1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Peter 2:9

Commentary

In the midst of their troubles, Peter reminded these believers of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ. Instead of seeing themselves as virtual nonpersons in a hostile culture, they needed to focus on their standing in Christ, who had called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (2:9).

They were:
· A chosen generation. They were among the elect of God, chosen according to His foreknowledge and born again to a living hope (1:2-5). God had called each one of them out of sin, to be a part of His redeemed people.

· A royal priesthood. These believers were part of the fulfillment of God's plan to prepare a kingdom of priests for Himself (Ex. 19:6; Is. 61:6; Rev. 1:6). They were to serve and worship God not by offering up the bodies of animals, but by presenting their own bodies as living sacrifices, available for His purposes (Rom. 12:1).

· A holy nation. Like the God who had called them to Himself, these people were to be holy (1 Pet. 1:16; compare Ex. 19:6). Their lifestyles were to reflect the very character of God, and their identity as His people was to be expressed in their character.

· A special people. They were called to a special, intimate relationship with God and each other. As a community, they were the people of God, with unique access to Him (Eph. 2:18).

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 2:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.