Peter speaks of the Church as God's chosen people, a holy people (I : 1-2 and 15-16). They are the chosen race, a royal priesthood, the holy nation, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God who called them out of darkness into his own marvelous light (2 :9). Peter thinks of the Church as a spiritual temple, built with the 'living stones' of the believers (2 :5). Christians are a new, holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God (2 :5). Peter also pictures the Church as the flock of God, cared for by the Chief Shepherd (5:1-4), reminding us not only of Ezekiel 34 and John 21, but also of Luke 12:32 and John 10:1-16.

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