Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
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:
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
I Peter 2 serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the glorious realities of our salvation described in I Peter 1 with the practical implications of living as God's children in a world that often opposes Him. Having established our identity as a holy people redeemed by grace through faith in Jesus, Peter now dives into the specifics of what it means to live a holy life, addressing everything from battling our own sinful desires to navigating our relationships with earthly authorities. This chapter of I Peter 2 offers profound insights into our new identity in Christ and how that identity should shape our daily lives. This chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, our unique identity as the people of God, the necessity of good works, and how to respond to suffering. Let's explore these themes to better understand and apply these truths.
The Call to Spiritual Growth (I Peter 2:1-3)
I Peter 2:1-3 emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in the new life we have in Christ. Peter begins by urging believers to rid themselves of negative attitudes and actions that hinder spiritual development. He lists specific sins such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (I Peter 2:1), highlighting the need to abandon behaviors associated with our former life of sin. Just as physical health requires nutritious food and the avoidance of unhealthy substances, spiritual health demands that we nourish ourselves with what is wholesome and reject what is detrimental.
Instead of clinging to these destructive patterns, Peter encourages us to crave "the pure milk of the word" (I Peter 2:2). This isn't just about passively consuming information; it's about developing a deep hunger for God's Word that fuels our growth in salvation. The Word that caused us to be born again is the same Word that causes growth. The metaphor of newborn infants desiring milk illustrates the natural, instinctive craving we should have for spiritual nourishment. Just as a baby instinctively seeks milk for sustenance, Christians should eagerly desire God's Word for spiritual growth. This desire should be constant and regular, not just a once-a-week experience. We must seek a steady diet and application of God’s Word instead of man’s opinion.
Peter connects this desire for spiritual nourishment with experiencing the goodness of the Lord. He states, "if you have tasted that the Lord is good" (I Peter 2:3), implying that once we experience God's goodness, we will naturally crave more of Him. This "tasting" is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience that deepens our relationship with God and fuels our desire for His Word. Once we taste for ourselves that the Lord is good, we’ll know that nothing else will satisfy.
A New Identity: Living Stones in God's House (I Peter 2:4-10)
In I Peter 2:4-10, Peter unveils our new identity as the people of God, drawing from Old Testament imagery to illustrate our special status. He uses the metaphor of a building, where believers are living stones fit together, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.
Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone, the foundation upon which the entire spiritual house is built. He is the "living stone, rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him" (I Peter 2:4). Despite being rejected by people during His earthly ministry, God honored Him through His resurrection. As it was then, so it is today. You have only two choices with Jesus: accept him or reject him. Those who accept him know he is the Lord’s honored cornerstone—the stone on which the whole house aligns. We are to live our lives with reference to him, and we will never be put to shame (I Peter 2:6). But for those who reject him, he is a stone to stumble over; thus, they will trip over him right into judgment (I Peter 2:7-8).
Those who trust in Him are also "living stones" (I Peter 2:5), being built into a spiritual house. This highlights the corporate nature of our faith. God is taking living stones—that have life because of the living stone—and building a spiritual house (I Peter 2:5). He’s not building houses but a house. And he wants all of us stones to fit snugly into that building. We are not isolated individuals but interconnected parts of God's larger plan. Each believer contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole.
Peter further describes believers as "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" (I Peter 2:9). This emphasizes our unique privileges and responsibilities. As a royal priesthood, we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, without the need for human intermediaries. As a holy nation, we are set apart for God's purposes, called to live in a way that reflects His character. As God's special possession, we belong to Him, and He cherishes us.
Our purpose is to "declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (I Peter 2:9). This means we are to serve as an advertising agency tasked with sharing the message of his love. We are to proclaim the excellencies of God, sharing the good news of salvation with others. Peter reminds us of our transformation: "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" (I Peter 2:10).
Living as Strangers in the World (I Peter 2:11-12)
I Peter 2:11-12 addresses how Christians should live in the world, emphasizing our identity as "foreigners and exiles" (I Peter 2:11). Understanding that this world is not our true home is crucial for living a life that honors God. The Christian’s job in this interim period is to make a difference for God in the world.
