1 Peter 1:21 Meaning: Faith and Hope Through Christ's Resurrection
who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.
who through him do believe in God, who did raise out of the dead, and glory to him did give, so that your faith and hope may be in God.
who by him do believe on God, who has raised him from among [the] dead and given him glory, that your faith and hope should be in God.
Meaning in one sentence
This verse shows that through Christ's resurrection and glory, our faith and hope find their anchor in God himself.
Context
Peter writes to Christians scattered across Asia Minor. Many are facing hardship because of their faith. In this chapter he has been reminding them of the living hope they have through Christ’s resurrection. He described their redemption, not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. Now in verse 21 he takes them one step further. Their very faith in God comes through Christ. And the resurrection and glorification of Jesus are the foundation that makes that faith and hope secure. These believers needed to know that what they trusted was real. Peter points them to the Father who raised Jesus and gave Him glory. That is the ground they can stand on.
Key Words
Three words carry the weight of this verse. First, the word translated “believers” (pistous) is actually an adjective meaning “faithful” or “trusting.” It describes a settled quality of character, not just a one-time decision. Through Christ, you are being made into someone who trusts God. Second, “raised” (egeiranta) means to awaken or lift up from death. It is an act of power. The same God who raised Jesus is the one you are trusting. Third, “glory” (doxan) means weight, honor, splendor. God gave this glory to Christ at His ascension. The resurrection and glory together show that Christ’s work was accepted and complete. And the phrase “so that” (hōste) points to purpose: all of this happened so your faith and hope would have their home in God. Not in your feelings. Not in circumstances. In God himself.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that Christ is the mediator of our faith in God. Calvin wrote that without Christ, the greatness of God’s glory would overwhelm us; we need Christ to come to the Father. Clarke noted that this is especially true for Gentiles who did not know God before the Gospel. Barnes and the Cambridge Bible both emphasize the resurrection as the ground of confidence and hope. Some traditions focus on the objective work of Christ accomplished once for all. Others focus on the subjective faith that responds through Christ. But all see the same truth: through Christ’s resurrection and glory, faith and hope are directed to God.
A common misunderstanding
Some read “through him” as if Christ were merely a good example who showed us how to believe in God. In fact, the grammar says something stronger: Christ is the means by which we come to faith. He is not just a model but the mediator. Without Him, our faith would have no way to reach God. The resurrection and glory are not optional extras; they are the very foundation that makes faith and hope possible.
Living This Out
This week, when you sense your faith wavering or your hope growing thin, remember that neither depends on your own effort. Christ is the one through whom you believe. The Father raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory for this purpose: so your trust and hope would rest in God. You don’t have to manufacture faith. You can go to God through Christ and say, “I believe. Help my unbelief.” The resurrection is the reason you can keep hoping, even when the road is hard. That hope is not wishful thinking. It is anchored in what God has already done.
Main takeaway: Through Christ's resurrection and glory, our faith and hope find their anchor in God himself.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus helps us believe in God. God raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory. That is why we can trust God and hope in Him.
For ages 9, 12
This verse says our faith in God comes through Jesus. When God raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory, He showed that we can trust Him completely. Our hope isn’t just a wish. It is based on something real. You can place your faith and hope in God because of what He did for Jesus.
Questions People Ask
What does 'through him' mean in 1 Peter 1:21?
It means that Christ is the mediator. We do not come to God on our own. Jesus is the way our faith reaches God. He is the channel through whom we believe.
Why does Peter mention the resurrection and glory together?
The resurrection shows God's power over death. The glory shows Christ's exaltation. Together they prove that Christ's sacrifice was accepted and that God is faithful to His promises. That gives us confidence.
Does this verse mean we should have faith in God instead of faith in Jesus?
No. The verse says we believe in God through Jesus. Jesus Himself is God, but here the focus is on the Father as the object of faith and hope, with Jesus as the mediator. Both are essential.
How is hope connected to faith in this verse?
The verse says that because of the resurrection and glory, your faith and hope together are in God. Hope is not separate from faith. Both rely on the same foundation: what God did through Christ. Faith trusts God's promises; hope looks forward to their fulfillment.
For pastors & researchers
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