1 Peter 1:2

Elect. Gr. eklektoi, literally, “chosen ones” (see on Rom. 8:33). The Christians are here considered as chosen because they had responded to the call of God. For a discussion of election as related to salvation see on Rom. 8:29.

Foreknowledge. Gr. prognosis, “the act of knowing beforehand.” For a discussion of the related verb progindsko and for the relationship of foreknowledge to predestination see on Rom. 8:29.

God the Father. The first person of the Godhead is set forth as possessing foreknowledge, but Peter does not here suggest that this knowledge was restricted to the Father only. Although the exact nature and work of each member of the Godhead remain a mystery to man, Peter seems to suggest that, within the economy of the plan of salvation, certain specific functions are performed by each. See below for the work of the Spirit and of Christ.

Sanctification. Gr. hagiasmos (see on Rom. 6:19).

Of the Spirit. That is, by the agency of the Holy Spirit. Compare 2 Thess. 2:13.

Unto obedience. The Christian’s faithful response to the call of God, together with the sanctifying activity of the Holy Spirit, leads to obedience, which may be defined as perfect submission to the will of God (see on v. 22). God’s plan for a man, worked out in connection with the sanctifying energy of the Holy Spirit, produces the fruit of a Christlike life (see on Eph. 5:9).

Sprinkling. Gr. rhantismos, “sprinkling,” used elsewhere only in Heb. 12:24. The related verb rhantizo, “to sprinkle,” occurs four times (Heb. 9:13, 19, 21; 10:22). Peter is speaking of the application of the merit of Christ’s blood to the individual. The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus brings the peace of justification (see on Rom. 3:25; 5:1, 9) as well as the privileges of the new covenant (see on Matt. 26:28).

Grace unto you, and peace. For the meaning of this salutation see on Rom. 1:7; 2 Cor. 1:2.