The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Peter — Section 104

Jews, Hr.'.· nntu_rally mnd~ use of langu:1ge and of metaphors based upon the usages and 1wacl1ces ,,i the Jewish religion. l'eter knew well tb:i.t the temple oflices 11ud (lbser,ances, the building and its purposes, to which ho here referred, had all their meaning in their relation to the Saviour in whom he and his follow-Christians boliuvcd, in their relation to the gospel which he preached. I. CrrnISTIAKS ARE THE MATERIAL OF THE TRUE AND srIRITUAt. TEMPLE. 1, They are built in and upon the divinely chosen Corner-stone-Christ himself. Cephas, Peter, "the rock," thns witnesses to the Ilock of Ages, whose perfect qualifications to occupy this position were well kno\vn to the apostle who enjoyed his intimacy and friend~hip. His nature, his character, his mcdiatorial work, all coucurrcd to fit our Lord to be the Support, the uniting and central Force, of the spiritual edifice. None other could have constituted the living unity; none other could bave served as the Corner-stone, and at the same time the Foundation-stone, of the new humanity. 2. They arc individually living stones; in this differing from the fair and costly masonry employed in the temple at Jerusalem. An intimation this of the dicruity of each Christian's vocation, who has his own place to fill, bis own work to do, ~ the spiritual sanctuary; and at the same time a summons to that life, that conscious and voluntary fulfilment of service, which distin!!uishes the living from the lifeless material. 3, '!'hey constitute in concert the" spiritual house,'' which is the glory of the "new di~pensation;" the ide.'\ of which is in the mind of the Divine Architect, and which i:i gradually being brought to realization and perfection under his superintendence, and through the conconence of those who can only very partially comprehend the bearing of their life upon the glorious whole which is in due time to be consummated. The whole edifice is based by faith upon Christ; the several stones are cemented by mutual lo'vc. IL CanISTI.\NS ARE THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE TRUE AND SPIRITUAL TEMPLE. l. This is asserted of the whole body of the faithful. There are indeed special ministries in the Church-bishops, presbyters, deacons, etc.; but there is one general ministry to which all Christians are calle<l, and that is the priesthood. 2. The character of this, prie~tl,ood is stamped as" holy." From the Book of Leviticus and other parts of the Old Testament we learn what were the marks of the Hebrew priesthood-their descent, their equipment, their qualifications, their office. But the one all-pervading idea in these regulations was the inculcation of "holi:ness unto the Lord." Under the new co'l'enant the holiness prescribed is holiness of spirit and of life; not merely purity of vesture, separateness of function, etc. 3, The office of this priesthood is specified: spiritual sacrifices are to be offered. What these are is not here specified, but other passages of New Testament Scripture leave us in no doubt upon this; the Christian sacrifices are comprehended under these two headings-obedience and praise. 4. The acceptance of such service is assured through the intercession of the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Thus the apostle, at the expense of combining metaphors scarcely consistent, sets forth more fully the diµtlty and the duty, the fellowship and the happiness, belonging to all those who are faithful and consecrated members of the living Church of Christ, -J. R. T. Ver. 4.-Elect and precious. Our Lord Jesus was both despised and rejected by men. But theirs was the judgment of the fallible and the conduct of the sinful. Very diflereut was the esteem in which our Saviour was held by the Divine Father, and by those whom the Father enlightened to discern as he himself discerned. In the view of tlie Eternal, who "judgeth righteously,'' Christ was and is "elect and precious." I. DECLARATIONS OF THIS ESTIMATION OF CHRIST. 1. Propltetical declarations, such as these: "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit at my right hand;" "I have set my King upon my holy hill;" and, "Behold my Servant whom I uphold, mine Elect in whom my soul de!iahteth." 2. Evangelical. The Lord Jesus was conscious of the Father's favour ; he d~clare<l that " the Father loveth the Son," and desires " that e.11 men should honour the Son." The forerunner receive,} the witness concerning Jesus: "This is wy belo,·ed Son, in whom I am well pleased." The multitude were present when the voice came from heaven testifying from the Father: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it agaio." 3. ..4:postolical, When the ir1Epired and commiijsione4 on. 11. 1-25.] THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. !J9