1 Peter 1:21
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who by him do believe in God - This is supposed to refer to the Gentiles, who never knew the true God till they heard the preaching of the Gospel: the Jews had known him long before, but the Gentiles had every thing to learn when the first preachers of the Gospel arrived amongst them. Gave him glory - Raised him to his right hand, where, as a Prince and a Savior, he gives repentance and remission of sins. That your faith - In the fulfillment of all his promises, and your hope of eternal glory, might be in God, who is unchangeable in his counsels, and infinite in his mercies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
by him--Compare "the faith which is by Him," Act 3:16. Through Christ: His Spirit, obtained for us in His resurrection and ascension, enabling us to believe. This verse excludes all who do not "by Him believe in God," and includes all of every age and clime that do. Literally, "are believers in God." "To believe IN (Greek, 'eis') God" expresses an internal trust: "by believing to love God, going INTO Him, and cleaving to Him, incorporated into His members. By this faith the ungodly is justified, so that thenceforth faith itself begins to work by love" [P. LOMBARD]. To believe ON (Greek, "epi," or dative case) God expresses the confidence, which grounds itself on God, reposing on Him. "Faith IN (Greek, 'en') His blood" (Rom 3:25) implies that His blood is the element IN which faith has its proper and abiding place. Compare with this verse, Act 20:21, "Repentance toward (Greek, 'eis,' 'into,' turning towards and going into) God and faith toward (Greek, 'eis,' 'into') Christ": where, as there is but one article to both repentance and faith, the two are inseparably joined as together forming one truth; where "repentance" is, there "faith" is; when one knows God the Father spiritually, then he must know the Son by whom alone we can come to the Father. In Christ we have life: if we have not the doctrine of Christ, we have not God. The only living way to God is through Christ and His sacrifice. that raised him--The raising of Jesus by God is the special ground of our "believing": (1) because by it God declared openly His acceptance of Him as our righteous substitute; (2) because by it and His glorification He received power, namely, the Holy Spirit, to impart to His elect "faith": the same power enabling us to believe as raised Him from the dead. Our faith must not only be IN Christ, but BY and THROUGH Christ. "Since in Christ's resurrection and consequent dominion our safety is grounded, there 'faith' and 'hope' find their stay" [CALVIN]. that your faith and hope might be in God--the object and effect of God's raising Christ. He states what was the actual result and fact, not an exhortation, except indirectly. Your faith flows from His resurrection; your hope from God's having "given Him glory" (compare Pe1 1:11, "glories"). Remember God's having raised and glorified Jesus as the anchor of your faith and hope in God, and so keep alive these graces. Apart from Christ we could have only feared, not believed and hoped in God. Compare Pe1 1:3, Pe1 1:7-9, Pe1 1:13, on hope in connection with faith; love is introduced in Pe1 1:22.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who by him do believe in God,.... Christ, as God, is the object of faith; as Mediator, he is the way to the Father, by which men come to him, believe in him and lay hold upon him, as their covenant God and Father; and is also the author of that faith by which they believe in him; and all their encouragement to believe is taken from him; and such who do come to God by Christ, and stay themselves upon him, trusting in him, may know, and comfortably conclude, that Christ, who was foreordained from all eternity to be the Redeemer of his people, was manifest in the flesh for their sakes, and to obtain eternal redemption for them, which he was sent to do, by him t
1 Peter 1:21
A Call to Holiness
20He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.21Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
We Shall Not All Sleep
By J. Frank Norris70126:00ResurrectionISA 40:6JHN 1:111CO 15:511PE 1:211PE 3:211JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of change and when it will take place. He refers to the last trumpet, which signifies the end of the present age and the gathering of God's elect. The preacher emphasizes the joy and rejoicing that will come with this change, particularly in the context of being reunited with loved ones in the resurrection. He encourages the congregation to have hope and trust in God, knowing that when Christ appears, they will be transformed to be like Him. The sermon concludes with an invitation for people to confess Christ and obey Him.
How Faith Receives Christ.
By Andrew Bonar0FaithReceiving ChristPSA 33:9MRK 4:40LUK 24:32JHN 1:29ROM 3:25EPH 2:8HEB 12:21PE 1:212PE 1:12PE 1:5Andrew Bonar emphasizes the simplicity and power of faith in receiving Christ, illustrating this through the testimony of the Apostle John. He recounts how John, along with Peter and Andrew, was drawn to Jesus after hearing John the Baptist proclaim Him as the 'Lamb of God.' Bonar highlights that true faith is not about defining it but experiencing it, as the disciples found rest and joy in Christ. He encourages believers to focus on the greatness of Christ, which fuels their faith and leads to a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, Bonar reminds us that faith is the root of all grace and connects us to the Father through the Son.
