Christians usually associate royal priesthood with the mystical figure of Melchizedek-but the term was not just prophetic of Jesus Christ but descriptive of a ministry that has been misunderstood and, all too often, neglected. The Apostle Peter's inclusion of royal priesthood with chosen generation, holy nation, and special people in his first epistle is something of a paradox, given that in Old Testament times, the kingly and priestly roles were distinct from each other.

Not so to author Peter E. Barfoot who clarifies the term and draws us to a deep understanding of the twin role every Christian has as a royal priest of God in daily life.