1 Peter 1:3

Blessed. Gr. eulogētos, “worthy of blessing,” used only of God and of Jesus Christ in the NT. It is a term of adoration acknowledging their perfection of character and attributes. The English word “eulogy” is derived from the related word eulogia, “blessing.”

God and Father of our Lord. Or, “God, even the Father of our Lord.” The first person of the Godhead is thus pointed out, evidently from the viewpoint of Christ’s acquired, indissoluble union with human nature (cf. Rom. 15:6; 2 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:3; see on Luke 1:35). The term “Lord” denotes great dignity, and sets Christ forth as the One to whom man owes his allegiance. As a divine person and a member of the Godhead, Jesus Christ is unqualifiedly equal with the Father, who is often called the first person of the Godhead (see Additional Note on John 1).

Jesus Christ. The two names designate both the Lord’s humanity and His official capacity as the Anointed One (see on Matt. 1:1).

Which. Or, “who,” referring to God the Father.

Abundant mercy. Or, “great mercy.” Offered to man in unlimited instances, God’s mercy embodies His infinite concern for man’s welfare. His intense love for man is beyond calculation or comparison.

Hath begotten us. A reference to the new birth (see on John 3:3, 5) or the new creation (see on Gal. 6:15).

Unto a lively hope. Rather, “to a living hope.” Hope is the great force that continually beckons the Christian forward in conquering life’s problems. Without Christ there is no hope (Eph. 2:12); with Him hope is living and dynamic. Heathenism can offer only empty delusions. Peter here speaks of the inward, subjective hope that holds a man steadfast as he contemplates the end of the Christian journey and the eternal future. Compare the state of the non-Christian (Eph. 2:11, 12).

Resurrection of Jesus Christ. See on Rom. 1:4; 4:24, 25; 1 Peter 3:21. The resurrection of Christ emphasizes that death has been eternally conquered. It became the seal of God’s approval on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The resurrected Christ is the guarantee of the eternal future of the redeemed.