1 Peter 1:2

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

a. NLT: God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

b. NIV: who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

c. YLT: according to a foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, to obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied!

d. Amplified Bible Who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and to be sprinkled with [His] blood: May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace to be realized in and through Christ, freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts.]

e. Worrell Translation: elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification and of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: grace to you, and peace be multiplied.

1. “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…”

a. elect [1588 * elecktos] [Thayer: picked out, chosen, chosen by God, to obtain salvation through Christ, Christians are called "chosen or elect" of God, the Messiah is called "elect", as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable, choice, select, i.e. the best of its kind or class, excellence preeminent: applied to certain individual Christians.]

b. according to [2596 * kata] [Strong: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.]

c. the foreknowledge [4268 * prognosis] [Thayer: foreknowledge, forethought, pre-arrangement.] [Strong: from 4267; forethought:--foreknowledge.]

d. of God [2316 * theos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

e. the Father [3962 * pater] [Strong: apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote):--father, parent.]

 2. “…through sanctification of the Spirit…”

a. through [1722 * en] [Strong: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

b. sanctification [38 * hagiasmos] [Thayer: consecration, purification, the effect of consecration, sanctification of heart and life.] [Strong: from 37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier:--holiness, sanctification.]

c. the Spirit [4151 * pneuma] [Strong: from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]

1). This exact phrase is only used one other time in the NT, in 2 Thessalonians.

a). 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2). The sanctification of the Spirit is also mentioned along with the offering up of the Gentiles.

a). Romans 15:15, 16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

2. “…unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”

a. unto [1519 * eis] [Strong: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

b. obedience [5218 * hupakoe] [Strong: from 5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission:--obedience, (make) obedient, obey(-ing).]

c. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

d. sprinkling [4473 * rhantismos] [Strong: from 4472; aspersion (ceremonially or figuratively):--sprinkling.]

e. of the blood [129 * haima] [Strong: of uncertain derivation; blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred:--blood.]

f. of Jesus [2424 * Iesous] [Strong: of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]

g. Christ [5547 * Christos] [Strong: from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.

1). The phrase “sprinkling of the blood”, here is referring to two things. Firstly it is referring to the process that occurred under the Old Covenant which was a type and foreshadow in the Law.

a). Exodus 24:6-8 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons: and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

24:7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said we will do, and be obedient.

24:8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

2). This sprinkling of the blood of  bulls and goats that Moses sprinkled on the altar and on the people, cleansed and made them clean in a Covenant sense, i.e., ceremonially, The blood was shed first, then the confession of obedience then the blood was sprinkled.

a).  Hebrews 9:11-14 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

3). Likewise the “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ”, is speaking of the New Covenant and the redemption of man unto God. Under the New Covenant, the Blood was shed, the Spirit draws us unto obedience and the blood is applied.

a). Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

b). 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

c). Notice the Scripture says, “…that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself…”, not just ‘some”. It is not God’s will that any perish. 2 Peter 3:9 & 1Timothy 2:4

4). This “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” was also foretold by Isaiah .

a). Isaiah 52:13-15 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

5). The sprinkling of the blood of Christ refers to the redemption of the whole world. The invitation for life in Christ is to all but it will only benefit those who receive what Christ did. It is for that reason that the Apostle Peter can write with inspired authority the next sentence in this verse, “Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

2. “Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

a. grace [5485 * charis] [Strong: from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).]

b. unto you [5213 * humin] [Strong: irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).]

c. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

d. peace [1515 * Eirene] [Strong: probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.]

e. be multiplied [4129 * plethuno] [Strong: from another form of 4128; to increase (transitively or intransitively):--abound, multiply.]

1). The initial grace and peace that God has extended toward us was accomplished by God when Jesus was raised from the dead. Notice carefully what is being said in Romans 4:25 through Romans 5:1, 2

a). Romans 4:25-5:1 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2). Most Christians believe that the “being justified by faith” in verse Romans 5:1 is speaking of our faith when we get born again; but this is not the case. It is speaking of God’s faith, when we were justified by God’s faith, Jesus was raised from the dead. Our faith in this Covenant is referred to in the next verse.

a). Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

b). The “…grace… and peace…” that God extends toward us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is what we enter into through faith, when we get born again.

3). It is through the revelation of the knowledge of God and of Christ Jesus and what was accomplished through the New Covenant that grace and peace are multiplied unto us.

a). 2 Peter 1:2, 3 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4). We must by meditation allow the word of God, the word of His grace, to build us up and establish us in this inheritance.

a). Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.