9 But y’all are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy ethnic group, a people of God’s own possession, that y’all may proclaim the virtues of ʜɪᴍ who called y’all out of darkness into ʜɪꜱ marvelous light. 10 Formerly, not a people, now the people of God. Formerly not receiving mercy, but now receiving mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 YALL
This is a direct reference to what God told the Israelites through Moses when they arrived at Mount Sinai, before they received the Ten Commandments: “You shall be a special treasure to me above all people…and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6 NKJV).
On this side of the Cross, we are a new creation: a people composed of Jews and Gentiles who believe Jesus is the Messiah. We are now the people of God. This was his plan all along, and it has come to fruition. I used the “Y’all” translation on purpose so that we can see that He is speaking to the entire church. The church is clearly a special group. We could benefit from acting like who we are.
He uses three Greek nouns that are closely associated with each other to describe us:
- A chosen race, (genos) – shared descent, lineage, ancestry, or origin.
- A holy ethnic group, (ethnos) – a group united by shared customs, culture, laws, traditions, or mutual interests.
- A people of God’s own possession, (laos) – an assembled group, a crowd, or multitude gathered for a purpose.
The Church is a “chosen race,” united by a spiritual rebirth in Christ and descended from one Father. We are a “holy nation,” bound together by divine laws, customs, and loyalty to one Lord. We are a special “people,” set apart as God’s possession and called out for His purpose.
The fourth noun used is “priesthood,” which refers to a group called to serve in the temple. This tells us something about our purpose: “to offer up spiritual sacrifices” (see verse 5) and “to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
In verse 10, he refers to us as “the people (laos) of God.” We now know who we belong to. Though we came from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, we are now God’s people. This is the reality of the new creation. By God’s mercy, we are now one. If that’s not enough, consider the adjectives used to describe this distinguished group. We are chosen, royal, holy, and purchased by God.
Being gathered from the four winds to become one people is an amazing thing. Being called together as one race, one nation, and one tongue to serve as priests before Him is almost unimaginable. Yet, that’s who He says we are.
Are we living as who we are? This week, we have another chance. Let’s come together, treat each other as one people, and exercise our office to offer a sacrifice of praise. Let’s tell everyone on Earth about the virtues of the One who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light!
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