What is the context?
The God the readers call Father also judges impartially. Their relationship with Him calls for reverent fear during their life as foreigners, taking seriously how they live before Him.
The reason reaches back to their redemption. Silver and gold could not free them from the empty way of life received from their forefathers. The price named is Christ’s precious blood, pictured as that of a lamb without blemish or spot. The word translated redeemed carries the sense of release or deliverance.
Christ was known before the world’s foundation and revealed for their sake. Through Him their faith and hope are directed to the God who raised and glorified Him. The appeal to holy living therefore rests on the saving work already described, not simply on fear in isolation.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Calvin and Wesley both connect reverent conduct with the Father’s impartial judgment and the cost of Christ’s redeeming work. Calvin emphasizes that God sees the heart beyond outward appearance; Wesley describes the fear as humble and loving, accompanying hope.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The unblemished lamb recalls Exodus 12:1–13, where the Passover accompanies deliverance from Egypt. John 1:29 directly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin.
Peter connects that saving work with deliverance from an empty way of life. The purpose includes a people learning to live before God through Christ, with their faith and hope placed in the One who raised Him.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.