1 Peter 1:17
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:
1 Peter 1:17 (KJV)
Context
The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians scattered throughout various regions, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith. In the immediate context, Peter has just urged believers to be holy in all their conduct because God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Now he adds a fresh argument for holy living: since believers call on God as Father, they must honor Him by living in reverent fear, knowing that He judges every person’s work without favoritism.
Meaning
Peter begins with the phrase “call on the Father,” which implies a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Through prayer and communion, Christians can approach God with confidence, seeking His guidance, strength, and provision. This relationship is not casual; it carries the responsibility to live in a way that honors the One we address as Father.
Peter then reminds us that God judges “without respect of persons.” This means God does not show favoritism based on wealth, social status, or earthly distinctions. His judgment is based on righteousness, truth, and the motives of the heart. Unlike human judgment, which is often flawed by partiality, God sees the secret intentions behind every action and judges fairly.
The phrase “according to every man’s work” shows that God’s judgment is not arbitrary. It is based on each person’s deeds as a whole, including their obedience to His commands, their love for others, and their faithfulness in serving Him. This truth reinforces the seriousness of living responsibly before God, since every action falls under His just evaluation.
The command to “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” reminds believers that we are temporary residents in this world. As sojourners, we are not natives of this earth but citizens of heaven. The fear Peter speaks of is not terror or anxiety, but a deep respect, awe, and awareness of God’s holiness and authority. It is a healthy reverence that leads to obedience and godly conduct throughout our earthly stay.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to the broader context of 1 Peter, where believers are reminded that they were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19). That redemption motivates holy living. The Father judges through His Son, who exercises delegated authority (John 5:22), reflecting the unity of the Trinity. The call to fear God also echoes the Old Testament theme of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
Application
Because we call on God as Father, we should cultivate a personal relationship with Him through prayer, seeking His guidance and help. Knowing that God judges impartially, we should strive to live in obedience to His commands, pursuing righteousness in our actions, attitudes, and motives. Our works matter to God, and we should align them with His standards of holiness and love.
Reverence for God should shape our daily conduct. This fear of the Lord leads us to avoid sin, pursue holiness, and honor Him in every area of life. Understanding that our time on earth is temporary reminds us to focus on the eternal and invest in things of lasting value. We should not be entangled in worldly pursuits that distract us from our primary purpose of knowing and serving God.
Reflection
Living as sojourners means holding loosely to the things of this world. Our true home is with God, and our time here is a journey toward that home. As we pass through this life, may the reverent fear of the Lord guide our steps, and may our calling on the Father be matched by a life that honors Him in all things.
