Bible Commentaries
1 Peter 2

Verse 1

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 1 Peter 2:1

Because of the things Peter affirms at the end of chapter one – because we are born again by the word of God, the word that lasts forever – therefore we should begin to lay aside evil parts of our fallen Adamic nature. The Greek word Peter uses here for "rid yourselves" is apothesthai, and it has the meaning of stripping off one's clothes.^(F1) As we begin stripping off the filthy old ragged clothes of sin, let us first take off malice. The word translated malice is kakia. In the Greek language it is a word generally used for wickedness, and is very inclusive of wicked things and actions.^(F2)

A second thing we need to strip off is deceit (Gk. dolon). Deceit is tricky talk used in baiting people. It often lets people believe a lie without actually telling them one. It seems to work well at first, but the Bible assures us that deceit will eventually make us sick and even kill us. In 1 Peter 3:10, the apostle warns us, "For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." Perhaps this tricky business raises our blood pressure or gives us ulcers.

Next we must strip off all hypocrisy (Gk. upokreises). This sin involves a form of play-acting where we appear to be something we are not. It seems that the US is particularly plagued with this sin. Authors Jean Twenge and Keith Campbell bemoan this fact saying:

American culture's focus on self-admiration has caused a flight from reality to the land of grandiose fantasy. We have phony rich people (with interest-only mortgages and piles of debt), phony beauty (with plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures), phony athletes (with performance-enhancing drugs), phony celebrities (via reality TV and YouTube), phony genius students (with grade inflation), a phony national economy (with $11 trillion of government debt), phony feeling of being special among children (with parenting and education focused on self-esteem), and phony friends (with the social networking explosion).^(F3)

Next, we are to strip off is envy (Gk. phthonos). Barclay notes, "It may well be said that envy is the last sin to die…Even at the last supper the disciples were disputing about who should occupy the seats of greatest honor (Luke 22:24)."^(F4) The American author, Mark Twain, sums up envy in his humorous tongue-in-cheek manner, "Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example."^(F5)

The last old rag to cast aside is slander (Gk. katalalia). This might be described appropriately as back-biting, or saying things to people's backs that we would be ashamed to say to their faces. Davids says of this sin, "Envy often works itself out in slander."^(F6) In all the long history of the Lord's people this sin has been frowned upon. In Leviticus 19:16, it is written, "Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD."

Schreiner remarks of these social failures, "The sins listed tear at the social fabric of the church, ripping away the threads of love that keep them together."^(F7) In another sense these social sins tear down the magnificent spiritual house and holy temple that God is building in our midst.

Verses 2-3

THE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3

The most natural thing for a newborn baby is for it to try to nurse from its mother. Our oldest granddaughter is autistic and at birth she could not figure out how to nurse. This brought great concern for her mother and the baby was rushed back to the hospital until nursing became a possibility. My wife and I remember another occasion where a newborn could not nurse and we still remember the pitiful little cries of that poor baby. In short, if a baby cannot nurse that baby will likely grow weak and eventually die without proper care. We can understand by this how important it is for new believers to immediately begin ingesting the pure and holy word of God, which is our spiritual nourishment.

We never outgrow our need for milk. It is the essential food, the substance of life. Although we may eat strong meat and a variety of other foods, even as adults, the average person will still regularly consume a good quantity of milk each day. We drink milk with our food and we pour milk on our cereal. We use milk in cooking. We eat ice cream and drink milk shakes. It is good for us to remember that the land of Canaan, which represents our spiritual heritage, is called a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). The drinking of spiritual milk is regarded by some as the central command of this paragraph.^(F8) Davids says, "Indeed some view this as the central imperative in the whole book."^(F9)

We should note that the milk spoken of here is pure and has no additives. As Trapp says, it is "guileless, unmixed milk, not sugared or sophisticated with strains of wit, [or] excellency of speech…(1 Corinthians 2:1)."^(F10) Long ago the church father, Irenaeus, charged the heretics with mixing chalk with their milk.^(F11)

Verse 4

THE LIVING STONE

As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – 1 Peter 2:4

Now Peter quickly changes metaphors and begins to speak of stones and buildings. He would have been greatly interested in this subject since Jesus once called him a stone or rock (Matthew 16:18). Peter first speaks of Christ as the Living Stone. This is the only place in the Bible where Christ is called by this title, but it is an extremely important title and picture. Indeed, this might well be one of the richest sections of scripture.

