1 Peter 1:22
Verse
Context
The Enduring Word
21Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God. 22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Seeing ye have purified your souls - Having purified your souls, in obeying the truth - by believing in Christ Jesus, through the influence and teaching of the Spirit; and giving full proof of it by unfeigned love to the brethren; ye love one another, or ye will love each other, with a pure heart fervently. These persons, First, heard the truth, that is, the Gospel; thus called in a great variety of places in the New Testament, because it contains The truth without mixture of error, and is the truth and substance of all the preceding dispensations by which it was typified. Secondly, they obeyed that truth, by believing on Him who came into the world to save sinners. Thirdly, through this believing on the Son of God, their hearts were purified by the word of truth applied to them by the Holy Spirit. Fourthly, the love of God being shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, they loved the brethren with pure hearts fervently, εκτενως, intensely or continually; the full proof that their brotherly love was unfeigned, φιλαδελφιαν ανυποκριτον, a fraternal affection without hypocrisy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
purified . . . in obeying the truth--Greek, "in your (or 'the') obedience of (that is, 'to') the truth (the Gospel way of salvation)," that is, in the fact of your believing. Faith purifies the heart as giving it the only pure motive, love to God (Act 15:9; Rom 1:5, "obedience to the faith"). through the Spirit--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The Holy Spirit is the purifier by bestowing the obedience of faith (Pe1 1:2; Co1 12:3). unto--with a view to: the proper result of the purifying of your hearts by faith. "For what end must we lead a chaste life? That we may thereby be saved? No: but for this, that we may serve our neighbor" [LUTHER]. unfeigned-- Pe1 2:1-2, "laying aside . . . hypocrisies . . . sincere." love of the brethren--that is, of Christians. Brotherly love is distinct from common love. "The Christian loves primarily those in Christ; secondarily, all who might be in Christ, namely, all men, as Christ as man died for all, and as he hopes that they, too, may become his Christian brethren" [STEIGER]. BENGEL remarks that as here, so in Pe2 1:5-7, "brotherly love" is preceded by the purifying graces, "faith, knowledge, and godliness," &c. Love to the brethren is the evidence of our regeneration and justification by faith. love one another--When the purifying by faith into love of the brethren has formed the habit, then the act follows, so that the "love" is at once habit and act. with a pure heart--The oldest manuscripts read, "(love) from the heart." fervently--Greek, "intensely": with all the powers on the stretch (Pe1 4:8). "Instantly" (Act 26:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Seeing ye have purified your souls,.... The apostle passes to another exhortation, namely, to brotherly love; the ground of which he makes to be, the purification of their souls; and which supposes that they had been impure; and indeed, their whole persons, souls and bodies, were so by nature; even all the members of their bodies, and all the powers and faculties of their souls: it is internal purity, purity of the heart, that is here particularly respected; though not to the exclusion of outward purity, for where there is the former, there will be the latter; but there may be an external purity, where there is not the inward one: this the apostle ascribes to the saints themselves, but not without the grace of God, the blood of Christ, and the operations of his Spirit; as appears by a following clause; but they are said to purify themselves, inasmuch as having the grace of faith bestowed on them, they were enabled, under the influences of the Spirit of God, to exercise it on the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin: in obeying the truth; of the Gospel, by receiving, believing, and embracing it in the love of it; which teaches outward purity, and is a means in the hand of the spirit of inward purity, and of directing to the purifying blood of Jesus, who sanctifies and cleanses by the word: through the Spirit; this clause is left out in the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, but is in the Arabic version, and ought to be retained; for, as Christ died to purify to himself a peculiar people, the Spirit of Christ does from him purify the heart by faith in his blood; by sprinkling that on the conscience, and by leading the faith of God's people to the fountain of it, to wash it for sin, and for uncleanness; even both their consciences and their conversation, garments; whereby they obtain inward and outward purity: unto unfeigned love of the brethren; which is the end of sanctification, and an evidence of it; when the saints are loved as brethren, and because such; and with a love without dissimulation, not in word and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth: this being the case, the exhortation follows: see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: this is Christ's new commandment, and the evidence of regeneration; a distinguishing badge of Christianity, and without which all profession of religion is a vain and empty thing: this should he mutual and cordial; should proceed from the heart, and from an heart sprinkled from an evil conscience; and should be with warmth and fervency, and not with coldness and indifference; though the word here used, may not only design the intenseness of it, but the extensiveness of it also; as that it should reach to all the saints, the poor as well as the rich, and the lesser as well as the greater and more knowing believers; and likewise may denote the continuance of it; it ought to be continually exercised, and to last always; and so the Arabic version renders it, "with a perpetual love".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:22–2:3 Following his call for holiness (1:13-21), Peter specifies how believers must live in a loving way with fellow Christians. 1:22 must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters: Literally must have brotherly love. See study note on 5:9.
