The True Israel.
I. "Ye are a chosen generation," the word "generation" here meaning, not contemporaries, but the offspring of one common parent, the offshoots of one original stock. The Israelites were a special "generation." (1) They had sprung from Abraham as their common progenitor. (2) The Jews were, moreover, a "chosen generation" called out of the darkness of Chaldæan idolatry to the marvellous light of Divine revelation.
II. "Ye are a royal priesthood." (1) The Jews were a nation of priests. (2) "A royal priesthood." "Ye are kings and priests," kings over yourselves and priests unto God. A grand spectacle to see men monarchs of themselves, ruling their own passions and keeping their lusts in subjection. (3) "Ye are a royal priesthood, to show forth the excellences of Him who hath called you.". By your holy conversation, upright demeanour, you are to show forth the character of your God.
III. "Ye are a holy nation." As a people bound together for the purposes of holiness, we should show forth the excellences of God.
J. C. Jones, Studies in First Peter,p. 307.
References: 1 Peter 2:12. Archbishop Thomson, Church of England Pulpit,vol. i., p. 273. 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:13. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. ii., p. 98. 1 Peter 2:15. W. Walters, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xviii., p. 358; J. Keble, Sermons from Easter to Ascension,p. 303.