1 Peter 1:15-16 Commentary
God's Holy People
In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter continues to emphasize the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. As believers, we are called to be holy, just as God is holy.
1 Peter 1:15
"but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;"
In this verse, Peter is echoing the words of Leviticus 11:44-45 and Leviticus 20:7, where God commands Israel to be holy because He is holy. Peter applies this same principle to believers, urging us to be holy in all our behavior. This means that our conduct, attitudes, and actions should reflect the character of God.
The Call to Holiness
The phrase "but like the Holy One who called you" is a reminder that our calling is rooted in God's holiness. As believers, we are called to reflect God's character, which is holy, pure, and without blemish. This calling is not based on our own merits or abilities, but on God's sovereign initiative.
In All Your Behavior
The phrase "in all your behavior" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of our calling. We are not only called to be holy in our worship or devotional lives, but in every aspect of our daily behavior. This includes our relationships, our work, our speech, and our thoughts. As believers, we are called to be holy in every area of our lives.
1 Peter 1:16
"because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
In this verse, Peter quotes from Leviticus 11:44, where God commands Israel to be holy because He is holy. By quoting this verse, Peter is emphasizing that our calling to holiness is not a new or novel idea, but is rooted in the very character of God.
The Grounds for Holiness
The phrase "because it is written" grounds our calling to holiness in the authority of Scripture. It is not based on human opinion or cultural norms, but on the very word of God. The quotation from Leviticus emphasizes that our calling to holiness is rooted in God's own character and nature.
Conclusion
In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are reminded that our calling as believers is to be holy, just as God is holy. This calling is rooted in the very character of God and is applicable to every area of our lives. As we strive to live out this calling, may we be mindful of God's holiness and surrendered to His will in all we do.