1 Peter 1:22
The Enduring Word
21Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God. 22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 12): As Obedient Children
By A.W. Tozer36K37:47ObediencePSA 103:20MAT 6:33LUK 15:181PE 1:141PE 1:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the American spirit of rebellion and the importance of freedom. He references the historical event of pouring tea overboard in Boston Harbor and the famous speech by Patrick Henry, emphasizing the American desire for liberty. The preacher then transitions to a discussion about the biblical concept of obedience and disobedience. He refers to the book of Ezekiel, describing the mysterious creatures and their actions as a symbol of the divine authority and the need for humans to submit to God's will. The sermon concludes by highlighting the contrast between heaven, a place of obedient children, and hell, a world of rebellion and disobedience.
(1 Peter - Part 17): Seeing Ye Have Purified Your Souls
By A.W. Tozer21K31:36PurificationMAT 6:331PE 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to order and structure one's preaching or teaching. He uses 1 Peter 1:22 as a perfect verse for a sermon outline, which consists of seven points. The speaker highlights that the New Testament always provides biblical reasons for its commands, and in this case, the command to love one another is preceded by the reason that believers have purified their souls. The sermon encourages listeners to study and mark their Bibles, and to understand the logical flow of apostolic teaching.
Spiritual Treason
By A.W. Tozer16K35:39New ExperiencesROM 12:21CO 1:18COL 1:151TH 5:212TI 3:161PE 1:221JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's attitude towards God, Christ, the scriptures, self, other Christians, the world, and sin. The speaker encourages the audience to persevere in their faith and to continually seek a deeper love for God and a greater understanding of the scriptures. He also emphasizes the importance of discernment and testing the spirits to ensure that any doctrine, blessing, or experience aligns with God's truth as revealed in the Bible.
(1 Peter - Part 31): Christian's Trial and His Committal
By A.W. Tozer9.3K26:07TrialsMAT 6:331CO 11:261TI 2:41PE 1:22JUD 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding onto correct doctrine and teaching the truth as it is. He encourages believers to build themselves up in their faith and not rely solely on external sources for their spiritual growth. The speaker also highlights the need to acknowledge and accept the reality of God's creation, both in the physical and spiritual realms. He urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith and not give in to the pressures of the world or compromise with false teachings. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to God's word and standing firm in the face of opposition.
(Biographies) John Owen
By John Piper4.5K1:33:02PSA 119:105PSA 119:130MAT 6:33JHN 15:71CO 15:572TI 4:21PE 1:22In this sermon, Pastor John Piper reflects on the life and legacy of John Owen, a prominent theologian and pastor. He emphasizes the lesson of trusting in God's providence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Piper highlights Owen's passion for preaching the gospel and his commitment to holiness. He also shares a personal anecdote about how God's providence ensured that he was prepared to deliver this message. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to learn from Owen's faith and strive for holiness in their own lives.