Hope
By William Cowper0PSA 42:11PSA 71:14PSA 147:11PRO 10:28LAM 3:24ROM 5:5ROM 15:13HEB 6:191PE 1:21William Cowper preaches about the transformative power of hope in the face of despair and the importance of genuine faith in God's mercy and grace. He contrasts the emptiness of worldly pleasures and false hopes with the lasting joy and freedom found in a sincere relationship with God. Cowper emphasizes the need to acknowledge our sins, seek redemption through Christ, and live a life guided by God's truth and love, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Honour Due to the Person of Christ — the Nature and Causes of It.
By John Owen0LUK 17:5LUK 23:46JHN 5:23JHN 20:28ACT 7:56ACT 7:59HEB 4:151PE 1:21REV 5:8REV 22:20John Owen preaches about the importance of honoring and worshiping the person of Christ in all acts of religion, emphasizing that all divine honor is due to the Son of God incarnate. He highlights the necessity of considering the glory, life, and power of the Christian religion in relation to the person of Christ, stating that he is the object of divine honor and worship. Owen explains that in times of distress, gracious discoveries, persecution, growth in grace, and even in death, believers should make especial applications unto Christ through prayer for various needs and experiences.
Name and Claim It!
By Denis Lyle0GEN 10:1PSA 92:14ISA 53:6MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ACT 8:26ACT 16:7ROM 8:14ROM 12:111CO 15:3COL 1:91PE 1:21Denis Lyle preaches on the mission of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the evangelization of the world through bringing people to Jesus Christ. The sermon delves into the story of Philip in Acts, showcasing how the Holy Spirit works through individuals like Philip to reach diverse people groups, highlighting the importance of being in touch with God's will, word, and work. It emphasizes the flexibility in how the Holy Spirit guides us, the need to share the gospel using God's Word, and the significance of being obedient and fruitful in serving God throughout our lives.
The Principle of the Assignation of Divine Honour Unto the Person of Christ
By John Owen0Faith in ChristDivine HonorGEN 3:15JHN 1:12JHN 3:36JHN 14:1ROM 10:14GAL 2:20EPH 2:18HEB 11:61PE 1:21REV 13:8John Owen emphasizes that the assignation of divine honor to Christ is fundamentally rooted in faith in Him, which has been the cornerstone of true religion since the fall of man. He argues against the notion that faith in Christ was not necessary for worship and salvation, asserting that the first promise of redemption in Genesis 3:15 establishes Christ as the sole means of deliverance from sin. Owen highlights that all Old Testament sacrifices were types pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, reinforcing the necessity of faith in Him for justification and salvation. He concludes that true faith in Christ encompasses both belief in His person and trust in His mediatorial work, which is essential for spiritual life and divine worship.
How Much Is the Cross Worth?
By Arthur Blessitt0LUK 2:13LUK 10:5JHN 14:27ROM 12:18GAL 2:20GAL 6:14EPH 2:17EPH 5:11PE 1:21Arthur Blessitt preaches about the immeasurable worth of the cross, emphasizing the sacrificial love of Jesus and the profound impact it has on believers. He delves into the significance of identifying with the cross and Jesus, calling for a crucified life that aligns with God's will. The sermon highlights the fragrant offering of Jesus on the cross, urging followers to imitate God's love and walk in sacrificial love. Arthur Blessitt also reflects on the hope and peace brought by the cross, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and the message of peace proclaimed at Christmas.
1 Peter 1:21
By John Gill0Faith in ChristResurrection and HopeJHN 14:6ROM 4:25EPH 2:81PE 1:21John Gill emphasizes that faith in God is centered on Christ, who serves as the mediator between humanity and the Father. He explains that Christ's resurrection is a pivotal event that not only affirms His divinity but also provides believers with assurance of their justification and future resurrection. Gill highlights that Christ's glory, bestowed upon Him by the Father, serves as a source of encouragement for believers to place their faith and hope in God. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Christ as the author of faith and the foundation of our relationship with God. Ultimately, believers are called to trust in the power of Christ's resurrection and the glory He now possesses.
I Write These Things to Warn You
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 14:6ACT 4:121TH 4:162TI 4:81PE 1:21Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of guarding against false teachings and encourages believers to have full assurance in Christ. He highlights Christ's miraculous life, healing ministry, revelation of the one true God, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and future return for judgment. Those who have a deep conviction and belief in these truths are blessed, and Ignatius commends his audience for their love for God and Christ, urging them to remain steadfast in their hope.