We must understand that Jesus is the one and only Living Stone. There is no other like him. Later in verse 5, we will see that believers are not "living stones" themselves but are only "like living stones." The idea of the living stone here is a large dressed stone and one that can be used in building. It is a special stone that is life-giving and vibrant. It's unique and life-giving properties have come about through the resurrection of Christ.^(F12)

We immediately see an amazing thing about this precious, living and life-giving stone. This critically important building stone and cornerstone was totally rejected by the Jewish builders, or the religious leaders of Israel. He was rejected although he was long prophesied to come. Only those few who deemed him precious could thus be built upon him and begin to form that spiritual house and holy spiritual temple God was building.

As we look at this critically important passage, it is almost necessary that we go to Ephesians chapters 2 and 3, where we see this spiritual house and spiritual temple also described. In Ephesians chapter 2, Paul tells how the two peoples (Jews and Gentiles) are being brought together in Christ into "one new humanity" (Ephesians 2:15). He next describes how the Gentiles, who were without hope, were made members of God's household and built together with Israel on the foundation of the prophets, apostles with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone. He describes how the household grows to become a holy spiritual temple (2:21) and a dwelling where God lives (2:22). Paul treats this as a great mystery that has been hidden for ages but is now clearly revealed.

In Ephesians 3:6, he makes this secret plain saying, "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." This mystery was revealed almost two thousand years ago. It seems incredible that today, after all this time, most people in the church do not have an inkling whatsoever of this mystery. God's work today is greatly impeded by our gross spiritual ignorance.

Verse 5

GOD'S SPIRITUAL TEMPLE AND PRIESTHOOD

…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

So we see that God's people, Jews and Gentiles, are being built into a spiritual house and temple. This is the kind of temple that God always wanted. He never wanted a temple made with hands, like those of the various pagan religions (Isaiah 66:1-2). God knew the people would insist upon building such a temple just as they would insist upon having a king, like the nations. Therefore, we see God issuing commands to David about the coming temple. In Acts 7:48-49, we read of Stephen being martyred for pointing out God's true wishes concerning the temple to Israel's leaders. Although the temple was beautiful, it was controlled by a band of unscrupulous priests. It was a den of robbers (Matthew 21:13), a house of merchandise (John 2:16). It would be left desolate in the end (Matthew 23:38). Of course in AD 70 the temple was totally destroyed by the Romans, along with its corrupt priesthood.

Coffman says, "It was the secular temple that, more than anything else blinded Israel to the recognition of the Messiah."^(F13) We can probably add that it was the temple that primarily resulted in Christ being crucified. Jesus was greater than the temple, but the Jews could never acknowledge that fact (Matthew 12:6). Jesus said that if the temple was destroyed he could rebuild it in three days (John 2:19). This infuriated the Jews. However, Jesus was speaking of the spiritual temple of his resurrected body, the church (John 2:21). We cannot fail to notice that in the New Jerusalem there will be no temple (Revelation 21:22). The Lord himself and the Lamb will be the temple.

This spiritual temple is of critical importance to believers, but it is poorly understood today. God is building his house with those who are like living stones. It is a spiritual house and an eternal house. It is made up of Jews and Gentiles. This information should cause us to rethink the whole structure and function of the church. We must change our attitude toward the Jews for starters. Then we must realize that we Christians are being built together to form this majestic structure. Can we even imagine this? In all these centuries humanity has been seeking a dwelling in God but God has been seeking a dwelling in humanity. In the end we will dwell in God (Psalm 90) and God will dwell in us (Revelation 21:3).

