Peter describes the new identity of believers in Christ, using the imagery of a spiritual house and priesthood.

• Verses 4–5: Jesus is the living stone, chosen by God but rejected by men. Believers, too, are living stones, being built into a spiritual house to serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ.

• Verses 6–8: Scripture foretold Jesus as the cornerstone—precious to those who believe, but a stumbling stone to those who reject Him.

• Verses 9–10: Believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession. Once they were not a people, but now they are God’s people; once without mercy, now they have received mercy.