1 Peter 2:9 (Part One)
Over the course of the last several weeks, my mind has been captivated by Peter’s words in 1
Peter 2. It is a mind-blowing passage – whose narrative runs through the entire word of God.
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a
people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you
out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This verse is simply extraordinary. It is so densely rich with glorious truths that any attempt to
discuss this verse, especially in a brief Pastoral Pondering, will fall short. As such, today I will
limit myself to the very beginning of this verse – Peter’s first descriptor – “a chosen race” (stay
tuned for more of my ponderings from the rest of this verse).
Peter here is speaking to believers (see 1:1,3) who are made up of both Jews and Gentiles from a myriad of nations and peoples. Addressed to this group, he says in 2:9, that we (I gladly
include us in Peter’s audience) are a “chosen race.”
Before we go any further, the student of the word should consider how the original audience
would have understood these words. This simple pause will help us to recognize that this
description is not entirely new. A title like this has been used before – in fact, the sentiment of a race of people being chosen runs through the whole Old Testament plot-line. What is shocking is that this description has only ever been used of Israel. They alone are understood as God’s chosen people.
Peter’s audience, of both Jews and Gentiles, are now called a “chosen race.” They are not
called the “new” chosen race - but rather, simply described as the chosen race. They do not
replace Israel – rather, Peter is acknowledging that those who are born again into Christ are
God’s chosen people.
But how can this be? The Jews may argue – “But you are not of the right race!” To this objection Peter would redirect them to look again at the words “chosen race.” You see, when this title is applied to Peter’s audience, a new nuance to this familiar title begins to take shape. This group is a “chosen race.” Unlike a family – into which we are simply born, this nation is comprised of those who were not merely born to a certain set of parents. This group is a “chosen race.” The adjective that qualifies (describes) the “race” is “chosen” – that is, “selected” or “hand-picked.” In other words, our familial bond is now derived purely by the king who has individually chosen us. Each inhabitant of this nation is selected on purpose - according to our King’s purposes. As such, the implication is that there is a specific purpose for every subject of this nation. We are not randomly comprised. So what does that mean for us?
Oh brothers and sisters, consider how this should shape the way we view one another. First of
all, the brother that sits down the row from you - he is your brother – not because he has a
wonderful beard (although that is noteworthy), nor because he lives (or does not live) north of 8. Neither is she your sister because she reads (or refuses to read) the same books as you. We are siblings because of the king who called us. Moreover, God has chosen them to be part of our family with a very specific purpose. May we glory in our differences and the gifts that we see in and among the body of Christ!
Most importantly, when we start to think of ourselves, this title calls us (pun intended) to think of Christ. To be a “chosen race” implies that our fundamental ethnicity is not identifiable by our physical characteristics or our family lineage. We (and thoughts of ourselves) must now be
viewed and defined through our Spiritual (true) head. We are Christ’s family (even before we are to be identified by our last names). This is now our family heritage.
Peter’s words were received so well in the early Church (and beautifully lived out) that by the
second century Christians were readily known as the “race of the Christians.” Peter’s Greek
phrase is found in many letters and documents from the second century. Christians lived in and among all the nations of the world as “the God-loving and God-fearing race of the Christians.” This particular description is found in a letter written in A.D.155 at the martyrdom of Polycarp – describing Polycarp’s race – as he died. The onlookers could only understand him as of “the race of the Christians.” Polycarp may have been born into a pagan Roman family, but he is now forever known as part of the Christian race.
This is who we are. Ultimately, we are not “New Life Christian Community.” We are Christ’s
family. And He has chosen us to be His.
So, brothers and sisters, though my name may be Tony Minell, I am first a Christian – even before I am a father, husband, pastor or a Minell.
May this sentiment shape the way we view one another (not just here at New Life) and ourselves. We are His.
Oh, Lord, may Your reflection be seen more and more in each of us.
Your Brother,
Tony of Christ
Peter 2. It is a mind-blowing passage – whose narrative runs through the entire word of God.
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a
people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you
out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This verse is simply extraordinary. It is so densely rich with glorious truths that any attempt to
discuss this verse, especially in a brief Pastoral Pondering, will fall short. As such, today I will
limit myself to the very beginning of this verse – Peter’s first descriptor – “a chosen race” (stay
tuned for more of my ponderings from the rest of this verse).
Peter here is speaking to believers (see 1:1,3) who are made up of both Jews and Gentiles from a myriad of nations and peoples. Addressed to this group, he says in 2:9, that we (I gladly
include us in Peter’s audience) are a “chosen race.”
Before we go any further, the student of the word should consider how the original audience
would have understood these words. This simple pause will help us to recognize that this
description is not entirely new. A title like this has been used before – in fact, the sentiment of a race of people being chosen runs through the whole Old Testament plot-line. What is shocking is that this description has only ever been used of Israel. They alone are understood as God’s chosen people.
Peter’s audience, of both Jews and Gentiles, are now called a “chosen race.” They are not
called the “new” chosen race - but rather, simply described as the chosen race. They do not
replace Israel – rather, Peter is acknowledging that those who are born again into Christ are
God’s chosen people.
But how can this be? The Jews may argue – “But you are not of the right race!” To this objection Peter would redirect them to look again at the words “chosen race.” You see, when this title is applied to Peter’s audience, a new nuance to this familiar title begins to take shape. This group is a “chosen race.” Unlike a family – into which we are simply born, this nation is comprised of those who were not merely born to a certain set of parents. This group is a “chosen race.” The adjective that qualifies (describes) the “race” is “chosen” – that is, “selected” or “hand-picked.” In other words, our familial bond is now derived purely by the king who has individually chosen us. Each inhabitant of this nation is selected on purpose - according to our King’s purposes. As such, the implication is that there is a specific purpose for every subject of this nation. We are not randomly comprised. So what does that mean for us?
Oh brothers and sisters, consider how this should shape the way we view one another. First of
all, the brother that sits down the row from you - he is your brother – not because he has a
wonderful beard (although that is noteworthy), nor because he lives (or does not live) north of 8. Neither is she your sister because she reads (or refuses to read) the same books as you. We are siblings because of the king who called us. Moreover, God has chosen them to be part of our family with a very specific purpose. May we glory in our differences and the gifts that we see in and among the body of Christ!
Most importantly, when we start to think of ourselves, this title calls us (pun intended) to think of Christ. To be a “chosen race” implies that our fundamental ethnicity is not identifiable by our physical characteristics or our family lineage. We (and thoughts of ourselves) must now be
viewed and defined through our Spiritual (true) head. We are Christ’s family (even before we are to be identified by our last names). This is now our family heritage.
Peter’s words were received so well in the early Church (and beautifully lived out) that by the
second century Christians were readily known as the “race of the Christians.” Peter’s Greek
phrase is found in many letters and documents from the second century. Christians lived in and among all the nations of the world as “the God-loving and God-fearing race of the Christians.” This particular description is found in a letter written in A.D.155 at the martyrdom of Polycarp – describing Polycarp’s race – as he died. The onlookers could only understand him as of “the race of the Christians.” Polycarp may have been born into a pagan Roman family, but he is now forever known as part of the Christian race.
This is who we are. Ultimately, we are not “New Life Christian Community.” We are Christ’s
family. And He has chosen us to be His.
So, brothers and sisters, though my name may be Tony Minell, I am first a Christian – even before I am a father, husband, pastor or a Minell.
May this sentiment shape the way we view one another (not just here at New Life) and ourselves. We are His.
Oh, Lord, may Your reflection be seen more and more in each of us.
Your Brother,
Tony of Christ
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