Unfortunately, the big problem with those who are like living stones is that they wiggle around a lot. They run from one church to another, all the time refusing to lay themselves down that other lives can be built upon them. Cranfield writes, "The free-lance Christian, who would be a Christian but is too superior to belong to the visible church upon earth in one of its forms, is simply a contradiction in terms."^(F14) Wiersbe states it, "All true Christians belong to each other as stones in God's building."^(F15) Godby adds, "You see how every saved soul becomes a constituent stone in that grand and majestic superstructure, destined forever to stand towering among the angels, the delight of cherubim and seraphim, and the admiration of the universe."^(F16) Unfortunately, when believers do not wholeheartedly join in this building, they often become mere stumbling blocks instead of building blocks.

Barclay relates this account that comes from ancient Sparta:

There is a famous story from Sparta. A Spartan king boasted to a visiting monarch about the walls of Sparta. The visiting monarch looked around and could see no walls. He said to the Spartan king, "Where are these walls about which you boast so much?" His host pointed at his bodyguard of magnificent troops. "These," he said, "are the walls of Sparta, every man a brick."^(F17)

Not only is God building a spiritual house, but he is also raising up a spiritual ministry.

Israel had her priests but they had long since become corrupted, just as the temple was corrupted. The high priestly offices were bought and sold like some sort of merchandise. It was always God's plan to bring about a holy, spiritual, eternal priesthood after the mysterious order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). Again, this is something that the church as a whole has never understood. So often, Christians have looked to earthly priests to intercede for them with God. Such a thing is almost a disgrace to the heavenly priesthood. The Bible says that there is only one Mediator between us and God and that is Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).

As holy priests of God serving under the great High Priest, we offer up spiritual sacrifices to him and through him (cf. Exodus 19:5-6). In response to the all-important sacrifice of Christ, which was made once for all for our salvation, there are some sacrifices we can make. There are the sacrifices of thanksgiving (Psalm 116:17). Then, there are the sacrifices of prayer and praise (Hebrews 13:15-16; Psalm 50:23) and the sharing together in fellowship. There is the sacrifice of our gifts (Philippians 4:18); and the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). Finally, there is the concept of the whole life offered up to God as seen in Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship." If we want to know how meaningful our religion is, we should count up what it is costing us in offerings, and that will be a good indicator.

Verse 6

THE CORNERSTONE

For in Scripture it says, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:6

This is a quote from Isaiah 28:16. We see that this precious cornerstone is laid in Zion. This tells us that we must never turn our backs on Israel or Jerusalem. Our faith springs from Zion (Psalm 50:2; 53:6). At the end of this age the law of God will go forth from Zion to the whole world (Isaiah 2:3). God's redeemed are even now returning to Zion (Isaiah 51:11).

While some have interpreted the stone in this passage to be the keystone, it is much better understood as the cornerstone. We see that it is laid in the earth and later we see that it can become a stone to stumble over. Of course, Christ, the head of the church, was laid or buried in Jerusalem. The church was formed there and the gospel was first preached there.^{akrogoniaion) is understood by some as referring to the top stone in a building or the keystone in an arch. This interpretation should be rejected, for the reference to stumbling in v. 8 indicates that a stone on the ground is intended. Furthermore, the Septuagint makes clear that the reference is to the foundation (themelia). (Schreiner, p. 109).">(F18)}

We should take time to realize that some of the building stones in New Testament times were massive. Some of the stones in the present Western Wall weigh from 200 to 400 tons. When those massive stones were laid they were not moved. They could be depended upon to bear the weight. At one point in the wall it is possible to look down and see seventeen layers of these great stones going all the way down to bedrock. With this picture we realize that sometimes we must lay ourselves down unseen for the building of God's glorious temple to proceed.

