1 Peter 1:24
Verse
Context
The Enduring Word
23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For all flesh is as grass - Earthly seeds, earthly productions, and earthly generations, shall fail and perish like as the grass and flowers of the field; for the grass withereth, and the flower falleth off, though, in the ensuing spring and summer, they may put forth new verdure and bloom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Scripture proof that the word of God lives for ever, in contrast to man's natural frailty. If ye were born again of flesh, corruptible seed, ye must also perish again as the grass; but now that from which you have derived life remains eternally, and so also will render you eternal. flesh--man in his mere earthly nature. as--omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts. of man--The oldest manuscripts read, "of it" (that is, of the flesh). "The glory" is the wisdom, strength, riches, learning, honor, beauty, art, virtue, and righteousness of the NATURAL man (expressed by "flesh"), which all are transitory (Joh 3:6), not OF MAN (as English Version reads) absolutely, for the glory of man, in his true ideal realized in the believer, is eternal. withereth--Greek, aorist: literally, "withered," that is, is withered as a thing of the past. So also the Greek for "falleth" is "fell away," that is, is fallen away: it no sooner is than it is gone. thereof--omitted in the best manuscripts and versions. "The grass" is the flesh: "the flower" its glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
All men, as born of corruptible seed, are frail, mortal, and perishing; they spring up like grass, and look beautiful for a while, but are very weak and tender, and in a little time they are cut down by death, and wither away; and while they live, are, in a good measure, nothing but grass in another form; the substance of their life is greatly by it; what is the flesh they eat, but grass turned into it? and this mortality is not only the case of wicked men, as the Jews (l) interpret the word, but of good men; even of the prophets, and preachers of the Gospel; and yet the word of God spoken by them continues for ever: the passage referred to is in Isa 40:6. and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass; all outward things which are in esteem with men, and render them glorious to one another, as riches, honour, wisdom, strength, external righteousness, holiness, and goodness; all which are fading and transitory, like the flower of the field; but the Gospel continues, and reveals durable riches, and honour with Christ; and true wisdom and strength with him, and spiritual knowledge, in comparison of which, all things are dross and dung; and an everlasting righteousness; and true holiness in him: some have thought respect may be had to the legal dispensation, and to all the glory and stateliness and goodliness of the worship and ordinances of it, which were to endure but for a time, and are now removed; and the Gospel dispensation has taken place of them, which will continue to the end of the world: the grass withereth, and the flower thereof fadeth away; and so fading are all the above things, (l) Targum, Jarchi, & Kimchi, in Isa. xl. 6.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle having given an account of the excellency of the renewed spiritual man as born again, not of corruptible but incorruptible seed, he now sets before us the vanity of the natural man, taking him with all his ornaments and advantages about him: For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass; and nothing can make him a solid substantial being, but the being born again of the incorruptible seed, the word of God, which will transform him into a most excellent creature, whose glory will not fade like a flower, but shine like an angel; and this word is daily set before you in the preaching of the gospel. Learn, 1. Man, in his utmost flourish and glory, is still a withering, fading, dying creature. Take him singly, all flesh is grass. In his entrance into the world, in his life and in his fall, he is similar to grass, Job 14:2; Isa 40:6, Isa 40:7. Take him in all his glory, even this is as the flower of grass; his wit, beauty, strength, vigour, wealth, honour - these are but as the flower of grass, which soon withers and dies away. 2. The only way to render this perishing creature solid and incorruptible is for him to entertain and receive the word of God; for this remains everlasting truth, and, if received, will preserve him to everlasting life, and abide with him for ever. 3. The prophets and apostles preached the same doctrine. This word which Isaiah and others delivered in the Old Testament is the same which the apostles preached in the New.
1 Peter 1:24
The Enduring Word
23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dirt Handsomely Fashioned
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual DisciplineBody and SoulGEN 2:7PSA 103:14ECC 12:7MAT 6:19ROM 12:11CO 9:272CO 4:161TI 4:8JAS 1:101PE 1:24Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our physical bodies, formed from dust, are merely 'dirt handsomely fashioned.' He warns against the tendency to pamper the body while neglecting the soul, highlighting the danger of adorning ourselves externally while our inner selves lack grace and holiness. Brooks calls for a disciplined approach to life, urging believers to prioritize spiritual well-being over physical appearance.
The Cosmic Church
By John Piper0GEN 12:3LUK 16:15ROM 8:19EPH 1:11EPH 2:7EPH 3:101PE 1:24John Piper preaches about the cosmic significance of the church of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its mission to display the manifold wisdom of God to the supernatural beings in the heavenly places. He delves into the revelation received by Paul regarding the mystery of Christ, the unification of Jews and Gentiles in the church, and the divine wisdom behind God's plan of redemption. Piper challenges believers to live in hope, maintain unity, and demonstrate God's wisdom through their lives, as the church serves as a cosmic showcase of God's mercy to the watching principalities and powers.
