1 Peter 1:20

who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,

Who was foreknown indeed ... The redemptive visitation of our world by the Son of God was known in purpose from the beginning, but "was kept in silence through times eternal" (Romans 16:25); it "in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men" (Ephesians 3:5); it was "hidden for ages and generations" (Colossians 1:26).

Before the foundation of the world ... "This means `before Creation.'"[50] God chose us in Christ "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 4:16). There is no full understanding of such a thing as this by finite intelligence; but the heart of faith believes it without reservation or doubt.

The Christian dispensation, the point and period in history of Christ's coming, is here regarded as the climax and consummation of previous ages (see Hebrews 1:1,2; 9:26).[51]

By his use of "manifested," Peter also witnesses in this to the preexistence of Christ and the doctrine of the incarnation. It cannot be said of any ordinary man that he "was manifested."

At the end of the times ... "Peter regarded the Christian era as the last period in the religious history of man."[52]

[50] Archibald M. Hunter, op. cit., p. 103.

[51] Alan M. Stibbs, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 1Peter (London: The Tyndale Press, 1959), p. 92.

[52] Archibald M. Hunter, op. cit., p. 103.