1 Peter 2b Commentary
Chapter 2 is anchored by verse 9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Royal priesthood: Saints still offer sacrifices. These are sacrifices of “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13 verses 15 and 16.
Holy nation: Peter is an Israelite but he isn’t thinking of Israel as the holy nation. The holy land isn’t a strip of land previously called Canaan which Abraham inherited. Citizens of this holy nation have passports, speak a certain language, and conduct themselves in a certain way.
They abstain from sinful desires. This is strong! It is a small matter to state that citizens mustn’t sin, but to say that they also abstain from sinful desires is truly next level! Sanctification at its best!
We can begin to put the pieces together. In other places, this holy nation is called the Body of Christ – the household of faith. And by faith, they occupy a piece of land promised to Abraham. Jesus sits on the throne as the King. It is a kingdom of priests and kings (princes and princesses). The word “dominion” sounds louder in these lines. Isaiah’s Son with the government on His shoulders comes to mind – a government without an end! Isaiah 9.
Interestingly, the saint still lives on earth and interacts with pagans! Ambassadors? Yes. Foreigners and aliens? Yes.
Foreigners: They don’t understand the traditions of earthly men. They isolate themselves. They don’t take part in earthly festivities. They keep to themselves. They don’t go by the rules of earthly etiquette. They have their own code of conduct – dictated by Heaven.
Aliens: They look the part. You can tell they don’t belong here. Their tastes are different! But they are obedient even to the strange human authorities. They do good to all.
God’s special possession: They are slaves of Jesus. They have no mind of their own. Jesus’ opinion runs supreme; Jesus’ command is their very life!
Thus Peter defines the saint’s life under the sun!
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