1. 1 Peter 1:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Of what significance is the order in which Peter refers to the Trinity?

1 Peter 1:2 (ESV)

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Each person of the holy Trinity plays a role in making the Christian the sort of person he is: an exile, stranger in this world. Though we are accustomed to speaking of the persons of the Trinity in the order listed in Matthew 28:19 (Father, Son, Holy Spirit; see also 2 Corinthians 13:14), Peter refers to the persons in the order that a Christian experiences their work: first comes the electing work of the Father, then the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and finally a willing obedience to Jesus Christ.