1 Peter 1:15
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,
But just as
This phrase introduces a comparison, emphasizing the standard to which believers are called. The Greek word "καθώς" (kathōs) implies a direct correlation or likeness. In the context of 1 Peter, it sets the stage for understanding that the Christian life is to mirror the character of God. This comparison is not merely aspirational but is presented as an achievable goal through divine empowerment.

He who called you
The phrase refers to God, the initiator of the believer's journey of faith. The Greek word for "called" is "καλέσας" (kalesas), which conveys the idea of a divine invitation or summons. This calling is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign grace. Historically, the concept of calling is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God calls individuals and nations to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Moses, and Israel.

is holy
The holiness of God is a central theme in Scripture, denoting His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. The Greek word "ἅγιος" (hagios) is used here, which means "set apart" or "sacred." In the historical context of the early church, surrounded by pagan practices, the holiness of God stood in stark contrast to the moral decay of the surrounding culture. God's holiness is both a comfort and a challenge to believers, as it assures them of His perfect nature and calls them to a higher standard.

so be holy
This imperative command is a call to action for believers. The Greek verb "γίνεσθε" (ginesthe) is in the present imperative, suggesting a continuous, ongoing process of becoming holy. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit. Theologically, this reflects the process of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.

in all you do
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the call to holiness. The Greek "ἐν πάσῃ ἀναστροφῇ" (en pasē anastrophē) translates to "in all conduct" or "in every aspect of life." It implies that holiness is not confined to religious activities but permeates every area of a believer's life, including thoughts, words, and actions. Historically, this would have been a radical call for the early Christians, who were to live distinctively in a world that often opposed their values.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers who are scattered and facing trials.

2. Recipients of the Epistle
The letter is addressed to the "elect exiles" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

3. God
Referred to as "He who called you," emphasizing His role as the initiator of the believers' faith and the standard of holiness.

4. Holiness
A central theme in this verse, reflecting God's nature and the expected conduct of believers.

5. Christian Conduct
The context of the letter addresses how Christians should live in a world that is often hostile to their faith.
Teaching Points
Understanding Holiness
Holiness is not merely about moral purity but being set apart for God's purposes. It involves a transformation of character and conduct.

The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to reflect God's holiness in every aspect of our lives. This is a continuous process of sanctification.

Practical Holiness
Holiness should permeate all areas of life, including thoughts, words, and actions. It is not confined to religious activities but extends to everyday living.

Dependence on God
Achieving holiness is not through human effort alone but through reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides us.

Witness to the World
Our holiness serves as a testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to be holy in the context of your daily life, and how can you practically pursue holiness in your current circumstances?

2. How does understanding God's holiness influence your view of personal holiness and your relationship with Him?

3. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you live a holy life, and what steps can you take to be more attuned to His guidance?

4. How does the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:15 relate to the broader biblical account of God's people being set apart for His purposes?

5. Reflect on a situation where your conduct could serve as a witness to others. How can you demonstrate holiness in that context, and what impact might it have on those around you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 11:44-45
This Old Testament passage commands the Israelites to be holy because God is holy, establishing a continuity of God's call to holiness from the Old to the New Testament.

Matthew 5:48
Jesus instructs His followers to be perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect, echoing the call to holiness and moral integrity.

Ephesians 4:1
Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling, which aligns with Peter's exhortation to holiness.
On PerfectionJohn Wesley 1 Peter 1:15
A Perfect HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
A Seasonable ExhortationC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:13-16
Christ and His GraceW. Jay.1 Peter 1:13-16
Christian HopeJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
Christian MoralityJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 1:13-16
Coming GraceAlex. Warrack, M. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
God and Obligation, or the Pattern of SanctityT. G. Selby.1 Peter 1:13-16
Grace and GloryH. Melvill, B. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
HolinessB. Beddome, M. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
HolinessJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
HolinessD. Duncan.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holiness After the Divine TypeJames Cranbrook.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holiness in All ThingsJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holiness Repugnant to SinObadiah Sedgwick.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holy in All Manner of ConversationW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:13-16
HopeW. Bright, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
HopeJ. M. Chaunter, M. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
Hope as a Power in Moulding CharacterA. T. Pierson, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
Hope Ennobles the SpiritJ. Howe.1 Peter 1:13-16
How and for What to HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
How to Become HolyF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
Ignorance the Cause and Root of a Bad LifeJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Likeness to GodJ. Martineau, LL. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
LustsG. F. C. Frau Muller, Ph. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
ObedienceE. Bersier, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
ObedienceJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Obedience a Christian VirtueCanon Liddon.1 Peter 1:13-16
Obedience in Small ThingsW. L. Watkinson.1 Peter 1:13-16
Of Imitating the Holiness of GodS. Clarke, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
On Being HolyC. G. Finney.1 Peter 1:13-16
Personal HolinessA. Grant, D. C. L.1 Peter 1:13-16
Present the Germ of Future RevelationJ. B. Brown, B. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
Salvation by Christ Issuing in HolinessC. New 1 Peter 1:13-16
Slavery Through IgnoranceW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:13-16
SobrietyJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Call to HolinessU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 1:13-16
The Duty and Discipline of Christian HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Family LikenessA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Holiness of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Holiness of God the Type and Model of OursR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Obedience of HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Place of Mind in ReligionDean Vaughan.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Revelation of Jesus ChristW. Temple.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Right Influence of a Christian CreedD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Sin of IgnoranceN. Byfield.1 Peter 1:13-16
The True Ideal of LifeD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
Tighten the BeltJ. Parker.1 Peter 1:13-16
We Must Forsake Evil Before We Can Do GoodJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Wise CounselJames Wells.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Pilgrim-LifeR. Finlayson 1 Peter 1:13-25
Christians God-Like MenA. Maclaren 1 Peter 1:14-16
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Behavior, Behaviour, Conduct, Conversation, Deportment, Detail, Habits, Holy, Imitation, Manner, Servants, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 1:15

