1st Peter 2:9-12
This is possibly one of the most famous passages from that little group of Epistles toward the end of the New Testament. How often have we heard those words, or sung a variation of them over the years in church? Lots, let me tell you.
Peter is using Old Testament language to encourage his readers, “chosen”, “priesthood”, “holy”. All words used in the relationship between God and his ancient people, the Jews. Peter is calling them to a very different way of life (lived in the light, that all can see) and in so doing to live lives that will not give ammunition to those who oppose them.
It’s common sense: live lives such that others cannot find fault.
Hard going, isn’t it? Those first readers of Peter’s Epistles were struggling in a whole variety of ways but Peter went on encouraging them again and again.
This is possibly one of the most famous passages from that little group of Epistles toward the end of the New Testament. How often have we heard those words, or sung a variation of them over the years in church? Lots, let me tell you.
Peter is using Old Testament language to encourage his readers, “chosen”, “priesthood”, “holy”. All words used in the relationship between God and his ancient people, the Jews. Peter is calling them to a very different way of life (lived in the light, that all can see) and in so doing to live lives that will not give ammunition to those who oppose them.
It’s common sense: live lives such that others cannot find fault.
Hard going, isn’t it? Those first readers of Peter’s Epistles were struggling in a whole variety of ways but Peter went on encouraging them again and again.