When Peter uses the word “nation” to describe the kingdom of God, he is not thinking of a nation with a government, tax collectors, or armies. He uses the Greek word, “ethnos,” which means a “people.” And this is not a normal nation; it is a “holy” people.


The Bible uses “holy” to denote two things: purity and set-apartness. The nations of the world are not noted for either of these; they are not pure, nor are they separate from the people they rule. So we see that Jesus did not set up a kingdom that compromises ethics or rules by force of law as nation-states do. The kingdom of God is a new thing on earth. It is unique, growing within the nations of the world without becoming one of the nations.


Many of Jesus’ parables concerning the kingdom teach this same principle. He spoke of yeast slowly leavening a loaf without losing its “yeastiness.” He told of salt that preserves and adds taste while it remains salt. He taught about a light that conquers darkness. Into this holy kingdom He welcomes you.