Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Peter 1:20

"who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake," — 1 Peter 1:20 (ASV)

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world. That is, it was foreordained, or predetermined, that He should be the great atoning Sacrifice for sin. On the meaning of the word foreordained (proginwskw), see Romans 8:29.

The word is rendered which knew (Acts 26:5); foreknew and foreknow (Romans 8:29; Romans 11:2); foreordained (1 Peter 1:20); and know before (2 Peter 2:17). It does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament.

The sense is that the plan was formed, and the arrangements made for the atonement, before the world was created. Before the foundation of the world means from eternity. It was before man was formed; before the earth was made; before any of the material universe was brought into being; before the angels were created. (See Barnes on Matthew 15:34; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4.)

But was manifest. Was revealed. (See Barnes on 1 Timothy 3:16.)

In these last times. In this, the last dispensation of things on the earth. (See Barnes on Hebrews 1:2.)

For you. For your benefit or advantage. (See Barnes on 1 Peter 1:12.)

It follows from what is said in this verse:

1. That the atonement was not an after-thought on the part of God. It entered into his plan when he made the world, and was revolved in his purposes from eternity.

2. That it was not a device to supply a defect in the system; that is, it was not adopted because the system did not work well, or because God had been disappointed. It was arranged before man was created, and when none but God could know whether he would stand or fall.

3. That the creation of the earth must have had some reference to this plan of redemption, and that plan must have been regarded as in itself so glorious, and so desirable, that it was deemed best to bring the world into existence that the plan might be developed, though it would involve the certainty that the race would fall, and that many would perish. It was, on the whole, more wise and benevolent that the race should be created with a certainty that they would apostatize, than it would be that the race should not be created, and the plan of salvation be unknown to distant worlds. (See Barnes on 1 Peter 1:12.)

The word "verily" signifies "indeed." The term "before" (referring to "before the foundation of the world") finds a parallel in Revelation 13:8.