1 Peter 1:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Peter 1:17
17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Chapter Context
1 Peter 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, mercy. Written during during Nero's persecution (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians throughout Asia Minor faced growing social hostility and potential persecution.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Peter and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Peter 1:17
17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Analysis
Peter addresses believers' conduct during earthly sojourn, grounding it in God's character as impartial judge. The conditional "And if ye call on the Father" (kai ei patera epikaleisthe) assumes believers do call on God as Father—this is definitional of Christianity. The participial phrase "who without respect of persons judgeth" (ton aprosōpolēmptōs krinonta) uses aprosōpolēmptōs meaning impartially, without favoritism. God judges "according to every man's work" (kata to hekastou ergon)—evaluating deeds objectively, without bias based on ethnicity, social status, wealth, or religious heritage. This isn't justification by works (contradicting Paul's clear teaching) but God's assessment of faith's genuineness by examining its fruit. James similarly teaches that genuine faith inevitably produces works (James 2:14-26). Peter's exhortation follows: "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear" (en phobō ton tēs paroikias hymōn chronon anastraphēte). "Sojourning" (paroikias) recalls verse 1's identification of believers as temporary residents, pilgrims en route to permanent homeland. "In fear" (en phobō) means reverential awe, not servile terror—filial respect for Father whose holiness demands reverence. This fear motivates holy living during earth's brief pilgrimage.
Historical Context
Peter addresses believers experiencing persecution under potentially unjust human judges. He reminds them that ultimate judgment belongs to God who judges impartially, evaluating all fairly regardless of social position. This provided comfort (unjust earthly verdicts don't constitute final judgment) and warning (believers aren't exempt from divine evaluation). The phrase "without respect of persons" echoes Old Testament emphasis on God's impartiality (Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7) and Jesus's teaching (Matthew 22:16). Roman society was rigidly hierarchical—patricians, plebeians, freedmen, slaves occupied distinct legal and social categories. Peter declares God recognizes no such distinctions—He judges works, not status. For wealthy believers tempted to presume on God or poor believers tempted to despair, this truth levels all before divine tribunal. The call to "fear" during sojourn recalls Israel's wilderness wandering—probationary period requiring faithfulness. Early church understood earthly life as brief pilgrimage to heavenly city (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Reflection
- How does knowing God judges impartially (without favoritism based on status, wealth, or heritage) affect both your confidence and your conduct?
- What does it mean practically to 'pass your time in fear' as a pilgrim during earthly sojourn, and how does this differ from worldly anxiety?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Chronicles 19:7, Jeremiah 3:19, Matthew 6:9, 22:16, Romans 11:20, 2 Corinthians 7:1