The Kjv Version Bible - Part 1
By Chuck Smith4.1K1:01:03KJV VersionMAT 6:13MRK 11:26MRK 16:9ROM 1:22EPH 3:9EPH 3:141PE 1:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the warnings given by Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 1. He emphasizes the danger of people who claim to be wise but instead worship their own intellect rather than the incorruptible God. The preacher also criticizes modern translations of the Bible, claiming that they have been influenced by the Westcott and Hort committee, resulting in the deletion of important scriptures. He highlights specific examples of deletions, such as the removal of references to Jesus' mission to save the lost and the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.
The Love of God
By Art Katz3.0K49:22Love Of GodGEN 12:3JHN 21:17ACT 2:31PE 1:221PE 2:211PE 3:11PE 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love as the defining characteristic of God and the believers. The sermon explores the idea that Judas' betrayal of Jesus may have stemmed from a disappointed love, as Jesus did not meet his expectations as a deliverer for Israel. The preacher also highlights the need for believers to love unconditionally and extend themselves for others, even at the risk of their own lives. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that love is a powerful force that cannot fail and that God is glorified when believers demonstrate love for one another.
Born Again by the Word
By Willie Mullan2.0K1:01:46Born AgainEPH 1:3EPH 1:71PE 1:101PE 1:222PE 1:112PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the teachings of Peter in just four verses. He emphasizes that Peter knew about various important doctrines such as connection, sanctification, regeneration, appropriation, examination, adoration, inspiration, and redemption. The preacher also highlights Peter's understanding of our obligation as redeemed individuals and the limitations of man. Additionally, Peter recognized the eternal nature of the word of God and the illumination of the gospel. The sermon encourages believers to study and get along with God, regardless of their background or education.
The Word of God
By Bill McLeod1.4K54:35ScripturesPSA 119:50PRO 28:20ISA 40:6MAT 6:331PE 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with God. He references Moses spending 80 days and nights alone with God on Mount Sinai, highlighting the significance of fellowship with God. The speaker laments the lack of time Christians dedicate to studying the Bible, attributing their weakness to this neglect. He emphasizes that true peace and strength can be found through the Word of God and encourages listeners to prioritize it in their lives.
Exhortation and Explanation
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:01:46ExhortationMAT 21:22MAT 23:11LUK 18:11PE 1:221PE 2:171PE 3:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity and compassion among believers. He refers to the events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to bless those who do evil to them, using the example of Paul and Silas being mistreated in Philippi. He then references 1 Peter 3:8-9, which encourages believers to be of one mind, love one another, and not repay evil with evil, but instead bless others. The sermon concludes with the reminder that by following these principles, believers will inherit a blessing.
By Love Serve
By Bill McLeod1.3K54:08PSA 142:4PRO 17:9PRO 31:26JHN 15:13ROM 15:1GAL 5:13COL 3:161TH 1:91PE 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, drawing from Galatians 5:13. It highlights the need to show genuine care, exhort, comfort, and support fellow believers, using spiritual gifts to edify the church. The speaker urges the congregation to be proactive in reaching out to those in need, sharing stories of sacrificial love and practical ways to serve others.
The Fruit of Repentance
By Bill McLeod1.1K44:15RepentanceMAT 6:33JHN 1:33ACT 2:4ROM 1:161CO 9:161PE 1:221JN 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of our faith. He highlights the power of the Bible as a weapon and encourages the congregation to rely on it for guidance. The preacher shares a testimony of a pastor who experienced revival in his church after realizing the need for a deeper faith. He emphasizes that faith is not just an intellectual belief, but a heart transformation that is demonstrated through actions. The sermon concludes with the reminder that true faith is shown through obedience to God's truth.
What Is God Waiting For? - Part 2
By Derek Prince1.1K28:211CO 15:192CO 6:16TIT 2:141PE 1:221JN 3:2REV 1:12REV 5:5This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of purity with an eternal perspective, urging Christians to focus on eternity rather than just temporal matters. He highlights the need for believers to purify themselves as a response to God's purification, emphasizing the eternal hope of being like Jesus. Additionally, he stresses the significance of obeying the truth, leading to fervent love for fellow believers as evidence of a purified heart. Lastly, Derek Prince underscores the centrality of Jesus in the lives of believers, pointing to Revelation's imagery of Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the sacrificial Lamb.
