In this passage, Peter is addressing believers and reminding them of their unique identity and calling as followers of Christ. He uses several metaphors to describe this identity and calling.
Firstly, Peter describes believers as a "chosen people." This phrase is a reference to the Old Testament concept of the chosen people of Israel, but here it is applied to all believers in Christ. This phrase highlights the idea that believers are not a random group of people, but rather a group that has been intentionally selected by God for a specific purpose.
Secondly, Peter describes believers as a "royal priesthood." This phrase is also rooted in Old Testament imagery, where the priesthood was a specific group of people who were set apart for service to God. However, Peter expands this imagery to include all believers, highlighting the idea that all believers are called to a priestly role of worship and service to God.
Thirdly, Peter describes believers as a "holy nation." This phrase speaks to the idea that believers are set apart from the world and called to live according to God's standards. It emphasizes the idea that believers are part of a community that is distinct from the world around them.
Lastly, Peter describes believers as God's special possession. This phrase emphasizes the idea that believers belong to God and are cherished by Him. It highlights the idea that believers are not alone or abandoned, but rather are loved and cared for by God.
Peter then explains the purpose of this unique identity and calling: "that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." This phrase speaks to the idea that believers are called to be witnesses of God's grace and salvation. It emphasizes the idea that believers have been saved from darkness and brought into the light, and that they are called to share this message with the world around them.
Peter then reminds believers of their former state, "Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." This phrase highlights the idea that believers were once lost and without hope, but have now been brought into the family of God through His mercy and grace.
Overall, this passage is a reminder of the unique identity and purpose of believers. It emphasizes the idea that believers are chosen, set apart, and cherished by God. It also highlights the idea that believers are called to be witnesses of God's grace and salvation to the world around them. This passage encourages believers to embrace their identity and calling, and to share the message of God's love and mercy with those around them.
1 Peter 2:9-10. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.