But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

The description “marvellous light” seems to almost always have a certain sound about it; almost every time I read this text it feels like there is a special ring to it that has a resonating effect within the depths of my soul.

For me, it feels like it hits with a depth that is different than the way we might normally speak of the light as it pertains to the light of God and Christ. There certainly is something deeply profound in Peter’s description of the light of God as marvellous.

With that said, I had never investigated the meaning of this phrase. When I scanned over other Bible translations I found that the majority of them use the word marvelous, while a few others use the words amazing and wonderful.

That Peter places such an emphasis on the light that we are called into should raise the curiosity of us all as to what he is trying to communicate to us. How glorious is this light that we often take for granted that we have been called into?

The Greek word is thaumastós, and is pronounced as thou-mas-TOS. It’s simple definition is marvelous, amazing thing, but what really got me is when I read this description in the Greek explanation:

Marvelous, describing an awe-evoking sight (dramatic sense of wonder), moving the beholder to their deepest emotions

Wow! Consider that sitting there right in the midst of 1 Peter 2, is this profound revelation of God’s light that we are called into, and how often do we not give it our full attention.

There is more to ponder regarding this truth, and I think it is the same wonderful reality that Peter is referring to in chapter 1 when he speaks of a rejoicing within us that is joy unspeakable and full of glory.

This dramatic sense of wonder, that stirs the deepest emotions, is that unspeakable joy that is ministered to us by the Spirit because we believe in Christ, and love him whom we have not seen.

This is the miracle of the work of the Spirit who shines into our hearts the marvelous reality of the light in Christ.