Christ our rock is always faithful. He was the spiritual rock that followed the Israelites in their desert wandering (1 Corinthians 10:4). He sustained them and he will sustain us. Various other translations read, "and he who believes in him will not be disappointed" (NASB); "no one who relies on this will be brought to disgrace" (NJB). What a picture for us today when our postmodern philosophers have sought to remove every semblance of a foundation from our present age. What a time for us to restore the age-old foundations (Isaiah 58:12)!

Verses 7-8

BELIEF AND UNBELIEF

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…" 1 Peter 2:7

Coffman relates an ancient legend that has to do with this stone:

In the building of Solomon's temple, the first stone that came down from the quarry was very remarkably shaped, having been marked and cut at the quarry. The builders of the temple did not know what to do with it, and it was dragged to a place apart and became finally hidden by debris and rubbish. "It was afterward found to be that on which the completeness of the structure depended, the chief corner stone where the two walls met and were bonded together."^(F19)

It seems incredible that the "builders," the religious leaders of Israel, would fail to recognize the cornerstone of the temple, but that is exactly what happened. The stone was quickly recognized as "precious" or "honored" (Gk. timeh) by simple believers like Anna and Simeon. (Luke 2:25- 38). It was recognized by the disciples and a few hundred other believing souls throughout Israel. The common people believed in him but the leaders, with few exceptions, did not believe. Probably, to their utter amazement, the stone they rejected was made the capstone or the head of the corner. This section is rich in biblical quotations and references such as Psalm 118:22-23, which says, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes."

The Jewish leaders and rabbis not only missed the cornerstone but they missed the whole concept of the spiritual temple. The idea of the spiritual temple was understood by the contemporary Dead Sea Community at Qumran. They were totally disgusted with the temple in Jerusalem and with its priesthood. In 1QS 5:6, they speak of "those in Israel who have freely pledged themselves to the House of Truth." In 8:5 it is called, "a House of Holiness for Israel, and Assembly of Supreme Holiness for Aaron." in 1 QH 6:25-28; 4 QpPs37 2:16, they talk of the Teacher of Righteousness as the house into which the community is built. It will be a "spiritual house," formed by the Spirit and it will not be a physical house.^(F20)

It is clear from the New Testament that we believers cannot be the house and temple of God unless we hold on to our courage, hope and confidence (Hebrews 3:6,14). We must always remember that the house and temple of God is a corporate thing. We see it in many other places and we see it here in 1 Peter 2:5-9, that plural pronouns are used for us as we make up God's dwelling.^(F21) We cannot be the temple of God by ourselves.

Peter adds, "…and, 'A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message – which is also what they were destined for" (2:8). Adam Clarke, the British Methodist theologian says, "he was a stone of stumbling – he was poor, and affected no worldly pomp; in the other he was a rock of offense, for his gospel called the Gentiles to be a peculiar people whom the Jews believed to be everlastingly reprobated, and utterly incapable of any spiritual good."^(F22) Pett adds to this, "As they wander round the building site they trip over the very stone which should be the foundation of their lives" (cf. Isaiah 8:14).^(F23)

Today in the 21st Century many are still stumbling over the cornerstone and a good number of them are called Christians. Godbey remarks about this saying, "In all ages the people have stumbled over the Christhood…We are living in the time of the devil's last war against the Christhood…The fallen churches, like the wicked world, are everywhere stumbling over the glorious Christhood in the person of the Holy Ghost."^(F24) How true the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:44, "Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed."

