Our salvation – Christ’s glory – 1:12
In verse 12 Paul affirms two things. The historical priority of the Jewish people and God’s ultimate purpose of salvation is the praise of Christ’s glory. Jesus confirmed the historical order of salvation when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. ‘You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.’ John 4:22 There has been a tendency amongst Christians to marginalize the God appointed role of the Jewish people because all of the Jewish people did not and still do not accept Christ as the Messiah. Additionally, although Jesus was himself a Jew, it was the Jewish authorities who had him crucified. However, Jesus did set the pattern for evangelization and the spread of the gospel, first to Judea, then to Samaria and onwards to the whole world. It was the Jewish disciples who were the first evangelists and it was upon them that the Holy Spirit first fell at Pentecost. It is therefore appropriate that gospel outreach to the Jewish people should have a special place in the heart of the church.
It is also a great honour for the believer that hope in Christ should bring glory to Jesus. v12 The fruitful Christian life is one that brings glory to Christ and the Father. Jesus said, ‘By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.’ John15:8 Peter wrote to the churches,‘Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.’ 1 Peter 4:11 As we live out each day and are confronted by everyday challenges it is helpful to remind ourselves of our responsibility to live in a way that in the eyes of the Father would bring glory to Christ.