Verse 9.— But ye are a chosen generation. That is, an elected race or people. This was once con­fined to the Jew only; now to the whole world. See how the apostle piles up the high titles. Not only a chosen genera­tion, or an elect race, but also a royal or kingly priesthood. More yet, ye are a holy nation, a peculiar people. These are all high and mighty honors to be enjoyed by God's children. However, it must not be forgotten that these honors impose corresponding duties. To show forth the praises of him. Tell of the excellencies, the goodness and perfections of Him who conferred these honors upon us, and called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Heathenism is moral darkness. In this dwelt many to whom Peter wrote. By the gospel preached by Paul and others, they were called out of this darkness into the light of Christianity, and by com­parison this latter state is called a marvelous light.