Verses 9-10

CHRISTIANS AS THE CHOSEN PEOPLE

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

It is astounding that the titles being applied to the church here are the exclusive titles the Lord gave to the nation of Israel. McKnight says, "There is no passage in the New Testament that more explicitly associates the Old Testament terms for Israel with the New Testament church than this one."^(F25) We must understand however that God has not done away with Israel and neither has the church replaced Israel. Guzik remarks about this saying, "Peter's idea isn't that God has abandoned Israel or that they have no place in his redemptive plan, but that Christianity is in no way inferior to Judaism…He is building something out of us together."^(F26) Schreiner adds, "The church does not replace Israel, but it does fulfill the promises made to Israel; and all those, Jews and Gentiles, who belong to the true Israel are now part of the new people of God."^(F27)

Let us look at these titles briefly. As Christians we are now the chosen people (Gk. genos eklekton). Israel was originally God's chosen, or his elect (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15; Isaiah 42:1; 43:20-21; 45:4). However, it becomes obvious in scripture that only those who respond positively to the covenant make up the true chosen people (e.g. Isaiah 4:3-4; 6:11-13). Pett says, "The essential point was that 'Israel' was made up of those who were, at least theoretically, truly committed to the covenant, of whatever nationality. And in contrast any people of Israel who rejected the covenant by their words and actions were 'cut off'"^(F28) Christians are thus a people who continue to uphold and respect the covenant which in our case includes the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31).

Christians are now a royal priesthood (Gk. basileion herateuma). In Israel during Bible times it was impossible for a person to be both king and priest. One person tried it and God struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicals 26:16-21). Yet, in Exodus 19:6, we see what appears to be a prophecy that Israel eventually was to be a "kingdom of priests" (cf. Isaiah 61:6). We see this fulfilled in Revelation 1:6, where we read that God "…has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father…" Truly we are to follow after Jesus who became both priest and king after the pattern and order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1).

In addition, we are to be a holy nation (Gk. ethnos hagion). We see this title of Israel in Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2,21; and 26:19. Our holiness is not derived from our acts but from the cleansing blood of Jesus which he shed for us on the cross. It is clear in scripture that this shed blood continues to cleanse from our sinful acts throughout our lives (1 John 1:9).

Last of all, we are called "God's special possession," or "a people belonging to God" (Gk. laos eis peripoiēsin). We see this and other related titles given to Israel in several Old Testament passages (cf. Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 4:20; 7:6; 14:2; 26:18 and Malachi 3:17). In Deuteronomy 7:6, Israel is called in Hebrew, "am segulah." This denotes a people of God's possession and this title is often heard in Israel today. Interestingly, we Christians were once without hope and cut off from God's covenants (Ephesians 2:12). Now, we through Christ have become the people of God (Ephesians 2:19). The Swedish biblical scholar Bo Reicke makes plain here, "It is also affirmed that the Christians have received the special privilege of appropriating the names of honor with which Israel was favored in the Old Testament."^(F29) We must note again that we do not replace Israel but in a real sense we join with the true Israel and continue on with her in fulfilling God's great and magnificent plan.^(F30)

The purpose of God's new people is to shed his glorious light on those who remain in darkness. McKnight says here, "From day one, the church of Christ was involved in spiritual formation and evangelistic outreach. In fact, one might contend that these are the two primary human-oriented missions of the church, alongside the primary task of bringing glory to God through corporate and individual worship."^(F31)

"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (2:10). Peter was writing primarily to Gentiles, as we have said earlier. The Gentile situation is clearly described in Ephesians 2:12 which says, "remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." Now, all this has been reversed in Christ. We have now received mercy. Ephesians 2:19-20 says, "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."

Long before the prophet had said, "…I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people' and they will say, 'You are my God'" (Hosea 2:23). It is clear in Romans 9:25, that Paul applies this prophecy to the Gentiles.^(F32)

Verses 11-12

LIVING GOOD LIVES

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11

Peter again refers to these Gentile believers as "strangers" in the world just as he did in 1:1. They were just pilgrims and passers-by in the world and really could lay no claim upon it. Like their father Abraham of old, they too were looking for a city with foundations, one built by God (Hebrews 11:10). In order to stay clear of the world and its system it was imperative that they guarded against all lusts of the flesh. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul gives a pretty comprehensive list of these lusts, "The acts of the flesh are obvious - sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Today these sins of the flesh are all around us. It is as if we were drowning in a cesspool of wickedness. We want to cry out, "Lord, rescue us from this present evil age – an age of – Christ spurning; Bible hating; Israel bashing; truth twisting; pleasure seeking; spouse cheating; sex obsessing; baby killing; blood shedding; drug abusing; and money loving."

