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Why Does Peter Call Us a Royal Priesthood?
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Why Does Peter Call Us a Royal Priesthood?

Introduction

The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, refers to believers as a “royal priesthood.” This unique designation piques our curiosity and beckons us to explore the depth and implications of such an identity in the life of a Christian.

Throughout this blog post, we will delve into the context and meaning behind this declaration, and discover the impact it has on how we are called to live our lives in service to God and others.

Understanding Peter’s call for us to be a royal priesthood requires us to examine the biblical context, both in the Old and New Testaments. By doing so, we can come to appreciate the broader narrative of God’s plan for His people and the role that we, as Christians, are called to fulfill.

In doing so, we will also explore the practical implications of this identity and how it can transform our relationships, our communities, and ultimately, our world.

Why does peter call us a royal priesthood?

The Context of Peter’s Statement

To begin, let’s look at the passage in question. In 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV), Peter writes, “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 declaration comes after Peter has encouraged believers to rid themselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking, and to desire the pure milk of the word (1 Peter 2:1-3).

The Old Testament Background

The concept of a priesthood finds its roots in the Old Testament. In ancient Israel, the priesthood was instituted by God and entrusted to the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:5-10).

The priests were responsible for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people, mediating between them and God, and teaching the people God’s law (Leviticus 10:8-11).

The high priest, in particular, played a crucial role in entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

However, the priesthood was not the only important institution in ancient Israel. The role of the king was also significant. The king had the responsibility to lead the nation, to administer justice, and to protect the people from their enemies.

In the Old Testament, kingship was closely linked to the idea of God’s rule over His people. For example, God promised King David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

The New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, we find that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of both the priestly and kingly roles. As our High Priest, He has offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and He continually intercedes on our behalf before the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:11-14).

Jesus is also the promised King, who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). In Revelation, He is called “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16, NKJV).

Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood

With this background in mind, we can now better understand why Peter calls us a royal priesthood. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have been made partakers of His priestly and kingly roles. Through Christ, we have direct access to God, and we are called to serve as priests in His kingdom.

The Priestly Role of Believers

As priests, our primary function is to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5, NKJV). This involves a life of worship, prayer, and intercession for others (Romans 12:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Additionally, we are called to share the gospel, which is the message of reconciliation between God and humanity, and to help others grow in their relationship with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-16).

Just as the priests in the Old Testament were responsible for teaching God’s law to the people, we are to be bearers of God’s truth and to disciple others in the faith.

The Kingly Role of Believers

As part of a royal priesthood, we also share in the kingly role of Jesus. As Christians, we are called to exercise authority in the spiritual realm, standing against the forces of darkness and advancing God’s kingdom on earth (Ephesians 6:10-18).

This includes the pursuit of justice, compassion, and mercy in our communities and the world, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable and oppressed (Micah 6:8; James 1:27).

Furthermore, we are to be good stewards of the resources and talents that God has entrusted to us, using them for His glory and the benefit of others (Matthew 25:14-30).

Living Out Our Royal Priesthood

In light of this understanding of our identity as a royal priesthood, we can now explore the practical implications for our lives as believers.

Embracing our priestly and kingly roles in Christ will affect every aspect of our lives, from our personal relationship with God to our interactions with others and our engagement with the world.

Deepening Our Relationship with God

Our identity as a royal priesthood calls us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. As priests, we have the privilege of direct access to God’s presence, and we are encouraged to draw near to Him with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

As we grow in our understanding of God’s character and His will for our lives, we will be better equipped to fulfill our calling as priests and kings in His kingdom.

Serving Others in Love

As royal priests, we are called to serve others in love, reflecting the sacrificial service of Christ, our High Priest. This includes the ministry of intercession, as we pray for the needs of others and stand in the gap on their behalf (Ezekiel 22:30; Colossians 4:12).

Moreover, we are to bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another, and seek to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those around us (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Engaging with the World

Our calling as a royal priesthood also involves engaging with the world around us, being salt and light in a dark and broken world (Matthew 5:13-16).

We are to be ambassadors of Christ, proclaiming His message of reconciliation and extending His love, mercy, and justice to those in need (2 Corinthians 5:20; Isaiah 58:6-12).

Furthermore, we are called to steward the earth and its resources, using them responsibly for the good of all creation (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 24:1).

Conclusion

In calling us a royal priesthood, Peter invites us to embrace our dual role as priests and kings in Christ’s kingdom. This identity has profound implications for our relationship with God, our service to others, and our engagement with the world.

As we grow in our understanding of this calling, we will be better equipped to fulfill our mission as ambassadors of Christ and agents of His kingdom on earth.

Ultimately, our identity as a royal priesthood points us toward the future when Christ’s reign will be fully established, and we will reign with Him in a new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4; 22:5).

Until that day, we are called to live out our royal priesthood in anticipation of His glorious return, faithfully serving as representatives of His kingdom in a world that desperately needs to encounter His love, grace, and truth.

May we, as a royal priesthood, be ever mindful of our high calling and purpose in Christ, seeking to live lives that honor God and serve others.

As we do so, we will not only experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with our true identity but also play a vital role in advancing God’s kingdom on earth.

In the words of the Apostle Peter, let us “proclaim the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV), embracing our identity as a royal priesthood and living out its implications in every aspect of our lives.

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.