     7414   priesthood, NT
     8201   blamelessness
     8272   holiness, growth in

1 Peter 1:14-15

     4030   world, behaviour in

1 Peter 1:14-16

     1175   God, will of
     7115   children of God
     8454   obedience, to God
     8848   worldliness

1 Peter 1:14-17

     8470   respect, for God

1 Peter 1:15-16

     1065   God, holiness of
     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher
     5380   law, and gospel
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     6025   sin, and God's character
     6030   sin, avoidance
     6213   participation, in sin
     6237   sexual sin, nature of
     6745   sanctification, nature and basis
     7028   church, life of
     8203   character
     8223   dedication
     8266   holiness
     8270   holiness, set apart
     8271   holiness, purpose
     8273   holiness, ethical aspects
     8311   morality, and redemption
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8402   claims
     8444   honouring God

Library
November 8 Morning
Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.--I THES. 5:8. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.--Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sojourners of the Dispersion
'Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered ...'--1 Peter i. 1. The words rendered 'strangers scattered' are literally 'sojourners of the Dispersion,' and are so rendered in the Revised Version. The Dispersion was the recognised name for the Jews dwelling in Gentile countries; as, for instance, it is employed in John's Gospel, when the people in Jerusalem say, 'Whither will this man go that we shall not find Him? Will he go to the Dispersion amongst the Greeks?' Obviously, therefore
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Hope Perfectly
'Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter i. 13. Christianity has transformed hope, and given it a new importance, by opening to it a new world to move in, and supplying to it new guarantees to rest on. There is something very remarkable in the prominence given to hope in the New Testament, and in the power ascribed to it to order a noble life. Paul goes so far as to say that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Family Likeness
'As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy, in all manner of conversation.'--1 Peter i. 15. That is the sum of religion--an all-comprehensive precept which includes a great deal more than the world's morality, and which changes the coldness of that into something blessed, by referring all our purity to the Lord that called us. One may well wonder where a Galilean fisherman got the impulse that lifted him to such a height; one may well wonder that he ventured to address such wide, absolute
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Father and Judge
'If ye call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.'--1 Peter i. 17. 'If ye call on Him as Father,' when ye pray, say, 'Our Father which art in heaven.' One can scarcely help supposing that the Apostle is here, as in several other places in his letter, alluding to words that are stamped ineffaceably upon his memory, because they had dropped from Christ's lips. At all events, whether there is here a distinct
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Purifying the Soul
'... ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren.'--1 Peter i. 22. Note these three subsidiary clauses introduced respectively by 'in,' 'through,' 'unto.' They give the means, the Bestower, and the issue of the purity of soul. The Revised Version, following good authorities, omits the clause, 'through the Spirit.' It may possibly be originally a marginal gloss of some scribe who was nervous about Peter's orthodoxy, which finally found its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