The One Thing Needful
By Samuel Davies0MAT 6:19MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 10:41ROM 13:111CO 15:58HEB 9:27JAS 4:141PE 1:24Samuel Davies preaches about the urgency and importance of focusing on the one thing needful, which is salvation and holiness. He emphasizes the contrast between worldly pursuits and the eternal significance of preparing for the afterlife. Davies uses the example of Martha and Mary to illustrate the choice between being distracted by temporal concerns or prioritizing spiritual growth and salvation. He challenges the listeners to reflect on their actions, labor, and neglect of the salvation of their souls, urging them to consider the pressing necessity of securing their eternal destiny above all else.
Eternity
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 90:2ISA 57:15MAT 25:46JHN 3:16ROM 6:232CO 4:18HEB 9:271PE 1:24REV 22:5J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the powerful words 'Lost' and 'Eternity,' emphasizing the urgency of understanding their significance. He challenges the audience to contemplate where they will spend eternity, highlighting the infinite nature of God and the importance of choosing salvation. Chapman warns against being indifferent or reckless towards eternity, sharing poignant stories to illustrate the consequences of neglecting God. He urges everyone to turn to God, emphasizing that true satisfaction can only be found in Him.
The Voice of the Clock
By James Smith0ECC 9:101TH 4:16JAS 4:141PE 1:24REV 14:13James Smith delivers a powerful sermon reflecting on the brevity of life and the certainty of death, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for eternity. He highlights the significance of using our present life to prepare for the future, focusing on faith in Christ, laboring for God, and spending our lives for the good of others. Smith reminds believers that while life is for work, death is for rest, and encourages them to look forward to the eternal rest and praise in heaven. He concludes with a call to self-reflection on how we employ our time on earth and whether we are ready for the transition to eternity.
1. the Welsh Pulpit and Revival
By Robert Ellis0ISA 40:8JER 1:5MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 10:151CO 2:4EPH 6:192TI 4:2HEB 4:121PE 1:24Robert Ellis emphasizes the importance of preachers being sent by God, serving as ambassadors of Eternity in the temporal world. He highlights the need for messages from preachers to be like breezes from the eternal hills, permeating the atmosphere with eternal truths. Ellis points out that spiritual revivals produce great preachers with outstanding messages, such as Luther, Calvin, the Wesleys, and others, who bring about significant changes in nations. He stresses the necessity of the prophetic voice in the pulpit to prevent spiritual stagnation and the rise of idolatry. Ellis reflects on the rich history of Welsh preachers, from John Elias to Christmas Evans, and the impact of revivals on the Welsh pulpit.
Eternal Riches
By Thomas Manton0PRO 8:18MAT 6:33LUK 10:421TI 6:171PE 1:24Thomas Manton preaches about the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the enduring nature of God's Word. He emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal treasures over temporary pleasures, as everything in the world is passing away. Manton encourages focusing on the immortal soul's need for eternal good and the lasting riches found in righteousness. He warns against being content with outward happiness that fades away, urging the congregation to prioritize the better, eternal part that cannot be taken away.
Books Which Will Never Die
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 119:89PRO 30:5ISA 26:14ISA 40:8MAT 24:35JHN 1:12TI 3:16HEB 4:121PE 1:24REV 22:18J.C. Philpot discusses the enduring impact of certain books that contain the seeds of self-renewing life, contrasting them with the vast majority that fade into obscurity. He highlights the importance of books that appeal to the universal aspects of human nature, whether secular or spiritual, as they transcend time and remain imperishable. Philpot emphasizes the significance of the Bible, which stands the test of time against all attacks and remains as the eternal word of God, unlike the works of infidel writers that are destined for oblivion.
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
By Isaac Watts0PSA 46:1PSA 90:1ISA 40:8JAS 1:171PE 1:24Isaac Watts, in his sermon, emphasizes God's eternal nature as our help, hope, shelter, and eternal home. He highlights the transient nature of human life compared to the everlasting presence of God, urging listeners to find security and defense in Him alone. Watts reminds the congregation of the brevity of life and the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance in the midst of troubles, knowing that He is constant and unchanging throughout all ages.
