What does 1 Peter 1:21 mean?

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21

Explanation

In the verse 1 Peter 1:21, the apostle Peter is writing to early Christians, encouraging them in their faith. The verse states that believers trust in God through Jesus Christ, who was resurrected from the dead and given glory. The purpose of their faith and hope being directed towards God implies that the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ serve as the foundation for a believer’s confidence in God’s power and promises. The literal meaning reflects the historical Christian doctrine of the resurrection, while the deeper meaning emphasizes the transformation of believers’ lives through their hope in God as a result of Christ’s victorious resurrection.

Historical Context

1 Peter is generally believed to have been written by the Apostle Peter in the first century, roughly around A.D. 60-65. The recipients of the letter were Christians scattered throughout the regions of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), who were facing persecution for their faith. The aim of the letter was to offer support and instruction during these trials, and to remind them of the salvation and hope they had in Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be understood in various ways:

• Christocentric Theology: This verse centralizes Christ’s work in salvation, focusing on his death and resurrection as the basis for faith and hope in God.
• Eschatological Hope: Many theologians see the reference to Christ’s resurrection and glorification as a pointer towards Christian eschatological hope, where believers look forward to their own resurrection and eternal life.
• Soteriology: Discussions on the nature of salvation heavily draw on verses like this, which underscore the role of belief in and through Christ as key to being saved.

Practical Applications

Practically, 1 Peter 1:21 can offer believers several applications in daily life:

• Strengthened Faith: The reminder of Christ’s resurrection can encourage believers to have resilient faith in trials.
• Hope: In times of uncertainty, the historical fact of the resurrection provides hope that God is in control and fulfills his promises.
• Witnessing: The verse can inspire Christians to share their faith, as the resurrection is central to the Gospel message.

Cross-References

• Acts 2:32: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”
• Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• “believe” (πιστεύοντες – pisteuontes): Refers to the act of having faith or trust in something or someone.
• “raised” (ἤγειρεν – ēgeiren): Past tense verb indicating God’s action of raising Jesus from the dead.
• “gave him glory” (ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ δόξαν – edōken autōi doxan): The phrase signifies the bestowal of honor and exalted status.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this Christian text with other ancient religious beliefs:

• Resurrection Myths: Various ancient religions have myths about gods dying and rising, such as Osiris in Egyptian mythology. However, Christianity claims a historical and once-for-all event rather than a cyclical myth.
• Heroic Figures: In some cultures, heroes attain immortality or a special position after death, which can be compared to the glorification of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

Most scientific disciplines do not directly engage with theological claims of supernatural events like resurrection. However, some interdisciplinary discussions consider the implications of religious belief on psychological well-being and social structures.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse perspectives on 1 Peter 1:21:

• William Barclay emphasizes the uniqueness of Christian faith in the resurrection, contrasting it with the hopelessness of pagan religions.
• John Calvin sees this verse as highlighting the power of God seen in the resurrection, which seals the hope of believers.
• N.T. Wright often discusses the historical reality of the resurrection and its centrality for Christian hope, which would align with the themes of this verse.