1 Peter 1:16

16 because it is written: "Be ye holy, for I am holy."

1 Peter 1:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written
In ( Leviticus 11:44 ) ( 19:2 ) ( 20:7 )

be ye holy, for I am holy:
an argument the apostle knew must have weight with these persons, who were chiefly Jews, scattered abroad among the Gentiles, and had a value for the Scriptures of truth; and therefore, as the argument for holiness of life, from the nature and perfections of God, is strong, it must receive additional strength from this being the declared will of God, even their sanctification on this account; and though holiness, equal to God, is never to be attained to by a creature, yet so far as it is capable of it, it is desirable, because agreeable both to the nature and will of God, by all such who are truly his children, who love his name, adore his perfections, give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, fear his goodness, and obey his will.

1 Peter 1:16 In-Context

14 As obedient children, do not fashion yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance,

15 but as He who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living,

16 because it is written: "Be ye holy, for I am holy."

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.

18 For ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, from your vain way of living which ye received by tradition from your fathers,