1 Peter 1:24
By John Gill0The Word of GodEternal vs. Temporary1PE 1:24John Gill emphasizes the transitory nature of human life and glory, comparing it to grass and flowers that wither and fade. He explains that all flesh is frail and mortal, highlighting that both the righteous and the wicked face death, yet the word of God remains eternal. Gill contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly achievements and honors with the everlasting truth and riches found in the Gospel. He notes that while earthly glory is temporary, the spiritual wealth and righteousness offered through Christ endure forever. This sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing eternal truths over temporary worldly pursuits.
The Common Inn of All Mankind
By Thomas Brooks0MortalityThe Inevitability of DeathJOB 14:1PSA 90:10ECC 8:8ISA 40:6ROM 14:82CO 5:10HEB 9:27JAS 4:141PE 1:24REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that death is the inevitable fate of all humanity, regardless of social status or wealth. He illustrates that death treats everyone equally, from the highest monarch to the lowest beggar, highlighting the futility of trying to escape its grasp. Brooks reminds us that no one can resist death, as it is a universal truth that we all must face. He references Ecclesiastes 8:8 and Hebrews 9:27 to underline the certainty of death and the subsequent judgment that follows. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality and the importance of living with this reality in mind.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For all flesh is as grass - Earthly seeds, earthly productions, and earthly generations, shall fail and perish like as the grass and flowers of the field; for the grass withereth, and the flower falleth off, though, in the ensuing spring and summer, they may put forth new verdure and bloom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Scripture proof that the word of God lives for ever, in contrast to man's natural frailty. If ye were born again of flesh, corruptible seed, ye must also perish again as the grass; but now that from which you have derived life remains eternally, and so also will render you eternal. flesh--man in his mere earthly nature. as--omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts. of man--The oldest manuscripts read, "of it" (that is, of the flesh). "The glory" is the wisdom, strength, riches, learning, honor, beauty, art, virtue, and righteousness of the NATURAL man (expressed by "flesh"), which all are transitory (Joh 3:6), not OF MAN (as English Version reads) absolutely, for the glory of man, in his true ideal realized in the believer, is eternal. withereth--Greek, aorist: literally, "withered," that is, is withered as a thing of the past. So also the Greek for "falleth" is "fell away," that is, is fallen away: it no sooner is than it is gone. thereof--omitted in the best manuscripts and versions. "The grass" is the flesh: "the flower" its glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
All men, as born of corruptible seed, are frail, mortal, and perishing; they spring up like grass, and look beautiful for a while, but are very weak and tender, and in a little time they are cut down by death, and wither away; and while they live, are, in a good measure, nothing but grass in another form; the substance of their life is greatly by it; what is the flesh they eat, but grass turned into it? and this mortality is not only the case of wicked men, as the Jews (l) interpret the word, but of good men; even of the prophets, and preachers of the Gospel; and yet the word of God spoken by them continues for ever: the passage referred to is in Isa 40:6. and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass; all outward things which are in esteem with men, and render them glorious to one another, as riches, honour, wisdom, strength, external righteousness, holiness, and goodness; all which are fading and transitory, like the flower of the field; but the Gospel continues, and reveals durable riches, and honour with Christ; and true wisdom and strength with him, and spiritual knowledge, in comparison of which, all things are dross and dung; and an everlasting righteousness; and true holiness in him: some have thought respect may be had to the legal dispensation, and to all the glory and stateliness and goodliness of the worship and ordinances of it, which were to endure but for a time, and are now removed; and the Gospel dispensation has taken place of them, which will continue to the end of the world: the grass withereth, and the flower thereof fadeth away; and so fading are all the above things, (l) Targum, Jarchi, & Kimchi, in Isa. xl. 6.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle having given an account of the excellency of the renewed spiritual man as born again, not of corruptible but incorruptible seed, he now sets before us the vanity of the natural man, taking him with all his ornaments and advantages about him: For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass; and nothing can make him a solid substantial being, but the being born again of the incorruptible seed, the word of God, which will transform him into a most excellent creature, whose glory will not fade like a flower, but shine like an angel; and this word is daily set before you in the preaching of the gospel. Learn, 1. Man, in his utmost flourish and glory, is still a withering, fading, dying creature. Take him singly, all flesh is grass. In his entrance into the world, in his life and in his fall, he is similar to grass, Job 14:2; Isa 40:6, Isa 40:7. Take him in all his glory, even this is as the flower of grass; his wit, beauty, strength, vigour, wealth, honour - these are but as the flower of grass, which soon withers and dies away. 2. The only way to render this perishing creature solid and incorruptible is for him to entertain and receive the word of God; for this remains everlasting truth, and, if received, will preserve him to everlasting life, and abide with him for ever. 3. The prophets and apostles preached the same doctrine. This word which Isaiah and others delivered in the Old Testament is the same which the apostles preached in the New.