What does 1 Peter 1:20 mean?

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:20

Explanation

1 Peter 1:20 speaks to the foreordained role of Jesus Christ in the divine plan of salvation. The term “foreordained” implies that God had predetermined the coming of Christ as the Savior long before the creation of the world. The “foundation of the world” suggests the beginning of time or the act of creation itself. The phrase “but was manifest in these last times for you” reveals that the coming of Jesus as a human being was a tangible reality for the benefit of those to whom the letter is addressed, understood to be the recipients of the letter in the early Church.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of Peter was written in a context where the early Christians were experiencing persecution and suffering. Believed to have been authored by the Apostle Peter, the letter was likely written between AD 60-65. During this time, the Christian community was struggling with questions about their faith and the future. The letter aims to strengthen the resolve of believers by reminding them of the certainty and significance of their faith, rooted in the redemptive work of Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches upon several key doctrines:

• Predestination: Some theologians interpret “foreordained” to support the doctrine of predestination, which suggests that all events, including Christ’s coming, are willed by God.
• Christology: Christ’s role as the Messiah is understood to be a central tenet of Christian faith, long anticipated and then realized in “these last times.”
• Soteriology: The verse implies that the manifestation of Christ was purposed for the salvation of believers.
• Eschatology: The phrase “these last times” can be interpreted as referencing the end times or the last phase of redemptive history, which began with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse can offer followers a sense of God’s long-term plan and assurance that their faith is not in vain, but rather part of a divine purpose that precedes human history. It can also foster trust in God’s sovereignty and the belief that God’s plans are for the ultimate good of humanity. Additionally, the manifestation of Christ can motivate believers to lead lives reflective of the values Jesus embodied.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 1:4: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
• Hebrews 9:26: “… but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
• Revelation 13:8: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
• John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Language Study

The key words in this passage are:

• Foreordained (Greek: προεγνωσμένου, proegnōsmenou): This term is derived from the Greek root for knowing beforehand and carries the idea of preplanning or predestining.
• Foundation (Greek: καταβολῆς, katabolēs): The word used here translates to “casting down” or “founding” and refers to the act of creation or establishment.
• Manifest (Greek: φανερωθέντος, phanerothentos): This term means “made apparent” or “revealed,” indicating a transition from hidden to visible.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this Christian concept with other ancient myths or religions, we find the notion of a foreordained savior is not unique to Christianity. In various mythologies, prophesied heroes or figures are destined from the beginning to accomplish great feats or provide salvation. However, in Christianity, this is not merely a myth but a historical event with Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of foreordination and the foundation of the world might invite exploration into the origins of the universe and the nature of time. While science does not confirm theological claims, the study of cosmology touches on questions about the beginning of the universe, indirectly engaging with ideas of a “foundation.”

commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer varied insights into 1 Peter 1:20:

• Classic Commentary: Matthew Henry viewed this verse as a testimony to God’s eternal purpose fulfilled in Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice.
• Contemporary Scholarship: N.T. Wright argues that early Christians understood Jesus’ death and resurrection as the climax of Israel’s history and the pivot of world history; this event was foreknown by God and is now the reality shaping Christian living.
• Theological Commentary: John Calvin emphasized the doctrine of predestination and saw the verse as highlighting God’s specific and eternal plan for Christ to redeem humanity.