Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Who was foreknown indeed (proegnwsmenou men). Perfect passive participle (in genitive singular agreeing with Xristou) of proginwskw, old verb, to know beforehand (Romans 8:29; II Peter 3:17). See prognwsin qeou in verse I Peter 1:2.
Before the foundation of the world (pro katabolhv kosmou). This precise curious phrase occurs in John 17:24 in the Saviour's mouth of his preincarnate state with the Father as here and in Ephesians 1:4. We have apo katabolhv kosmou in Matthew 25:34 (kosmou omitted in Matthew 13:35); Luke 11:50; Hebrews 4:3; Hebrews 9:26; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8. Katabolh (from kataballw) was originally laying the foundation of a house (Hebrews 6:1). The preincarnate Messiah appears in the counsels of God also in I Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 1:26 f.; Ephesians 1:9 f.; Ephesians 3:9-11; Romans 16:25; I Timothy 1:9.
But was manifested (fanerwqentov de). First aorist (ingressive) passive participle of fanerow, referring to the Incarnation in contrast with the preexistence of Christ (cf. John 1:31; I John 3:5, I John 3:8).
At the end of the times (ep esxatou twn xronwn). Like ep esxatou twn hmerwn (Hebrews 1:2). The plural xronoi, doubtless referring to successive periods in human history until the fullness of the time came (Galatians 4:4).
For your sake (di umav). Proof of God's love, not of their desert or worth (Acts 17:30 f.; Hebrews 11:39 f.).
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 Peter 1:20:
John 17:24
John 21:1
Acts 3:20
Ephesians 1:4
Hebrews 9:26
1 Peter 1:2
2 Peter 3:3
2 Peter 3:17
Revelation 13:8
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