1 Peter 1:17 – “Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter reminds believers that their relationship with God is both close and serious. He tells them, “you call on a Father”—meaning God is not a distant ruler but a loving Father who listens to His children. But Peter quickly adds that this same Father is also a judge. He will judge every person’s work impartially—without favoritism or unfairness.
Because of this, Peter tells believers to live their lives like foreigners or sojourners—people who are temporarily living in a place that is not their true home. For Christians, this world is not their permanent home; their real citizenship is in heaven.
Peter adds that they should live this life in reverent fear. This doesn’t mean being terrified of God but having deep respect, awe, and a serious understanding of who God is and how He will one day judge all people.
Historical Context
The believers Peter was writing to were living scattered across the Roman Empire. Many of them were Gentiles who had become Christians, and they often felt like outsiders in their communities. Peter uses the idea of being foreigners to remind them that their true identity and home are with God, not in the world around them.
In Roman society, judgment was often biased or influenced by power, wealth, or status. Peter’s words about God judging impartially would have been a strong reminder that God is just and fair.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God is both a loving Father and a just Judge. He invites people into a close relationship with Him, but He also holds them accountable for how they live.
It also reinforces the idea that this life is temporary. Believers are called to live with the mindset of foreigners, knowing that their time on earth is short and their true home is with God.
The mention of reverent fear points to the proper attitude believers should have toward God—respect, humility, and a deep awareness of His holiness and justice.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses relational and legal language side by side: Father and Judge. This creates a balanced picture of God’s character—both loving and just. The phrase “live out your time as foreigners” connects back to earlier themes in the letter about believers being exiles and strangers in the world.
The structure of the verse moves from identity (you call on a Father) to behavior (live out your time… in reverent fear).
Biblical Cross-References
- Philippians 3:20 – “But our citizenship is in heaven.”
- Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
- Romans 2:6-11 – “God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done’… For God does not show favoritism.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a strong reminder not to get too comfortable in this world. It’s easy to live as if this life is all there is, but Peter calls believers to live with the mindset of foreigners—knowing that their true home is with God.
It also reminds believers to live seriously, knowing that God will one day judge how they lived. This isn’t about fear of losing salvation but about living in a way that honors the God who saved them.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t overlook sin or injustice. He is fair, holy, and good. His judgment is impartial, which means He doesn’t show favoritism or bend the rules. At the same time, He is a Father who calls people into relationship with Him. His love is both kind and holy.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the one who makes it possible for believers to call God Father. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the way for people to become children of God (John 1:12 – “To all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.”).
He is also the one who will return to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). Because of Jesus, believers can live with confidence and reverence, knowing that their Judge is also their Savior.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that God is both your Father and your Judge?
- How can living like a “foreigner” in this world change the way you live each day?
- In what ways can you show reverent fear and respect for God in your daily choices?
- Why is it important to remember that God judges impartially?
- How does knowing Jesus as your Savior and Judge shape your perspective on life and eternity?