Fulfillment of the Law
By Bill McLeod1.0K39:35Law Of GodMAT 22:39ROM 13:8ROM 13:10EPH 4:321PE 1:221PE 4:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was called by God to spread the word among English people. The man started off on foot, then progressed to a horse and eventually a car, but every Saturday he would go door to door, trying to win people to Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having fervent love among believers, as love covers a multitude of sins. He encourages looking for the good in others and helping them in their struggles. The sermon also highlights the danger of hypocritical love and the need to love in truth and action, not just in words. The preacher references various Bible verses, including 1 Peter 4:8, Romans 12:9, 1 John 3:18, and Ezekiel 33:31, to support his message.
What Is God Waiting For? - Part 3
By Derek Prince1.0K28:24ROM 5:1PHP 2:81PE 1:222PE 3:9REV 5:9This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the concepts of justification by faith, purification through obeying the truth, and making Jesus central in our lives. It delves into the profound meaning of being justified, purified, and the importance of having Jesus at the center of our existence.
Hold the Church to Love
By Bill McLeod81850:28LovePSA 24:4MAT 6:33JHN 17:26ROM 9:11PE 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who encountered a couple in need of help. The man quickly offered assistance and showed genuine care for their situation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion to others, especially within the church community. He also highlights the significance of believing in the power of God and standing on His promises. The sermon encourages listeners to have a genuine faith and trust in God's ability to work in their lives.
Ephesians 2
By Robert F. Adcock70446:26EPH 2:111PE 1:221PE 1:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who suffered judgment and wrath on behalf of humanity. The preacher expresses gratitude for living in a land where the gospel of Jesus Christ is still being proclaimed and encourages listeners to share the message of God's love and salvation with others. The sermon also raises the question of why people must die without hearing the gospel and emphasizes the urgency of evangelizing and spreading the message of eternal life. The preacher concludes by reminding listeners that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the key to receiving eternal life.
Love One Another Fervently
By Richard Owen Roberts6621:14:42LoveMAT 6:331PE 1:131PE 1:221PE 1:24In this sermon, the speaker begins by reminding the audience of the encouraging statements about what Christ has accomplished for believers. He then reviews the five commands given in the previous portion of the scripture, which include being sober-minded, fixing hope on God's grace, and being obedient and holy. The speaker emphasizes the temporary nature of human life, comparing it to grass that withers and flowers that fall off. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the audience to have receptive hearts and a request for God to reinforce the message of Peter's words to the young church facing opposition.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 101
By Don Courville35328:53Radio ShowMRK 10:21ROM 12:91CO 13:21PE 1:221PE 4:81JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of love in our interactions with others. He shares personal experiences of encountering difficult situations and emphasizes that without love, we may have a weak testimony and fail to win others to Christ. The preacher also reflects on a time when he had a negative attitude towards his neighbors and how God showed him that he wouldn't be able to win them over with that approach. He concludes by urging the audience to repent of their sins, receive Jesus as their Savior, and not to miss out on the opportunity to have a relationship with Him.
Pure in Heart
By Anton Bosch34840:09PurityMAT 6:33MAT 23:23GAL 5:16EPH 5:261TI 1:41TI 1:61PE 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching and speaking the truth. He explains that teaching and speaking with love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith is essential to avoid straying into false teachings and idle talk. The preacher warns against the dangers of teaching fables and engaging in endless arguments instead of focusing on godly edification. He also highlights the need for a genuine change of heart, emphasizing that external actions are meaningless if the inside remains unchanged. The sermon references verses from the Bible, including Matthew 23:24 and Psalm 51:6, to support these teachings.
