John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 1:23

"having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth." — 1 Peter 1:23 (ASV)

Being born again. Here is another reason for an exhortation: since they were new men and born again of God, it was fitting for them to live a life worthy of God and of their spiritual regeneration. And this seems to be connected with a verse in the next chapter concerning the milk of the word, which they were to seek, so that their way of living might correspond with their birth.

However, it may be understood more broadly, so as to connect also with what has preceded; for Peter gathered those things that can lead us to an upright and holy life. Peter's objective, then, was to teach us that we cannot be Christians without regeneration; for the Gospel is not preached so that it might only be heard by us, but so that it might, as a seed of immortal life, completely reform our hearts.

Moreover, the corruptible seed is contrasted with God’s word, so that the faithful might know that they should renounce their former nature, and so that it might be more evident how great the difference is between the children of Adam, who are born only into the world, and the children of God, who are renewed into a heavenly life.

But since the construction of the Greek text is uncertain, we may read, “the living word of God,” as well as, “the word of the living God.” However, since the latter reading is less forced, I prefer it; though it must be observed that the term is applied to God because of the character of the passage.

For, as in Hebrews 4:12, because God sees all things, and nothing is hidden from him, the apostle argues that the word of God penetrates into the innermost marrow, so as to discern thoughts and feelings. Consequently, when Peter in this passage calls him the living God, who endures forever, he refers to the word, in which the eternal nature of God shines forth as in a living mirror.