; but rather pour out thy devout prayer to God, that thou mayest possess a contrite mind and a pure conscience. Count the whole world as nought; seek to be alone
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You...
"For hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow in his steps." It was Friday morning and the Rev. Henry Maxwell was trying to finish his Sunday morning sermon. He had been interrupted several times and was growing nervous as the morning wore away, and the sermon grew very slowly toward a satisfactory finish. "Mary," he called to his wife, as he went upstairs after the last interruption, "if any one comes after this, I wish you would
Charles M. Sheldon—In His Steps

Defective Learning.
"He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded."--1 Peter ii. 6. St. Paul declares that faith is the gift of God (Ephes. ii. 8). His words, "And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," refer to the word "faith." A new generation of youthful expositors confidently assert that these words refer to "by grace are ye saved." The majority of them are evidently ignorant of the history of the exegesis of the text. They only know that the pronoun "that" in the clause "and that not of yourselves"
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
Valerian, who had treated the Christians so cruelly, came to a miserable end. He led his army into Persia, where he was defeated and taken prisoner. He was kept for some time in captivity; and we are told that he used to be led forth, loaded with chains, but with the purple robes of an emperor thrown over him, that the Persians might mock at his misfortunes. And when he had died from the effects of shame and grief, it is said that his skin was stuffed with straw, and was kept in a temple, as a remembrance
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer
GOD'S PEACE OBTAINED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Phil. 4:6, 7. When we make our requests known unto God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we are assured of receiving His peace through Christ Jesus. When we enter into the sacred Presence of the Prince of Peace, we enter into the place of perfect peace. The house of prayer is the sanctuary
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

The First Wall.
Let us, in the first place, attack the first wall. It has been devised, that the Pope, bishops, priests and monks are called the Spiritual Estate; Princes, lords, artificers and peasants, are the Temporal Estate; which is a very fine, hypocritical device. But let no one be made afraid by it; and that for this reason: That all Christians are truly of the Spiritual Estate, and there is no difference among them, save of office alone. As St. Paul says (1 Cor. xii.), we are all one body, though each member
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
1. Brief recapitulation. Why the subject of primacy not yet mentioned. Represented by Papists as the bond of ecclesiastical unity. Setting out with this axiom, they begin to debate about their hierarchy. 2. Question stated. An attempted proof from the office of High Priest among the Jews. Two answers. 3. Arguments for primacy from the New Testament. Two answers. 4. Another answer. The keys given to the other apostles as well as to Peter. Other two arguments answered by passages of Cyprian and Augustine.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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