1 Peter 1:20

KJV

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

KJV (with Strong's)

Who verily {G3303} was foreordained {G4267} before {G4253} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}, but {G1161} was manifest {G5319} in {G1909} these last {G2078} times {G5550} for {G1223} you {G5209},

Complete Jewish Bible

God knew him before the founding of the universe, but revealed him in the acharit-hayamim for your sakes.

Berean Standard Bible

He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.

American Standard Version

who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:20 profoundly declares that Jesus Christ's redemptive work was not a spontaneous reaction to human sin but the meticulously planned, eternal purpose of God, conceived before the very creation of the world. This verse assures believers that their salvation is anchored in an immutable, divine decree, revealed at the appointed time in history, providing an unshakable foundation for their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the theological bedrock for Peter's preceding declarations regarding the nature and cost of redemption. In [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Precious Blood"), Peter asserts that believers were redeemed "not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Verse 20 then elevates this redemptive act from a historical event to an eternal decree, revealing that the Lamb's sacrifice was not an afterthought but an integral part of God's sovereign plan, predating creation itself. It reinforces the infinite value and divine origin of the salvation believers now possess, setting the stage for their call to holiness and love in the subsequent verses ([1 Peter 1:21-22](/1_peter/1-21-22 "1 Peter 1:21-22 - Faith, Hope, and Love")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter addresses believers "scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Exiles")), likely facing various forms of social ostracism and persecution. In such circumstances, a profound understanding of God's eternal plan and Christ's central role provides immense comfort and stability. The concept of divine foreknowledge and pre-determination would resonate with both Jewish (Old Testament prophecies, God's covenant faithfulness) and Hellenistic (philosophical ideas of fate and cosmic order) audiences, though Peter grounds it firmly in the person and work of Christ. The "last times" refers to the eschatological era inaugurated by Christ's first coming, a period of both fulfillment and ongoing tension as believers await His return, a concept crucial for understanding their present suffering and future hope.

* **Key Themes:** First Peter 1:20 contributes significantly to several major themes within the epistle and broader biblical theology. It powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Foreordination**, emphasizing that God's plan for salvation is not reactive but eternally proactive. This verse highlights **Christ's Pre-existence and Centrality** in God's redemptive design, affirming His role as the pre-ordained Lamb, a truth echoed in passages like [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word") and [Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain Before the Foundation of the World"). The phrase "manifest in these last times" introduces the theme of **Redemptive History and Eschatological Fulfillment**, marking the current era as the culmination of God's long-unfolding plan. Finally, the concluding "for you" emphasizes the **Personal and Corporate Nature of Salvation**, affirming that this grand, eternal plan has a specific, gracious purpose for believers, providing them with an [inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **foreordained (Greek, _proginṓskō'_):** This word (G4267) literally means "to know beforehand" or "to foresee." However, in theological contexts, especially when referring to God, it carries the weight of divine pre-determination, pre-appointment, or pre-selection. It signifies not merely intellectual foresight but an active, purposeful decision made in eternity past. Thus, Christ's role as Savior was not a contingency but a deliberate, eternal decree of God.
* **foundation (Greek, _katabolḗ'_):** This term (G2602) denotes a "deposition" or "founding," referring to the laying down of a base or beginning. In this context, "before the foundation of the world" unequivocally points to a time prior to the creation of the cosmos, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's plan and Christ's pre-existence. It indicates that the plan for redemption was in place before sin entered the world.
* **manifest (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** This verb (G5319) means "to render apparent," "to make visible," or "to reveal." It highlights the historical, tangible unveiling of Christ in human history through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. While His appointment was eternal, His physical appearance and redemptive work occurred at a specific, divinely appointed moment in time.
* **last times (Greek, _éschatos'_ and _chrónos'_):** The combination of _éschatos_ (G2078), meaning "farthest" or "final," and _chrónos_ (G5550), referring to a general "space of time," denotes the eschatological era. This refers to the period inaugurated by Christ's first coming, which marks the beginning of the end times, leading to His second coming and the consummation of God's redemptive purposes. It signifies the culmination and decisive phase of God's saving work in history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world":** This clause establishes the eternal nature of Christ's role in God's plan. The "Who" refers to Christ, the "Lamb without blemish and without spot" from the preceding verse. His identity and mission as Savior were not an afterthought or a divine improvisation in response to humanity's fall, but a deliberate, sovereign appointment by God before the creation of the cosmos. This underscores God's meticulous foresight and unchanging purpose in providing salvation.
* **"but was manifest in these last times":** This phrase introduces a crucial contrast (signified by "but"). While Christ's foreordination was eternal, His physical appearance and redemptive work occurred at a specific, divinely appointed moment in human history. "These last times" refers to the eschatological era initiated by Christ's incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection. It signifies the decisive period in God's redemptive history, where the eternal plan is visibly and powerfully unfolded.
* **"for you":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the personal and corporate benefit of Christ's pre-ordained and timely manifestation. His entire redemptive mission, from eternity past to its historical fulfillment, was specifically for the sake of believers—to secure their salvation, grant them new life, and bring them into a relationship with God. It highlights the profound grace and intentionality behind God's saving work.

