What is the context?
Paul continues the same blessing of God, again locating His people’s standing in Christ. The BSB describes them as chosen as God’s own, according to the plan of the One who works everything by the counsel of His will.
The purpose is praise of His glory. Paul speaks of those who were the first to hope in Christ, then addresses his readers with you in verse 13. The movement will bring both groups into the same account of salvation, the Spirit and inheritance.
These verses therefore connect belonging to God with His continuing purpose. The people whose hope is in Christ are to be a living reason for His glory to be praised.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand these verses as joining God’s purpose, belonging in Christ and praise of His glory. Wesley’s notes on verses 11–12 identify those who first hoped as Jewish believers, in contrast with the Gentiles addressed next. The USCCB note on verse 12 also considers Jewish Christians the likely reference, while acknowledging other readings. On that common reading, Paul is preparing to describe the shared blessing of Jewish and Gentile believers.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
1 Peter 1:3–9 also joins praise of the Father with new birth, living hope through Jesus’ resurrection and an inheritance kept for His people. It places that hope alongside present trials and the salvation to be revealed.
That explicit connection shows why the future God prepares matters for present life. Belonging to Him carries a hope that can sustain His people through suffering, with praise and glory reaching toward the revelation of Jesus Christ.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.