1 Petrus 1:17-23: Living as Strangers in a Foreign Land
In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle Peter writes to the early Christian communities in Asia Minor, who were facing persecution and hardships. In chapter 1, verses 17-23, Peter reminds them of their identity as strangers and foreigners in this world, and encourages them to live lives that honor God.
Living in Fear of God (1 Petrus 1:17-18)
<img src="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A17-18&version=TLB" alt="1 Peter 1:17-18" />
Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Peter reminds the believers that they are called to live in fear of God, recognizing that He is the one who judges each person's work impartially. As strangers in a foreign land, they are to live with reverence and awe, knowing that they have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
The Price of Redemption (1 Petrus 1:18-19)
<img src="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A18-19&version=TLB" alt="1 Peter 1:18-19" />
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
The price of redemption was not gold or silver, but the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. This reminds us of the immense value of our salvation, bought at the highest price - the life of God's only Son.
The Goal of Our Faith (1 Petrus 1:20-21)
<img src="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A20-21&version=TLB" alt="1 Peter 1:20-21" />
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
The goal of our faith is not to gain temporary comfort or security, but to believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and glorified Him. Our faith and hope are in God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Purified Souls (1 Petrus 1:22-23)
<img src="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A22-23&version=TLB" alt="1 Peter 1:22-23" />
Now that you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, so as to show sincere brotherly love for the brethren, love one another fervently from the heart, since you have been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
As believers, we have been purified through our obedience to the truth, and our souls have been born again through the Word of God, which lives and abides forever. This new birth enables us to show sincere brotherly love for one another, and to love each other fervently from the heart.
In conclusion, as strangers and foreigners in this world, we are called to live lives that honor God, recognizing the immense value of our salvation bought by the precious blood of Christ. May we live in reverent fear of God, and show sincere love for one another, as we journey through this foreign land.