#### Literary Devices
First Peter 1:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Antithesis** or **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing Christ's eternal "foreordination before the foundation of the world" with His historical "manifest[ation] in these last times." This highlights the seamless continuity between God's eternal decree and its temporal fulfillment, emphasizing that history is unfolding according to a divine blueprint. The use of the **Divine Passive** ("was foreordained," "was manifest") subtly but powerfully directs attention to God as the ultimate agent and orchestrator of these events, underscoring His sovereignty and omnipotence. Furthermore, the verse functions as a statement of **Teleology**, asserting that Christ's coming and redemptive work are not random occurrences but purposeful acts designed to achieve a specific end – the salvation of "you," the believers. This imbues the narrative with profound meaning and divine intentionality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding God's eternal plan of salvation, revealing that redemption in Christ is not a reactive measure but the very centerpiece of God's timeless design. It affirms the absolute sovereignty of God, who orchestrates history according to His perfect will, and the pre-eminence of Christ, who is central to that plan from eternity past to its ultimate consummation. The truth that Christ was "foreordained before the foundation of the world" provides unwavering assurance that our salvation is rooted in an unchangeable divine purpose, offering profound security and peace to believers, especially in times of trial. It connects the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah to their New Testament fulfillment, demonstrating God's faithfulness across all ages.

* [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")
* [Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain Before the Foundation of the World")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding the profound truth of 1 Peter 1:20 offers immense spiritual security and transforms our perspective on salvation and God's sovereignty. Our redemption is not a haphazard event or a response to a divine surprise, but the culmination of an eternal, meticulously planned purpose of God. This truth provides unwavering assurance that our faith is anchored in the unchanging, sovereign will of the Almighty, offering profound peace and confidence amidst life's uncertainties. It should stir within us deep gratitude for a God who loved us and planned for our redemption even before the world began, demonstrating a love that transcends time and human comprehension. This eternal perspective also calls us to live lives worthy of such an immense and ancient calling. As those for whom Christ was manifest in "these last times," we are called to embody the reality of our redemption, living with purpose, holiness, and hope, knowing that our present existence is part of God's grand, unfolding plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that Christ was "foreordained before the foundation of the world" deepen your sense of assurance in your salvation?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to know that you are living in "these last times" in which Christ was manifest?**
* **How does God's eternal foresight and meticulous planning, as revealed in this verse, impact your view of His sovereignty and trustworthiness?**

### FAQ
**What does "foreordained before the foundation of the world" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that Jesus Christ's role as Savior and His sacrificial work were not an emergency plan or a reaction to humanity's fall into sin, but rather a deliberate, pre-determined, and eternal purpose conceived by God before the creation of the universe. The Greek word translated "foreordained" (G4267 _proginṓskō'_) implies not just passive knowledge but active divine appointment and prior decision-making. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unchanging, perfect plan for redemption, which was established in eternity past. This truth provides profound assurance that our salvation is rooted in God's immutable character and His eternal will.

**What are "these last times" in which Christ was manifest?**

Answer: "These last times" refers to the eschatological era, the final period of salvation history, which was inaugurated by the first coming of Jesus Christ. It signifies that with Christ's incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection, God's ultimate plan for redemption began its decisive fulfillment. This era continues until Christ's second coming and the full consummation of His kingdom. It is a time characterized by the presence of the Holy Spirit, the spread of the Gospel, and the ongoing spiritual battle, marking the culmination of God's long-unfolding redemptive purposes for humanity. The manifestation of Christ in this period signifies that God's eternal plan is now being visibly and powerfully brought to fruition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 1:20 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing Him as the very axis upon which God's eternal plan of salvation turns. He is not merely a historical figure but the eternally foreordained Lamb, chosen by God before the cosmos existed to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. This verse beautifully bridges the gap between eternity and time, showing that the Christ who walked the earth, taught, healed, died, and rose again, is the same Christ who was in the beginning with God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Eternal Word")) and through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). His "manifestation in these last times" is the historical unveiling of this eternal decree, the moment when the invisible God became visible in human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to accomplish the redemption planned from before time. Christ is the fulfillment of all prophecy, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain Before the Foundation of the World")), and the one through whom believers find their living hope and eternal inheritance. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of God's magnificent redemptive story ([Revelation 22:13](/rev/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")), making Him the ultimate focus of our faith and the guarantee of our salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

2 Timothy 1:10

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Hebrews 9:26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Revelation 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Titus 1:3

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;