By, Through, Unto
'... Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.'--1 Peter i. 5. The Revised Version substitutes 'guarded' for 'kept,' and the alteration, though slight, is important, for it not only more accurately preserves the meaning of the word employed, but it retains the military metaphor which is in it. The force of the expression will appear if I refer, in a sentence, to other cases in which it is employed in the New Testament. For instance, we read that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing
'Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.'--1 Peter i. 6. You will remember the great saying of our Lord's in the Sermon on the Mount, in which He makes the last of the beatitudes, that which He pronounces upon His disciples, when men shall revile them and persecute them, and speak all manner of evil falsely against them for His sake, and bids them rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is their reward in Heaven. Now it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The True Gold and Its Testing
'That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory ...'--1 Peter i. 7. The Apostle is fond of that word 'precious.' In both his letters he uses it as an epithet for diverse things. According to one translation, he speaks of Christ as 'precious to you which believe.' He certainly speaks of 'the precious blood of Christ,' and of 'exceeding great and precious promises,' and here in my text,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Joy in Believing
'In Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.'--1 Peter i. 8. The Apostle has just previously been speaking about the great and glorious things which are to come to Christians on the appearing of Jesus Christ, and that naturally suggests to him the thought of the condition of believing souls during the period of the Lord's absence and comparative concealment. Having lifted his readers' hopes to that great Future, when they would attain to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
'Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently ... the things which are now reported unto you ... which things the angels desire to look into.'--1 Peter i. 10, 11, 12. I have detached these three clauses from their surroundings, not because I desire to treat them fragmentarily, but because we thereby throw into stronger relief the writer's purpose to bring out the identity of the Old and the New Revelation, the fact that Christ and His sufferings are the centre of the world's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

On Perfection
"Let us go on to perfection." Heb. 6:1. The whole sentence runs thus: "Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection: Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God;" which he had just before termed, "the first principles of the oracles of God," and "meat fit for babes," for such as have just tasted that the Lord is gracious. That the doing of this is a point of the utmost importance the Apostle intimates in the next
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Christian's Heaviness and Rejoicing
I would have you this morning, look first of all at the Christian's heaviness: he is "in heaviness through manifold temptations;" and then, in the next place, at the Christian's great rejoicing. I. In the first place, HIS HEAVINESS. This is one of the most unfortunate texts in the Bible. I have heard it quoted ten thousand times for my own comfort, but I never understood it till a day or two ago. On referring to most of the commentaries in my possession, I cannot find that they have a right idea
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The New Nature
In the text there are three points which, I think, will well repay our very serious attention. The apostle evidently speaks of two lives, the one, the life which is natural, born, matured, and perfected only by the flesh; the other, the life which is spiritual, born of the spirit, in antagonism with the flesh, surviving it and triumphantly rising to celestial glory. Now, in speaking of these two lives, the apostle brings out, first of all, a comparison and a contrast between the two births, for each
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Colossians iii. 17
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. This, like the other general rules of the gospel, is familiar enough to us all in its own words; but we are very apt to forbear making the application of it. In fact, he who were to apply it perfectly would be a perfect Christian: for a life of which every word and deed were said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, would be a life indeed worthy of the children of God, and such
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

a Condition in Chastisement.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "If need be."--1 PETER i. 6. A Condition in Chastisement. Three gracious words! Not one of all my tears shed for nought! Not one stroke of the rod unheeded, or that might have been spared? Thy heavenly Father loves thee too much, and too tenderly, to bestow harsher correction than thy case requires? Is it loss of health, or loss of wealth, or loss of beloved friends? Be still! there was a need be. We are no judges of what that "need be" is; often through aching
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."--1 PETER i. 10, 11. There is a peculiar interest attaching to the writer of this epistle. Although it was probably in old age, when a large experience of labour and sorrow had chastened his spirit,
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Kept by the Power of God
The words from which I speak, you will find in 1 Peter 1:5. The third, fourth and fifth verses are: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible . . . reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." The words of my text are: "Kept by the power of God through faith." There we have two wonderful, blessed truths
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

The Negative Side
What is the relation between the Law and the saint? By the Law we refer to the Ten Commandments engraven upon the tables of stone by the finger of God; by the saint we mean, the believer living in the present dispensation. What, then, is the relation between the Christian living today and the Ten Commandments formally proclaimed in the time of Moses? It is indeed sad that such a question needs to be raised, and that the Divine answer requires to be pressed upon the people of God. There was a time
Arthur W. Pink—The Law and the Saint

The Lord's Supper --Concluded.
We have quoted, noted, collected and compared the words of Scripture that speak of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We now wish to ask and examine the question: What do these passages taken together and compared with one another teach? Or, in other words, what is the Bible doctrine of the Lord's Supper? Does the Bible teach the doctrine of Transubstantiation, as held and confessed by the Roman Catholic Church? If our investigation of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures convinces us that they
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Regeneration and Faith.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."--1 Peter i. 23. There is a possible objection to what has been said above concerning regeneration. It is evident that God's Word, and therefore our symbols of faith, offers a modified representation of these things which, superficially considered, seems to condemn our representation. This representation, which does not consider children, but adults, may thus be stated: Among a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Perseverance
'Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' I Pet 1:1. The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. The heavenly inheritance is kept for the saints, and they are kept to the inheritance. I Pet 1:1. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence in grace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and Arminians; but it is not the less true because it is opposed. A Christian's main comfort depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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