1 Peter 1:20

Foreordained. Gr. proginosko, “to know beforehand,” “to foreknow” (see on Rom. 8:29).

Before the foundation. See on John 17:24. The presentation of Christ as the redeeming Lamb was not an emergency plan introduced to meet an unforeseen change of circumstances, but was part of God’s eternal purpose (cf. Matt. 13:35; 25:34; see on Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:11; Rev. 13:8). Here and elsewhere the Scriptures teach the pre-existence of Christ (see Additional Note on John 1).

Was manifest. Gr. phaneroo (see on 1 John 1:2). Although the foreknowledge of God and the determined provision of a Saviour reaches back into the eternal past, the incarnation made God’s thought a historical fact (see on John 1:14; 1 John 1:1,3). The fact that Christ was “manifested” implies His previous existence (cf. 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:10; 1 John 3:5, 8; 1 John 4:9).

In these last times. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the literal rendering “at the end of the times.” See on Joel 2:28; Rom. 13:11; Heb. 1:2; see Additional Note on Rom. 13.

For you. Literally, “for your sake.” Peter’s readers would be both awed and inspired by the realization that God’s eternal purpose, as revealed in the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, had operated on their behalf.