Truth in the Inward Parts (Psalm 51:6)
By T. Austin-Sparks1Inner TransformationTruthPSA 51:6PRO 12:22JHN 4:24JHN 8:32JHN 14:6ROM 12:22CO 4:4EPH 4:242TI 2:151PE 1:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound need for truth in our innermost being, as expressed in Psalm 51:6. He reflects on David's deep remorse over his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, illustrating that true repentance requires a deep, inward transformation rather than mere outward observance of rituals. Sparks explains that God desires authenticity and truthfulness in our hearts, as this aligns with His divine nature, contrasting it with the deception that stems from Satan. He urges believers to allow God to work deeply within them, breaking down falsehoods and reconstructing their inner lives to reflect His truth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a lifelong commitment to seeking and embodying truth in every aspect of life, as it is essential for spiritual growth and integrity.
Do Not Bear Proper Fruits
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PRO 16:2MAT 7:16MAT 7:20ROM 14:41CO 4:5GAL 6:4JAS 2:171PE 1:221JN 1:71JN 3:18Harmon A. Baldwin addresses the objection that many professors of holiness do not bear the fruits of holiness, comparing it to the fallacy of assuming all people speak English or German just because those encountered do. He explains that some who claim holiness may lack proper evidence due to misunderstanding, lack of knowledge, or over-conscientiousness, leading to a deficiency in bearing fruits. Baldwin also highlights that some may be cleansed but mistaken in requirements, emphasizing that God purifies motives and allows room for growth in grace. Additionally, he points out the error in expecting more from holiness professing individuals than God does and acknowledges the presence of hypocrites within the holiness profession.
Obeying the Truth
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 119:11PRO 3:5ISA 30:21JHN 10:271PE 1:22Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of purifying our souls through obedience to the truth by the Spirit. She highlights the significance of readily obeying the promptings of the Spirit, whether in secret prayer, avoiding sin, or following the path God sets before us, as crucial for our spiritual growth and relationship with God.
Losing One's First Love
By Charles Finney0First LoveSpiritual ApathyMAT 22:37ROM 12:112CO 5:14GAL 5:6PHP 3:14HEB 10:24JAS 4:81PE 1:221JN 4:19REV 2:4Charles Finney addresses the critical issue of losing one's first love for God, as highlighted in Revelation 2:4. He emphasizes that while the Church of Ephesus had commendable qualities, their departure from sincere devotion to God was a grave concern. Finney outlines the characteristics of first love, its manifestations, and the dire consequences of neglecting this love, including spiritual decline and a lack of genuine interest in God's work. He calls for repentance and a return to heartfelt devotion, warning that losing this love can lead to a dangerous state of spiritual apathy and hypocrisy.
Cross: Purity by the Cross
By G. Campbell Morgan0RedemptionPurityPSA 51:10MAT 5:8ROM 6:142CO 5:17EPH 4:221TH 5:23HEB 9:14JAS 4:81PE 1:221JN 1:9G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that while the Cross provides the blessing of pardon for sins, it must also address the deeper issue of sin's root within us. He argues that true redemption is not just about forgiveness but about cleansing our consciousness from the defilement of sin, enabling us to serve God effectively. Morgan highlights that the blood of Christ offers a profound cleansing that transforms our inner nature, allowing us to overcome the tendencies that lead us to sin. He calls for a complete surrender to Christ, trusting Him for purity and a renewed consciousness. Ultimately, the Cross is not only about pardon but also about the profound need for purity in our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Seeing ye have purified your souls - Having purified your souls, in obeying the truth - by believing in Christ Jesus, through the influence and teaching of the Spirit; and giving full proof of it by unfeigned love to the brethren; ye love one another, or ye will love each other, with a pure heart fervently. These persons, First, heard the truth, that is, the Gospel; thus called in a great variety of places in the New Testament, because it contains The truth without mixture of error, and is the truth and substance of all the preceding dispensations by which it was typified. Secondly, they obeyed that truth, by believing on Him who came into the world to save sinners. Thirdly, through this believing on the Son of God, their hearts were purified by the word of truth applied to them by the Holy Spirit. Fourthly, the love of God being shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, they loved the brethren with pure hearts fervently, εκτενως, intensely or continually; the full proof that their brotherly love was unfeigned, φιλαδελφιαν ανυποκριτον, a fraternal affection without hypocrisy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
