lively stones] That is, as having received life from him. See v. 4. are built] Or, be ye built. Or, build up your selves: that is, more and more. Verbs passive, both in Hebrew and the Greek, have sometime a reciprocall signification. See chap. 1 14. 2 Samuel 20:10. Malachi 2:15. Genesis 46:29. spirituall] Usually in the Scriptures the Church of God is compared unto an house, and that both the Church militant, Psalms 27:4. and Psalms 69:10. and 84. Isaiah 56:5; Isaiah 56:7. Ephesians 2:19. 22. 1 Timothy 3:15. Hebrews 3:6. and Hebrews 10:21. as also the triumphant, John 14:2. 2 Corinthians 5:1-2. And the reason may be, because God dwelleth in the Church, by his grace and glory. It is further compared unto a spirituall house, either in opposition to our materiall houses, or else because it is built up by the Spirit of God. See chap. 1. 22. holy priesthood] So all the faithfull are styled, because (as the priests under the law) so these are separated from the world to the service of God, as the words following import. See chap. 1. 2. Isaiah 61:1. spirituall] That is, your selves, and all that spirituall service which ye perform unto God. See Psalms 4:6. and Psalms 50:14. and Psalms 51:19. and 107. 22. and 141. 2. Isaiah 56:7. Hosea 14:3. Romans 12:1. Philippians 2:17. Hebrews 13:15. by Jesus Christ] See Hebrews 13:10; Hebrews 13:15-16.