And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:
And {G2532} if {G1487} ye call on {G1941} the Father {G3962}, who {G3588} without respect of persons {G678} judgeth {G2919} according to {G2596} every man's {G1538} work {G2041}, pass {G390} the time {G5550} of your {G5216} sojourning {G3940} here in {G1722} fear {G5401}:
Also, if you are addressing as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s actions, you should live out your temporary stay on earth in fear.
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:
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Acts 10:34
¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: -
Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. -
2 Chronicles 19:7
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. -
Matthew 6:9
¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. -
Philippians 2:12
¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. -
2 Corinthians 7:1
¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. -
Hebrews 12:28
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
1 Peter 1:17 calls believers to live with a profound sense of reverence and accountability, recognizing God's impartial judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder for those who have embraced faith to conduct their lives in a manner consistent with their divine calling, understanding the serious implications of God's character.
Context
This verse follows Peter's exhortation to holiness, urging believers to be "holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). It grounds this call in the very nature of God as Father and Judge. The letter of 1 Peter was written to scattered Christians in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1) who were facing various trials and persecutions. Peter encourages them to stand firm in their faith, reminding them of their identity as 'strangers and pilgrims' (1 Peter 2:11) in a world that often opposed their beliefs, and their ultimate accountability to a just God.
Key Themes
God's Impartial Justice
The phrase "without respect of persons" emphasizes God's absolute fairness and lack of favoritism. Unlike human judges who can be swayed by wealth, status, or appearance, God judges based on actions and truth. This principle is a cornerstone of divine justice throughout Scripture, reiterated in both the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 10:17) and New Testament (Romans 2:11). For believers, this means their conduct matters; God assesses their lives, not merely their profession of faith, but the genuine fruit of that faith expressed through their "works."
The Nature of "Fear"
The "fear" mentioned here is not a cowering terror or dread of punishment for salvation, but a deep, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It is a healthy dread of displeasing Him, stemming from love and a recognition of His ultimate sovereignty and impending judgment. This kind of fear of the Lord leads to obedience, humility, and a sincere desire to live righteously, knowing that our lives are open before Him.
Our Temporary Sojourn
Calling our earthly existence a "sojourning" (or pilgrimage) highlights its temporary nature. Believers are like aliens or temporary residents on earth, whose true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This perspective encourages believers to detach from worldly pursuits and fleeting desires, focusing instead on eternal values and living in light of the coming judgment. It shapes priorities, encouraging a life lived for God's glory rather than earthly accumulation.
Linguistic Insights
The Greek phrase translated "without respect of persons" is aprosopolemptos, a powerful compound word meaning "not taking a face" or "not accepting a person's appearance/status." It perfectly captures the concept of divine impartiality. The word "sojourning" comes from the Greek paroikia, which literally means "dwelling beside" or "temporary residence," reinforcing the idea of believers as temporary residents or foreigners in this world, whose true home is elsewhere.
Practical Application
This verse is a profound call to live with intentionality, integrity, and a deep sense of spiritual accountability. Knowing that God, our loving Father, is also an impartial Judge who assesses our "works" (our actions, attitudes, and choices) should motivate us to pursue holiness and righteousness. It reminds us that our time on earth is precious and fleeting, a period of spiritual pilgrimage where every decision matters. Living in "fear" – a reverent awe – cultivates a lifestyle of humility, obedience, and sincere devotion, preparing us for the day when we stand before Him and give an account of our lives.