purified . . . in obeying the truth--Greek, "in your (or 'the') obedience of (that is, 'to') the truth (the Gospel way of salvation)," that is, in the fact of your believing. Faith purifies the heart as giving it the only pure motive, love to God (Act 15:9; Rom 1:5, "obedience to the faith"). through the Spirit--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The Holy Spirit is the purifier by bestowing the obedience of faith (Pe1 1:2; Co1 12:3). unto--with a view to: the proper result of the purifying of your hearts by faith. "For what end must we lead a chaste life? That we may thereby be saved? No: but for this, that we may serve our neighbor" [LUTHER]. unfeigned-- Pe1 2:1-2, "laying aside . . . hypocrisies . . . sincere." love of the brethren--that is, of Christians. Brotherly love is distinct from common love. "The Christian loves primarily those in Christ; secondarily, all who might be in Christ, namely, all men, as Christ as man died for all, and as he hopes that they, too, may become his Christian brethren" [STEIGER]. BENGEL remarks that as here, so in Pe2 1:5-7, "brotherly love" is preceded by the purifying graces, "faith, knowledge, and godliness," &c. Love to the brethren is the evidence of our regeneration and justification by faith. love one another--When the purifying by faith into love of the brethren has formed the habit, then the act follows, so that the "love" is at once habit and act. with a pure heart--The oldest manuscripts read, "(love) from the heart." fervently--Greek, "intensely": with all the powers on the stretch (Pe1 4:8). "Instantly" (Act 26:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Seeing ye have purified your souls,.... The apostle passes to another exhortation, namely, to brotherly love; the ground of which he makes to be, the purification of their souls; and which supposes that they had been impure; and indeed, their whole persons, souls and bodies, were so by nature; even all the members of their bodies, and all the powers and faculties of their souls: it is internal purity, purity of the heart, that is here particularly respected; though not to the exclusion of outward purity, for where there is the former, there will be the latter; but there may be an external purity, where there is not the inward one: this the apostle ascribes to the saints themselves, but not without the grace of God, the blood of Christ, and the operations of his Spirit; as appears by a following clause; but they are said to purify themselves, inasmuch as having the grace of faith bestowed on them, they were enabled, under the influences of the Spirit of God, to exercise it on the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin: in obeying the truth; of the Gospel, by receiving, believing, and embracing it in the love of it; which teaches outward purity, and is a means in the hand of the spirit of inward purity, and of directing to the purifying blood of Jesus, who sanctifies and cleanses by the word: through the Spirit; this clause is left out in the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, but is in the Arabic version, and ought to be retained; for, as Christ died to purify to himself a peculiar people, the Spirit of Christ does from him purify the heart by faith in his blood; by sprinkling that on the conscience, and by leading the faith of God's people to the fountain of it, to wash it for sin, and for uncleanness; even both their consciences and their conversation, garments; whereby they obtain inward and outward purity: unto unfeigned love of the brethren; which is the end of sanctification, and an evidence of it; when the saints are loved as brethren, and because such; and with a love without dissimulation, not in word and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth: this being the case, the exhortation follows: see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: this is Christ's new commandment, and the evidence of regeneration; a distinguishing badge of Christianity, and without which all profession of religion is a vain and empty thing: this should he mutual and cordial; should proceed from the heart, and from an heart sprinkled from an evil conscience; and should be with warmth and fervency, and not with coldness and indifference; though the word here used, may not only design the intenseness of it, but the extensiveness of it also; as that it should reach to all the saints, the poor as well as the rich, and the lesser as well as the greater and more knowing believers; and likewise may denote the continuance of it; it ought to be continually exercised, and to last always; and so the Arabic version renders it, "with a perpetual love".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:22–2:3 Following his call for holiness (1:13-21), Peter specifies how believers must live in a loving way with fellow Christians. 1:22 must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters: Literally must have brotherly love. See study note on 5:9.