1 Peter 2

1 Peter 2 provides a theological foundation for Christian identity and conduct, emphasizing believers as chosen and holy, called to live righteously in a secular world. This chapter teaches about spiritual growth, the significance of Christ as the cornerstone, and the behaviors expected of Christians in society.

1 Peter 2:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Peter encourages believers to rid themselves of negative traits and crave spiritual growth like newborns desiring milk. This growth is rooted in experiencing God's kindness. Believers are compared to living stones being built into a spiritual house and priesthood, emphasizing unity and purpose in Christ. Jesus, the cornerstone, is vital for faith and stability but also a point of offense to those who reject Him. This section concludes by highlighting the special status and purpose of believers: to praise God, recognizing their transformation from darkness to light, from no identity to God's people.

1 Peter 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Peter addresses believers as temporary residents of this world, urging them to resist sinful desires that threaten spiritual integrity. He advises maintaining honorable behavior among non-believers so that even when falsely accused, the observable good deeds of Christians might lead others to glorify God.

1 Peter 2:13-17 (NKJV)
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

This passage emphasizes the Christian duty to respect governmental authorities. Peter clarifies that submission to authorities aligns with God’s will and serves as a counter to criticism. Even though Christians are spiritually free, this freedom should not be used to cover up wrongdoing. Instead, believers are called to live as God’s servants, showing respect to everyone, loving fellow believers, fearing God, and honoring rulers.

1 Peter 2:18-25 (NKJV)
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we might die to sins and live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Peter instructs servants to respect all masters, not just the kind ones. Enduring suffering for doing good, especially unjustly, is seen as noble and reflects God's will. Christ's suffering serves as the ultimate example for Christians—He faced injustice without retaliation, and through His sacrifice, believers are spiritually healed and called to righteousness. This section ties the ethical teachings on suffering to the redemptive work of Christ, encouraging believers to emulate His example in their lives.