1 Peter 1:22-25
Verse 22
“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth – This refers to growth and moral maturity for believers. This word for obedience occurs 15 times in the NT and is never
used to mean saving faith. Our lives should be characterized by purity that comes from a
process of active obedience to the Lord and the truth of His Word.
Through the Spirit – Growth and obedience can only come through the Holy Spirit working in
us. This phrase is only in the majority text.
For a sincere love of the brethren – The word for love here is “philadelphia” which speaks ofbrotherly love.
Fervently love one another from the heart – The word for love here is “agapao” which speaks of deep, sacrificial love. Peter adds “fervently” to intensify this love even more.
“…one of the first marks of genuine growth in holiness in individuals and in churches is
earnest love for fellow Christians.”¹ Wayne Grudem
Verse 23
For you have been born again –
-not of seed which is perishable – Speaking of natural birth.
-but imperishable – Speaking of the new creation we become when we believe in Jesus.
For you have been born again…
-Through the living and abiding word of God – The emphasis is on the power (living) and
permanence (abiding) of the Word of God to awaken new life. “Word” here is a translation
of “logos”. In verse 25 “word” is “rhema”.
Three Greek words are translated “word”.
1) gramma – The sacred writings, letters or epistles.
2) rhema – Speech or discourse, what one has said…
3) logos - A conception or idea, a thought or declaration…
What is the relationship of verse 23 to verse 22?
We are to love one another fervently (verse 22) because we are born into a
family/fellowship that will last for eternity (verse 23).
Verse 24
For, all flesh is like grass… All human existence and effort is temporary. Man’s glory and
greatness will quickly disappear. James says it this way, “You are just a vapor that
appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:14
Verse 25
But the word of the Lord abides forever – The Word of God that brings forth new life, the
imperishable seed, is eternal. Our new nature, based on God’s Word, is eternal!
And this is the word which was preached to you – The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This new life we receive by faith is just like the Word of God, imperishable!
Verses 22-25
The imperative in these verses is to “fervently love one another…”
“It is impossible to love the truth and hate the brethren. The Spirit of God produces the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ in our lives, and the first of these is love… If we are filled with the Word of God…and the Spirit of God…we will manifest the love of God in our daily experiences.”² Warren Wiersbe
¹Grudem, Wayne A. 1 Peter. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 2009. p. 95.
² Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 400). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.