1 Peter 1:22

KJV

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing ye have purified {G48} your {G5216} souls {G5590} in {G1722} obeying {G5218} the truth {G225} through {G1223} the Spirit {G4151} unto {G1519} unfeigned {G505} love of the brethren {G5360}, see that ye love {G25} one another {G240} with {G1537} a pure {G2513} heart {G2588} fervently {G1619}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have a sincere love for your brothers, love each other deeply, with all your heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

American Standard Version

Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:22 exhorts believers to manifest genuine, fervent love for one another, stemming from the spiritual purification they have experienced through obedience to the truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This verse serves as a crucial bridge between the theological realities of salvation and the practical outworking of faith in the Christian community, emphasizing that authentic brotherly affection is a direct and necessary fruit of a transformed life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the first major section of Peter's epistle, which began in [1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope"). Having established the glorious hope of salvation, the new birth, and the call to holiness as a reflection of God's character (e.g., [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy")), Peter now transitions to the practical implications of this spiritual transformation. He has just reminded them of their redemption not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")) and their new birth through the living and abiding Word of God ([1 Peter 1:23-25](/1_peter/1-23-25 "1 Peter 1:23-25 - Born Anew by the Word")). Verse 22, therefore, acts as a pivotal summary of the internal spiritual work that *should* inevitably lead to external, relational love, setting the stage for further exhortations on Christian conduct in [1 Peter 2](/1_peter/2 "1 Peter 2 - Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to "elect exiles of the Dispersion" ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting")), believers scattered across various Roman provinces in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These Christians were likely facing social ostracism, slander, and nascent persecution for their faith. In such a hostile environment, internal unity and fervent love within the Christian community were not merely ideals but essential for survival, mutual encouragement, and a powerful witness to the surrounding pagan society. The emphasis on "unfeigned love of the brethren" (philadelphia) would have been particularly significant, as it fostered a strong sense of family and belonging in a world often characterized by self-interest and suspicion, especially towards minority groups.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [1 Peter 1](/1_peter/1 "1 Peter 1 - A Living Hope") include the **living hope** of salvation, the **preciousness of Christ's blood** as the means of redemption, the **call to holiness** mirroring God's character, and the **transformative power of the Word of God** in spiritual rebirth. Verse 22 directly contributes to the theme of **practical holiness** and **Christian community**. It argues that genuine faith, evidenced by spiritual purification and obedience, must necessarily manifest in sincere, fervent love for fellow believers. This brotherly love is presented not as an optional addition but as an intrinsic and vital expression of the new life received through Christ, demonstrating the reality of their spiritual transformation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purified (Greek, _hagnízō'_):** From G48, meaning "to make clean, i.e. (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally)." This word implies an internal cleansing, a moral and spiritual purification that makes one fit for God's presence and holy living. It's not a self-achieved purity but one that results from a divine work, initiated by the new birth and continued through obedience to the truth.
* **Unfeigned (Greek, _anypókritos'_):** From G505, meaning "undissembled, i.e. sincere." This adjective describes love that is without hypocrisy, genuine, and authentic. It contrasts with superficial or self-serving affection, emphasizing a deep, honest care for others that flows from a transformed heart, rather than outward show or pretense.
* **Fervently (Greek, _ektenōs'_):** From G1619, meaning "intently." This adverb describes the manner in which believers are to love one another. It conveys the idea of intense, earnest, strenuous, and persistent effort. It's a love that is "stretched out," not casual or fleeting, but zealous and committed, reflecting a deep, active commitment to the well-being of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing ye have purified your souls":** This phrase serves as the foundation for the subsequent command. It is not a command to purify, but an affirmation of a past reality. Believers *have* undergone an internal cleansing, a spiritual purification of their inner being (soul/mind/will), making them fit for holy living and fellowship with God and one another. This purification is the prerequisite for genuine love.
* **"in obeying the truth":** This specifies the *means* by which the soul's purification occurs. It highlights that spiritual cleansing and transformation are not passive but involve an active, volitional response of submission to God's revealed Word, particularly the Gospel message. It implies a lifestyle of adherence to divine principles.
* **"through the Spirit":** This identifies the *divine agent* enabling the purification and obedience. The Holy Spirit is indispensable in illuminating the truth, empowering believers to respond in faith and obedience, and working the inner transformation that leads to a purified soul. He is the divine power behind the believer's spiritual growth.
* **"unto unfeigned love of the brethren":** This clause states the *purpose* or *result* of the purification and obedience. The ultimate aim and natural outflow of this spiritual work is a sincere, authentic, and non-hypocritical affection for fellow believers. This brotherly love (philadelphia) is the visible evidence of the inner transformation.
* **"love one another with a pure heart fervently":** This is the direct command, reiterating and intensifying the previous point. It calls believers to actively demonstrate the "unfeigned love" already mentioned, but now specifying its source ("pure heart") and its intensity ("fervently"). The "pure heart" echoes the "purified souls," indicating that this love flows from a continually cleansed and consecrated inner being. "Fervently" demands an earnest, intense, and persistent commitment to loving others, not just emotionally but practically.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message with power and clarity. **Causality** is central, as the verse establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship: because believers *have* purified their souls through obedience to the truth by the Spirit, they *should* therefore love one another fervently. This logical progression underscores the natural outflow of spiritual transformation into practical ethics. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition and intensification of the concept of love, first as "unfeigned love of the brethren" and then as "love one another with a pure heart fervently." The use of the adverb "fervently" (ektenōs) further highlights the desired intensity and earnestness of this love. There is also an element of **Synecdoche** in "purified your souls," where "souls" represents the entire inner person—mind, will, and emotions—emphasizing the holistic nature of the spiritual cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The purification of the soul and the subsequent command to love fervently are deeply rooted in the New Testament's understanding of salvation and sanctification. This verse underscores that true conversion is not merely a change in status but a radical transformation of the inner being, leading to a new way of living that prioritizes love. This love, empowered by the Spirit and flowing from obedience to God's truth, is the hallmark of genuine discipleship and the primary evidence of one's relationship with God. It reflects the very nature of God, who is love, and demonstrates the reality of the new creation in Christ.

* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")
* [Romans 12:9-10](/romans/12-9-10 "Romans 12:9-10 - Marks of a True Christian")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's exhortation in 1 Peter 1:22 is a profound call to practical holiness and authentic community. It challenges believers to examine the depth and sincerity of their love for one another, recognizing that this love is not an optional add-on but the natural, Spirit-empowered outflow of a purified life. If our souls have indeed been cleansed through obedience to the truth, then our relationships within the body of Christ should reflect an "unfeigned" and "fervent" affection. This means moving beyond superficial pleasantries to genuine care, active service, and persistent commitment to the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Such love is a powerful testimony to a watching world and a vital component of the church's health and unity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my daily life demonstrate that my soul has been "purified in obeying the truth through the Spirit"?**
* **Is my love for fellow believers truly "unfeigned" and "pure," or does it contain elements of hypocrisy, self-interest, or conditional affection?**
* **How can I practically cultivate and express a "fervent" love for others in my Christian community, especially when faced with disagreements or challenges?**
* **What steps can I take to allow the Holy Spirit to empower my obedience to truth, thereby deepening my capacity for genuine brotherly love?**

### FAQ

**What does "purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit" mean?**

Answer: This phrase describes the process of spiritual transformation that has already occurred in believers. "Purified your souls" refers to an internal cleansing from sin and a consecration to God, making one fit for holy living. This purification is achieved "in obeying the truth," meaning it comes through actively submitting to and living by God's revealed Word, particularly the Gospel message. Crucially, this entire process is enabled "through the Spirit," indicating that the Holy Spirit is the divine agent who illuminates the truth, empowers obedience, and effects this inner cleansing. It's a divine work that requires human response, leading to a transformed inner being.

**Why is "unfeigned" love emphasized?**

Answer: The word "unfeigned" (Greek: _anypókritos_) means without hypocrisy, sincere, or genuine. Peter emphasizes this because love can often be superficial, conditional, or motivated by self-interest rather than true affection. In a community facing external pressures and internal challenges, genuine, authentic love was crucial for unity and survival. Jesus himself spoke against hypocrisy (e.g., [Matthew 6:2](/matthew/6-2 "Matthew 6:2 - Giving to the Needy")) and commanded a love that would be a distinguishing mark of His disciples ([John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - A New Commandment")). "Unfeigned" love ensures that the outward expression matches the inward heart, reflecting the purity that comes from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Peter 1:22 directly commands believers to love one another, its ultimate fulfillment and power are found in Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this "unfeigned" and "fervent" love. His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the supreme act of love, demonstrating what it means to love "with a pure heart fervently" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love")). He is the "truth" that believers obey, and His Spirit is the one who purifies souls and empowers them to love as He loved ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The purification of souls mentioned by Peter is made possible only through the "precious blood of Christ" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")), and the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, enables believers to walk in newness of life and bear the fruit of love ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Therefore, the call to fervent brotherly love is not merely a moral imperative but a Spirit-empowered reflection of Christ's own love, lived out in His body, the church, as a witness to the world.

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

1 Timothy 1:5

¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

Hebrews 13:1

¶ Let brotherly love continue.

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Romans 12:10

[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

1 John 4:7

¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:12

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.