1 Peter 2:9

“But ye are a chosen generation, etc.] Or “kindred”; the phrase is to be seen in the Septuagint, on (<234320>Isaiah 43:20), to which, and the following verse, the apostle refers here, and in another part of this text. The allusion is throughout to the people of Israel in general, who, in an external way, were all that is here said; but was only true in a spiritual sense of such as were chosen and called among the Jews: and who were a “generation or kindred”; being regenerate, or through abundant mercy begotten, and of an incorruptible seed born again; and were akin to God, he being their Father, and they his children by adopting grace, and which was made manifest by their new birth; and also…”

“Contrast in the privileges and destinies of believers. Compare the similar contrast with the preceding context. chosen--"elect" of God, even as Christ your Lord is. generation--implying the unity of spiritual origin and kindred of believers as a class distinct from the world. royal--kingly. Believers, like Christ, the antitypical Melchisedec, are at once kings and priests. Israel, in a spiritual sense, was designed to be the same among the nations of the earth. The full realization on earth of this, both to the literal and the spiritual Israel, is as yet future. holy nation--antitypical to Israel. peculiar people--literally, "a people for an acquisition," that is, whom God chose to be…”

“But ye are a chosen generation - In contradistinction from those who, by their disobedience, had rejected the Saviour as the foundation of hope. The people of God are often represented as his chosen or elected people. See the notes at 1 Peter 1:2. A royal priesthood - See the notes at 1 Peter 2:5. The meaning of this is, probably, that they “at once bore the dignity of kings, and the sanctity of priests” - Doddridge. Compare Revelation 1:6; “And hath made us kings and priests unto God.” See also Isaiah 61:6; “But ye shall be named priests of the Lord; men shall call ye ministers of our God.” It may be, however, that the word royal is used only to denote the dignity of the priestly office…”

“But ye - Who believe in Christ Are - In a higher sense than ever the Jews were. A chosen or elect race, a royal priesthood - "Kings and priests unto God," Rev 1:6. As princes, ye have power with God, and victory over sin, the world, and the devil: as priests, ye are consecrated to God, for offering spiritual sacrifices. Ye Christians are as one holy nation, under Christ your King. A purchased people - Who are his peculiar property. That ye may show forth - By your whole behaviour, to all mankind. The virtues - The excellent glory, the mercy, wisdom, and power of him, Christ, who hath called you out of the darkness of ignorance, error, sin, and misery. 1 Peter 2:10”

“2:9 Peter applies descriptions of the Israelites in the Old Testament (see, e.g., Exod 19:5-6) to his primarily Gentile audience, indicating that they—like all Christians—are truly God’s people in the new covenant era.”

“a chosen: Pe1 1:2; Deu 10:15; Psa 22:30, Psa 33:12, Psa 73:15; Isa 41:8, Isa 44:1 a royal: Exo 19:5, Exo 19:6; Isa 61:6, Isa 66:21; Rev 1:6, Rev 5:10, Rev 20:6 an holy: Psa 106:5; Isa 26:2; Joh 17:19; Co1 3:17; Ti2 1:9 peculiar: or, purchased, Deu 4:20, Deu 7:6, Deu 14:2, Deu 26:18, Deu 26:19; Act 20:28; Eph 1:14; Tit 2:14 show: Pe1 4:11; Isa 43:21, Isa 60:1-3; Mat 5:16; Eph 1:6, Eph 3:21; Phi 2:15, Phi 2:16 praises: or, virtues who: Isa 9:2, Isa 60:1, Isa 60:2; Mat 4:16; Luk 1:79; Act 26:28; Rom 9:24; Eph 5:8-11; Phi 3:14; Col 1:13; Th1 5:4-8 1 Peter 2:10”