An Exhortation to Virtue
By St. Polycarp of Smyrna0MAT 5:3LUK 6:372CO 5:10PHP 2:101PE 1:21St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord in fear and truth, forsaking empty talk and error, and believing in Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead and glorified. He reminds believers that all things in heaven and on earth are subject to Jesus, who will come as the Judge of the living and the dead. Polycarp urges the congregation to walk in God's commandments, love what He loved, and avoid unrighteousness and evil, while practicing forgiveness, mercy, and humility as taught by the Lord.
The Lord of Glory
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 17:5ACT 7:55ROM 8:291CO 2:82TH 1:10HEB 2:91PE 1:21Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the Lord of Glory, emphasizing how Jesus, who died for us, is the eternal Lord of Glory, manifested in various ways throughout history. From appearing to the prophets to performing mighty miracles, Jesus revealed His Glory on earth. Even in His death on the cross, the focus of His Glory, He displayed obedience and selflessness, ultimately being raised and received into Glory by God. Gaebelein highlights the future manifestation of the Lord of Glory, when every eye shall see Him in His Majesty and Glory, and believers will be glorified with Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who by him do believe in God - This is supposed to refer to the Gentiles, who never knew the true God till they heard the preaching of the Gospel: the Jews had known him long before, but the Gentiles had every thing to learn when the first preachers of the Gospel arrived amongst them. Gave him glory - Raised him to his right hand, where, as a Prince and a Savior, he gives repentance and remission of sins. That your faith - In the fulfillment of all his promises, and your hope of eternal glory, might be in God, who is unchangeable in his counsels, and infinite in his mercies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
by him--Compare "the faith which is by Him," Act 3:16. Through Christ: His Spirit, obtained for us in His resurrection and ascension, enabling us to believe. This verse excludes all who do not "by Him believe in God," and includes all of every age and clime that do. Literally, "are believers in God." "To believe IN (Greek, 'eis') God" expresses an internal trust: "by believing to love God, going INTO Him, and cleaving to Him, incorporated into His members. By this faith the ungodly is justified, so that thenceforth faith itself begins to work by love" [P. LOMBARD]. To believe ON (Greek, "epi," or dative case) God expresses the confidence, which grounds itself on God, reposing on Him. "Faith IN (Greek, 'en') His blood" (Rom 3:25) implies that His blood is the element IN which faith has its proper and abiding place. Compare with this verse, Act 20:21, "Repentance toward (Greek, 'eis,' 'into,' turning towards and going into) God and faith toward (Greek, 'eis,' 'into') Christ": where, as there is but one article to both repentance and faith, the two are inseparably joined as together forming one truth; where "repentance" is, there "faith" is; when one knows God the Father spiritually, then he must know the Son by whom alone we can come to the Father. In Christ we have life: if we have not the doctrine of Christ, we have not God. The only living way to God is through Christ and His sacrifice. that raised him--The raising of Jesus by God is the special ground of our "believing": (1) because by it God declared openly His acceptance of Him as our righteous substitute; (2) because by it and His glorification He received power, namely, the Holy Spirit, to impart to His elect "faith": the same power enabling us to believe as raised Him from the dead. Our faith must not only be IN Christ, but BY and THROUGH Christ. "Since in Christ's resurrection and consequent dominion our safety is grounded, there 'faith' and 'hope' find their stay" [CALVIN]. that your faith and hope might be in God--the object and effect of God's raising Christ. He states what was the actual result and fact, not an exhortation, except indirectly. Your faith flows from His resurrection; your hope from God's having "given Him glory" (compare Pe1 1:11, "glories"). Remember God's having raised and glorified Jesus as the anchor of your faith and hope in God, and so keep alive these graces. Apart from Christ we could have only feared, not believed and hoped in God. Compare Pe1 1:3, Pe1 1:7-9, Pe1 1:13, on hope in connection with faith; love is introduced in Pe1 1:22.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who by him do believe in God,.... Christ, as God, is the object of faith; as Mediator, he is the way to the Father, by which men come to him, believe in him and lay hold upon him, as their covenant God and Father; and is also the author of that faith by which they believe in him; and all their encouragement to believe is taken from him; and such who do come to God by Christ, and stay themselves upon him, trusting in him, may know, and comfortably conclude, that Christ, who was foreordained from all eternity to be the Redeemer of his people, was manifest in the flesh for their sakes, and to obtain eternal redemption for them, which he was sent to do, by him t