Easter · Third Sunday of Easter · Year A
1 Peter 1:17-25
Ransomed with the Blood of Christ
April 19, 2026
Overview & Insights
“You were ransomed… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
The letter addresses its readers as resident aliens, and the noun used for their situation in v. 17 describes a temporary residence rather than a home, so the conduct urged on them is the conduct of people without standing. Verses 18-19 begin in the language of the market, a price paid to release someone, and then substitute for money the blood of a lamb without blemish, drawing on the Passover requirement of Exodus 12:5 as well as the general rule that an offering be unflawed (Lev 22:20). The timeline of v. 20 is deliberately vast, foreknown before the foundation of the world and manifested at the end of the ages, which locates the readers not in the middle of a story but near its close. The passage ends by quoting Isaiah 40:6-8 on grass that withers, which sustains the contrast between perishable and imperishable running through the whole reading and applies the prophet’s enduring word to the preaching they have heard.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further: 1 Peter 1:17-25
Commentary
Epistle: 1 Peter 1:17-25 (Easter 3: Series A)Epistle: 1 Pt 1:17-25 (Easter 3: Series A) 1517.org
Lutheran lectionary essay on the ransom paid in Christ's precious blood and the imperishable seed of the living word.
Commentary on 1 Peter 1:17-23Commentary on 1 Pt 1:17-23 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on reverent fear, ransom, and love from a pure heart, appointed for this Sunday.
1 Peter 1:17-231 Pt 1:17-23 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching commentary on living as exiles ransomed not with silver or gold but Christ's blood.
1 Peter 1 Bible Commentary1 Pt 1 Bible Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Guzik's exposition of the chapter, including the call to holy conduct and love from a pure heart.
1 Peter 1:22-25 Commentary1 Pt 1:22-25 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse word study on the imperishable seed of the word that gives new birth, the close of this reading.
1 Peter 1:17 Commentaries1 Pt 1:17 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on the charge to conduct yourselves with fear during your exile.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 24:13-35
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.