1 Peter 2:9

Context

1 Peter is a letter addressed to believers scattered across several regions of Asia Minor who were enduring social hostility and suffering. In 2:4-8, Peter calls Christ a "living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious," and says that believers, as lively stones, are built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. Verse 9 applies directly to the church the titles that God gave to Israel at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:6. Its stated purpose is "that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."

Interpretation

• As the basis for the priesthood of all believers: Martin Luther, appealing to this verse among others, taught that every baptized believer is a priest and that the distinction between clergy and laity is merely a difference of office, not of status. The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, which holds that every believer may approach God directly, pray for others, and proclaim the Word, arises from this reading.
• As the identity of the community: Because "generation," "nation," and "people" are all collective nouns, some interpreters hold that the central meaning is not so much that each individual is a priest as that the church community as a whole has been entrusted with the mission of a priestly nation before the world.
• The Catholic reading: The Second Vatican Council distinguishes between the "common priesthood," in which all the faithful share through baptism, and the "ministerial priesthood" of the ordained, citing this verse in support of the former.

Debates and Issues

Within Protestantism, the priesthood of all believers raises the question of how far the special authority of pastors should be recognized. Critics of a culture that unduly exalts the pastoral office appeal to this verse, while others caution that the doctrine should not be used to deny the order and offices of the church. Most Reformation traditions affirm both the priesthood of all believers and the office of the minister of the Word.

In the Korean Church

The verse has served as a key text in the discipleship training movement, which seeks to raise up lay leaders, and Oak Han-hum is known to have cited it frequently when speaking of a ministry that awakens the laity. It is also widely used as a motto for ordination and installation services and for young adult retreats.

Related Passages

• Exodus 19:5-6
• Revelation 1:6
• 1 Peter 2:5
• Hebrews 4:14-16