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What Does "Peculiar People" Mean in the Bible?
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What Does “Peculiar People” Mean in the Bible?

Introduction

The Bible has been a source of inspiration and guidance for countless people throughout the centuries. Its timeless wisdom continues to challenge and shape our understanding of who we are and how we are to live in the world.

One of the terms that often appears in Scripture and has intrigued many believers is “peculiar people.” This phrase has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation, as it holds important implications for how we understand our identity as Christians.

In this blog post, we will delve into the meaning of “peculiar people” as it is presented in the Bible, specifically using the New King James Version (NKJV).

We will explore the scriptural context of this term, consider its implications for our lives, and highlight key lessons that can be drawn from this concept. We invite you to journey with us as we uncover the rich insights that lie beneath the surface of this seemingly enigmatic phrase.

Key Takeaways

  1. “Peculiar people” refers to a chosen, special, or set-apart people who belong to God.
  2. This term appears in several different contexts in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments.
  3. The concept of being a peculiar people challenges believers to live a life that reflects God’s character and purposes.
  4. Understanding our identity as peculiar people can help us embrace our calling as Christians in a world that often misunderstands or rejects our faith.
  5. Recognizing that we are part of a larger community of peculiar people can provide us with strength, encouragement, and support as we seek to live out our faith.
What does "peculiar people" mean in the bible?

Old Testament Origins: Israel as a Peculiar People

The term “peculiar people” first appears in the Old Testament, specifically in reference to the nation of Israel. In Exodus 19:5-6 (NKJV), God tells the Israelites,

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Here, the term “special treasure” suggests a sense of uniqueness and value, as well as a special relationship between God and His people.

In Deuteronomy 14:2 (NKJV), we find a similar description: “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

Once again, the emphasis is on the distinctive nature of God’s chosen people and their unique role in His plan.

These passages remind us that the concept of a peculiar people is rooted in the Old Testament understanding of Israel as a nation set apart by God. They were chosen to be a distinct people who would demonstrate God’s character and purposes to the world.

New Testament Expansion: The Church as a Peculiar People

The idea of a peculiar people is not limited to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we find that this concept is expanded to include all believers in Jesus Christ.

In 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV), the apostle Peter writes to the early church, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

This passage reveals that the identity of being a peculiar people now extends to all who belong to Christ. This new community of believers is to be marked by the same characteristics of holiness, dedication, and witness that defined the nation of Israel in the Old Testament.

As Christians, we are part of a spiritual family that transcends national and ethnic boundaries, united by our common faith in Jesus.

This new identity as a peculiar people challenges us to live in a way that reflects our unique relationship with God and our distinct role in His plan for the world.

Holiness and Separation: Characteristics of a Peculiar People

One of the key implications of being a peculiar people is the call to holiness and separation from the world. Leviticus 20:26 (NKJV) states, “And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.”

This passage highlights the importance of holiness as a defining characteristic of God’s people.

In the New Testament, we find a similar emphasis on holiness and separation. In 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV), the apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” Believers are called to separate themselves from the sinful practices and values of the world, demonstrating a lifestyle that is consistent with the character and teachings of Jesus.

As peculiar people, we are challenged to resist the temptations of the world and to pursue a life that reflects the holiness of God. This commitment to holiness not only sets us apart from the world but also serves as a powerful witness to the transforming power of the gospel.

A Witness to the World: The Mission of a Peculiar People

The concept of a peculiar people is not only about identity and separation but also about mission and witness. In Isaiah 43:10 (NKJV), God declares,

“You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He.”

As peculiar people, we are called to be witnesses of God’s character, love, and power to a world that is in desperate need of hope and redemption.

Jesus echoed this call to be witnesses in His final words to His disciples, as recorded in Acts 1:8 (NKJV): “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

As peculiar people, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus with others, demonstrating the reality of God’s love and the hope of eternal life.

The mission of a peculiar people is not limited to proclamation but also includes acts of service, compassion, and justice. By embodying the values of God’s kingdom, we demonstrate the reality of the gospel and invite others to experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

The Power of Community: Strength and Encouragement for Peculiar People

Recognizing that we are part of a larger community of peculiar people can provide us with strength and encouragement as we seek to live out our faith. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of this truth in Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV), saying,

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

As members of a peculiar people, we are not alone in our journey of faith. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who can support, encourage, and challenge us as we seek to live a life that reflects the character and purposes of God.

Together, we can draw strength from one another and find the courage to stand firm in a world that often misunderstands or rejects our faith.

In addition, this sense of community can also serve as a powerful witness to the world. Jesus said in John 13:35 (NKJV), “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The love and unity that we display as a peculiar people can serve as a compelling testimony to the transforming power of the gospel and the reality of God’s presence in our lives.

Conclusion

The concept of “peculiar people” in the Bible offers rich insights into our identity and calling as Christians. As a peculiar people, we are set apart by God, called to live lives of holiness and separation from the world.

This identity challenges us to embrace our unique role in God’s plan and to be witnesses of His love and power to a world in need of hope and redemption.

Moreover, as we recognize our place within a larger community of peculiar people, we can draw strength, encouragement, and support from one another.

This sense of belonging and unity not only strengthens our own faith but also serves as a powerful witness to the reality of God’s love and the transformative power of the gospel.

Ultimately, the concept of a peculiar people invites us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God, called to live lives that reflect His character and advance His kingdom.

As we do so, we can be confident that we are fulfilling our purpose as God’s special treasure, a people set apart for His glory and the good of the world.

Pastor duke taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.