Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 1:16

"because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy." — 1 Peter 1:16 (ASV)

God is first described as the one who “called” (GK 2813) them. This verb implies the divine calling or what theologians term “efficacious grace.” God is described as “holy” (GK 41). Holiness embraces purity and moral integrity. Those called to be God’s children are to be like him; Peter reinforces this command by citing Leviticus (cf. 11:44–45; 19:2; 20:7). The basic idea of holiness in the Bible is that of separation from all that is profane. The developed sense of holiness includes various meanings translated into English as “purify,” “sanctify,” “separate from,” “dedicate,” etc. The simplest definition of holiness is that of conformity to God’s commands and to his Son (cf. 1Jn 2:4-6).