Dr. James Kennedy in his book Why The Ten Commandments Matter says, "One of the tragic things about all sin is that it is addictive. Whether it's sex, drugs, alcohol, overeating, or gambling – it doesn't matter what sin you fall prey to, it is addictive. And the more you do it, the stronger the addiction becomes."^(F33) As we see in this passage, sin wars against our souls and it drags down our souls into the mud and mire of this present evil age. Jesus says to us, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

Peter advises, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (2:12). The church has been called "a countercultural alternative to society and culture."^(F34) Precisely because it is countercultural, the true church can expect to be resisted and persecuted by our fallen society.

Early Christians were suspect in the Roman society and often treated with scorn. They were also the subject of many false charges. Because of the mention of the body and blood of Christ in communion, they were charged with cannibalism. They were accused of immorality because of their love feasts. They were suspected of turning slaves against their masters and interfering with normal trades (Acts 19:23-41). They were charged with hatred of the human race, since the church and the world were diametrically opposed to each other.

Perhaps worst of all, they were accused of disloyalty to Caesar because they would not offer incense to him as a god.^(F35)

In spite of all their persecution, Peter charges them to live "good lives." The Greek word for "good" is kalos. Barclay says "In Greek there are two words for good. There is agathos, which simply means good in quality; and there is kalos… which means not only good but also lovely, fine, attractive, winsome."^(F36) So the "good" Peter speaks of here is something beautiful, something that attracts and wins people.

Peter assumes that believers will suffer persecution because of their holy lives. After all, holiness is always a judgment on the surrounding pagan world and it makes people uncomfortable. He does not try to alleviate their persecution and suffering, since Christ had been an example of suffering to them and they were obliged to follow in his steps.

McKnight says, "Peter's essential message here is - Live holy lives in the midst of secular chaos, and let God take care of the final results."^(F37) On the day of visitation (Gk. hemera episkopes) they would be rewarded. Barnes describes the Greek word used here for visitation as, "…the act of visiting or being visited for any purpose, usually with the notion of inspecting conduct, of inflicting punishment, or of conferring favors. Compare Matthew 25:36; 25:43; Luke 7:16; 19:44."^(F38) Schneider says that it refers to the day of God's salvation and the day of his judgment.^(F39)

Verses 13-17

AN ATTITUDE OF SUBMISSION

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority - whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14

The Bible makes it very plain that we cannot detach ourselves from the authorities of this age. Instead we must submit ourselves to these authorities and view them as being established by God (Proverbs 24:21). We should even pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But is this submission total? It is certainly not. When the demands of the secular government override the commands of God, it is necessary that we defy the government.^(F40) We should do so even if it costs us our lives (e.g. Exodus 1:17; Daniel 3:13-18; Acts 4:18-20; Hebrews 11:23).

Martin Luther summed up the Christian response very well saying, "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."^(F41) In the New Testament period, particularly in Asia Minor, there were several attempts at revolt against the authorities. This included the revolt of numerous industrial workers.^(F42) Of course, there was the long-simmering revolt in Israel against Rome that burst into flames in AD 66 and ended with the almost total destruction of that nation. The early Christian church father, Tertullian (born c. 160) said, "Pray for kings, because when the kingdom is shaken, all its other members are shaken with it, and even if we stay aloof from tumults we shall have some part in the resulting misfortune."^(F43)

