chosen] That is, whom God hath effectually called out of the world. See chap. 1. 2. Deuteronomy 7:7.
royall] That is, kings and priests. See Exodus 19:6. Revelation 1:6. and Revelation 5:10. Kings, because of that power which they have, through Christ, over their lusts. See Philippians 4:13. Priests, because separated to the service of God. See v. 5.
holy nation] See Exodus 19:6. and Deuteronomy 7:6, &c.
a peculiar people] Or, a purchased people.
peculiar] Or, a people for possession: that is, a people whom God hath purchased to be his own. See Exodus 19:5. Deuteronomy 4:2. and Deuteronomy 7:6. and Deuteronomy 26:18. Psalms 135:4. Titus 2:14. Acts 20:18. Ephesians 1:14. 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
praises] Or, vertues. That is, that we might glorifie God in our conversations, thereby shewing forth the abundant mercy and great power of God in calling us, Isaiah 8:13.
called you out of darknesse] Colossians 1:13.
darknesse] That is, ignorance, chap. 1. 14. whereby is meant our sinfull and miserable estate by nature, under which men are kept, through the ignorance of the Gospel, Ephesians 4:18. and Ephesians 5:8. Colossians 1:13.
his marvellous] Hereby is meant our estate of grace, through the effectuall calling of God, by the knowledge of the truth. See 2 Corinthians 4:6. Acts 13:47. and Acts 26:18. Ephesians 1:18. and Ephesians 5:8. called marvellous, because of the great mysterie of godlinesse, which is revealed in the Gospel: and called his, because God revealeth it. See the places before.