In 1 Peter 2:5 and 2:9, Peter describes believers as a “holy priesthood” and a “royal priesthood.” What does that mean? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
The Greek term behind “priesthood” is ἱεράτευμα (hierateuma), which refers to an organized body of (you guessed it) priests. Under the Old Covenant, only the Levitical priests could enter God’s presence on behalf of Israel, offering sacrifices and performing rituals. But under the New Covenant, all believers are included in this priestly role, with direct access to God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest.
In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter writes, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Here, Peter describes believers as living stones, each contributing to a “spiritual house”—the church. We are a community, a structure, built on the foundation of Christ.
The phrase “holy priesthood” is significant. The Greek term ἅγιος (hagios), meaning “holy” or “set apart,” indicates that our priesthood isn’t just about performing rituals but about living lives that reflect God’s holiness. As members of a holy priesthood, we’re called to offer “spiritual sacrifices.” These aren’t physical sacrifices as in the Old Testament, but sacrifices of praise, prayer, service, and love. Romans 12:1 echoes this by urging us to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” In this way, our entire lives become offerings that honor God.
In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter expands the concept, saying, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” Here, he combines the priestly role with royalty, indicating that we serve the King Himself. The term βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα (basileion hierateuma)—“royal priesthood”—conveys authority and purpose. We’re not just priests serving in obscurity; we are royal priests.
Being a “royal priesthood” means we’re to act in concert with and as part of God’s kingdom. It’s a high calling that invites us into a life of purpose, honor, and sacrifice.
As members of God’s priesthood, we’re encouraged to take every opportunity to approach Him in prayer, to live with a heart of worship, and to serve Him and others as an act of devotion. The more we do this, the closer we get to God and the more we reflect His love and glory.
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