God desires that order be maintained and for this purpose he has established laws and governments during this long Gentile period of history. These authorities are obviously not perfect in their governing. However, "Those who have basically been set up by God to bring law and order, even if imperfectly, are to be seen as preferable to lawlessness."^(F44) We are therefore to submit ourselves to them. The word for submit (hupotagete) is a Greek military term. It means "to arrange in military fashion under the command of a leader."^(F45) Polkinghorn considers that "submit" is a key word in the whole epistle and notes that it occurs in 1 Peter 2:13,18; 3:1,5,22, and also in in 1 Peter 5:5. It thus occurs six times in the book.^(F46)

"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves" (2:15-16). Jesus our Master went around doing good (Acts 10:38). We should follow in his steps. Good deeds often take the air out of trumped-up charges against us. The ancient writer, Pliny, in his letter to the Emperor of Rome said of the Christians, "I have found in them nothing else save a perverse and extravagant superstition."^(F47) "The need for Christians to abstain from unacceptable cultural practices will excite enough criticism; no need to make it worse with acts unbecoming decentfolk."^(F48)

By doing good deeds we can put to silence ignorant talk. The Greek word for "silence" is the word (qimoun), which means "muzzle."^(F49) Our freedom in Christ must never be used as a cloak to cover up our own evil. The church father Hilary of Arles (403-449) once said, "If we have a form of religion on the outside but inside we are opposed to the rulers of the church as well as to kings and princes, we are using our faith as a pretext for evil."^(F50) We need to heed that word in our present society.

"Show proper respect to everyone - Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the emperor" (2:17). We must respect every person because each person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We cannot treat people like things, as is being done in the new Darwinian Ethics. Of course, we must respect other believers because they are very special in God's sight. They are part of our spiritual heritage in Christ (Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 61:5).

And as Peter has already said, we must honor those in authority. We see this same instruction in the Old Testament in Proverbs 24:21, where it says, "Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials…" In Romans 13:1-7, Paul has a whole section dealing with our submission to governing authorities. He says in verses 1 and 2, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

Verses 18-20

SUBMISSION OF SLAVES

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 1 Peter 2:18

Slavery was a very common thing in the first century. Barclay estimates that there were sixty million slaves in the Roman Empire, and that they formed the greatest segment of the Christian church.^(F51) While some slaves held rather high positions like that of doctors, teachers, accountants, secretaries and so forth, many were considered only human machines and worked at menial tasks. Barclay cites Aristotle who writes, "There can be no friendship nor justice towards inanimate things; indeed, not even towards a horse or an ox, nor yet towards a slave as a slave. For master and slave have nothing in common; a slave is a living tool, just as a tool is an inanimate slave."^(F52)

Perhaps we should note that the word for "slaves" here is not the regular Greek douloi but rather it is oiketai, or domestic servants. Calvin feels that there is little difference as the word is used here.^(F53)

Peter as well as Paul felt it important that Christian slaves or servants submit to their masters, respect them, and perform their duties in an impeccable manner (cf. Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22; Titus 2:9). This instruction applied even to those masters who were harsh and cruel. In this way Christianity would receive a good name. Then the false reports and slander of the church would be lessened and turned into praise. It was certainly futile for Christianity to teach against slavery at this point in history. McKnight says, "The Roman and Greek worlds anchored their entire economic system in this institution."^(F54) Slavery was almost like the engine that propelled ancient economies. For Christians at this point to come against slavery would have brought about an economic disaster for the empire and disgrace to the faith.

On the positive side, we can say that Peter and Paul broke with longstanding tradition in even addressing slaves. This would have been startling to the ancient world since slaves had no status.^(F55) By addressing them the apostles gave them status and began the long process of lifting them up and at last bringing their freedom. In New Testament times people fell into slavery in many ways. They were born slaves; they were captured in war and thus became slaves; they were kidnapped and forced into slavery; they volunteered to be slaves; and they fell into slavery due to their debts. It is sad today to realize that many people are falling into a sort of economic slavery due to the oppression of the poor and working classes.

