What does 1 Peter 1:16 mean?

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16

Explanation

1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy,” is an exhortation from the apostle Peter to his audience, telling them to be holy in all aspects of their life. This directive is not simply a moral guideline but is a citation from the Old Testament, specifically from Leviticus, where God commands the people of Israel to be holy because He Himself is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45, 19:2, 20:7). Holiness here means being set apart, consecrated, and sanctified for God’s purposes. It encompasses moral purity, ethical conduct, and spiritual dedication. The deeper meaning of this command points to the transformative power of God’s grace that enables believers to live in a way that is distinct from the world around them.

Historical Context

The apostolic letter of 1 Peter was likely written between AD 60-65. The recipients of this letter were believers who were dispersed throughout various regions of Asia Minor and were experiencing various trials and persecutions due to their faith in Christ. This charge to be holy can be seen as an encouragement and a reminder to Christians facing adverse societal pressures to remain faithful to their distinct identity and calling as God’s people.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the call to be holy is tied to the concept of God’s character. Because God is inherently holy, His people, mirroring His nature, are called to be holy as well. This is seen as an indicatively rooted command; believers are holy because of Christ’s work and are therefore called to live out this identity. The verse also touches on soteriology (the study of salvation), suggesting that ethical transformation is a part of the salvation experience.

Different theological traditions interpret this passage with various emphases. For instance, Reformed theology tends to view holiness as an inevitable result of God’s sanctifying work within the believer, while Wesleyan theology might emphasize holiness as a second work of grace leading to entire sanctification.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the command to “Be ye holy; for I am holy,” challenges believers to examine their daily lives and make choices that reflect the character of God. This includes turning from sinful behaviors, cultivating spiritual disciplines, and engaging with the world in a way that upholds justice, mercy, and love. Holiness is not just a personal pursuit but also a communal one, encouraging the corporate body of the church to uphold God’s standards in its collective life.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 11:44-45: “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy…”
• Leviticus 19:2: “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.”
• Leviticus 20:7: “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.”
• Hebrews 12:14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

Language Study

In the Greek text, the word for “holy” is “ἅγιοι” (hagioi), from the root “ἅγιος” (hagios), which means set apart, sacred, or consecrated. It signifies separation not only from what is impure and defiled but also dedication to that which is of divine order. The imperative “be” implies an ongoing process, suggesting that holiness is something to be continually pursued and maintained.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, holiness often pertained to rituals, cleanliness, or association with the divine. In some cultures, kings or priests were considered holy due to their direct association with the gods. In comparison, Biblical holiness is relational and moral, not merely ritualistic or positional. The Judeo-Christian understanding of holiness relates to both character and action, as shown by God’s character and the ethical standards laid out in the Scriptures.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of behavior generally do not include categories like holiness, which are religious and moral in nature. However, the pursuit of holiness in human behavior could be studied in the context of psychology, where the effects of moral behavior, community standards, and spiritual beliefs on mental health and societal well-being are examined. From a sociological viewpoint, the concept of holiness and its implications on communal living can be of interest, especially how these beliefs shape social norms and behaviors.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights into 1 Peter 1:16. Many agree on the verse’s call for Christians to live a life set apart from their surrounding culture, reflecting the nature of God. Others emphasize that this call to holiness reflects not only moral purity but also a wholehearted dedication to God’s service and a love for others. Commentaries frequently highlight that this holiness is not achieved by human effort alone but through the power of the Holy Spirit working within the believer. They also discuss the tension between the already-but-not-yet aspects of holiness; believers are already made holy by Christ’s work, yet they are called to grow in holiness as they live out their faith in a broken world.