But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
The apostle shows the singular excellency of the elect and recalls us to effectual calling, the gospel sounding in both ear and mind, by which we may surely understand God's secret decree of salvation. Only faith remains: set forth, by all means, the great goodness of the Almighty God who freely chose and called you.
AI summary
You are Christ's elect, born of a single spiritual origin and utterly distinct from the world. As kings and priests you reign and offer sacrifice; you are His peculiar treasure, acquired by His choice alone. Show forth His excellencies and mercy to others, for you once lay in the same darkness until grace brought you to His marvellous light.
AI summary
You are chosen in distinction from those who rejected Christ as their foundation. You bear at once the dignity of kings and the sanctity of priests, an entire kingdom where all subjects offer spiritual sacrifice to God. These titles, taken from Israel's ancient calling, now rightly belong to you in their place.
AI summary