"For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God" (2:19-20). Wuest thinks this passage reflects Peter's memories of the awful night Jesus was abused and beaten.^(F56) Certainly Christ suffered unjustly as the prophets foretold (Isaiah 52:13-14; 53:7). Peter feels that we too should be willing to endure unjust suffering as we follow in the footsteps of Christ (Matthew 5:10). But if we suffer or are beaten (Gk. kolaphizo) because of our own wrongdoing, that is to no glory for ourselves or for Christ.

Verses 21-23

FOLLOWING IN THE PATTERN OF CHRIST

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

Peter makes clear that the church is called to suffering. In Philippians 1:29, Paul also makes this very plain saying, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him…" It is our grant or gift from God that we get to suffer on behalf of Christ. Jesus said in John 15:20, "… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you…"

The early church father Tertullian (AD 160-225) said, "We are daily beset by foes; we are daily betrayed! We are oftentimes surprised in our meetings and congregations…You put Christians on crosses and stakes…We are cast to the wild beasts…we are burned in the flames…We are condemned to the mines…We are banished to islands."^(F57) He also said, "If a Christian is pointed at, he glories in it. If dragged to trial, he does not resist. If accused, he makes no defense. When questioned, he confesses. When condemned he rejoices."^(F58)

It is amazing that the first time Peter heard of suffering he met the idea with a rebuke (Mark 8:31-33).^(F59) Now after a life of suffering for the Master, he not only accepts it but recommends it to the church. Tradition says in the end he was crucified like his Master, but at his own request he was crucified upside down.

"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth" (2:22). Here Peter is alluding to Isaiah 53:9. It is abundantly clear in the New Testament that Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life (cf. John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 1 John 3:5). There was also no deceitful speech found on his lips (Isaiah 53:9).

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (2:23). It is unbelievable what the King of the Universe so suffered at the hands of sinful and depraved humanity. They stripped him, mocked him, spat upon him, struck him (Matthew 27:28-30). In all this abuse, and in all the dreadful things afterward, Jesus did not retaliate nor did he make threats as was apparently customary with condemned criminals. He left the whole matter of vengeance to the Lord (cf. Romans 12:19).

Verses 24-25

JESUS THE SIN-BEARER

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Here we have a very simple and clear statement of the atonement. Jesus bore our sins in his body. The word "bore" is the Greek word used in the Septuagint (LXX) to describe a priest carrying the sacrifice to the altar.^(F60) Jesus was not only the priest but the offering. He died on the cross as one accursed on our behalf (Deuteronomy 21:23). Now, in the pattern of his death we must die daily to the sins that are in our lives and live for him.

Today in Charismatic ranks, the words "by his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5) are often used in regards to physical healing. Some scholars have pointed out that the context of this verse has to do with spiritual healing and not physical healing.^{aorist passive indicative. In Isaiah 53:4-6, this speaks of our spiritual healing, not that physical healing. I do not deny physical healing as an ongoing act of a gracious God, but I do deny that it is a promised aspect of the atonement of Christ" (Utley, v. 2:24).">(F61)}

"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (2:25). Here Peter seems to keep the picture from Isaiah 53:6, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." People are like sheep. We are not very bright and cannot take care of ourselves well. We like real sheep need a shepherd. One of the oldest pictures of God in the Bible is that of a shepherd. The shepherd saves his sheep and carries the weak in his bosom (Isaiah 40:11).^(F62) We see this picture in the beloved Psalm 23.

Interestingly, the word used here for "overseer" is the Greek word episkopos. In some versions it is translated "bishop" (ASV, KJV). In the Greek language it had the meaning of someone who protected public safety, or an overseer of public morals or of law and order.^(F63) In the scripture it is sometimes used for pastor (cf. 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7). The truth is that Jesus is our Pastor and our Shepherd. Wiersbe in meditating on this remarkable truth says, "In the Old Testament, the sheep died for the shepherd; but at Calvary, the Shepherd died for the sheep (John 10)."^(F64)