Peter urges us to "abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11). Sinful desires are not just external temptations but internal battles that can destroy our spiritual well-being. We must actively resist these desires and cultivate a mindset that is focused on God. You are to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul (I Peter 2:11)—that is, don’t do what everyone else is doing.
Our conduct among non-believers should be honorable, so that "in the day he visits us, they may glorify God because of your good deeds they observe" (I Peter 2:12). Even those who slander you will glorify God, he says, when they observe your good works (I Peter 2:12). This highlights the importance of living a life that is consistent with our faith, so that others may see our good works and be drawn to God.
Submission to Authority (I Peter 2:13-17)
In I Peter 2:13-17, Peter addresses the topic of submission to human authorities. He instructs believers to "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" (I Peter 2:13-14). Those who have come to Jesus Christ have transferred kingdoms and sworn allegiance to a new King. His agenda is theirs. But until Jesus returns, his followers must live in this world of nations, rulers, and laws.
This submission is not meant to be blind obedience but a recognition of God's ordained order. Peter explains that it is "God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people" (I Peter 2:15). By living as exemplary citizens, we can refute false accusations and demonstrate the positive impact of our faith.
Peter cautions against using our freedom in Christ as an excuse for disobedience or disrespect. He writes, "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves" (I Peter 2:16). We are to honor all people, love the family of believers, fear God, and honor the emperor (I Peter 2:17). The world should find Christians to be exemplary citizens who honor all people, love others, fear God, and respect ruling authorities (I Peter 2:17).
Suffering for Doing Good (I Peter 2:18-25)
Peter addresses how Christian household slaves should relate to their masters. Whether their masters were gentle or cruel, Christian slaves were to shine the light of Christ by their service (I Peter 2:18). Though this could result in suffering unjustly (I Peter 2:19), Peter reminds them that it is better to do good and suffer for it than to do evil and suffer. If we endure suffering for doing what is right, this brings favor with God (I Peter 2:20).
Peter emphasizes that suffering for doing good is a part of the Christian calling. He points to Christ as our example, stating, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (I Peter 2:21). Jesus is the perfect example of someone enduring unjust suffering, since he alone is sinless (I Peter 2:22).
Christ's suffering was unique, as "He himself bore our sins" (I Peter 2:24). Jesus not only died because we are sinners (we have a sin nature), but he also died for our sins—for every wrong we have committed or will commit: whether in thought, attitude, or action. Peter quotes from Isaiah 53:5-6: By his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray. God is not promising that followers of Jesus never get sick (though some teach that false theology). There are various kinds of healing that we need. Yes, sometimes God grants physical healing, but we also need emotional healing and relational healing. And all healing is connected to Jesus’s wounds, and Jesus’s wounds are connected to his death for sin. So if you want healing in a relationship, you have to be willing to address the sins that brought about the relational problems. Jesus can bring such healing only if the root sins are dealt with (see Jas 5:14-16).
Peter concludes by reminding us that we "have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (I Peter 2:25). We need him to govern and guide our sin-infected souls so that we live to please God.
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
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:
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
I Peter 2 serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the glorious realities of our salvation described in I Peter 1 with the practical implications of living as God's children in a world that often opposes Him. Having established our identity as a holy people redeemed by grace through faith in Jesus, Peter now dives into the specifics of what it means to live a holy life, addressing everything from battling our own sinful desires to navigating our relationships with earthly authorities. This chapter of I Peter 2 offers profound insights into our new identity in Christ and how that identity should shape our daily lives. This chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, our unique identity as the people of God, the necessity of good works, and how to respond to suffering. Let's explore these themes to better understand and apply these truths.
The Call to Spiritual Growth (I Peter 2:1-3)
I Peter 2:1-3 emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in the new life we have in Christ. Peter begins by urging believers to rid themselves of negative attitudes and actions that hinder spiritual development. He lists specific sins such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (I Peter 2:1), highlighting the need to abandon behaviors associated with our former life of sin. Just as physical health requires nutritious food and the avoidance of unhealthy substances, spiritual health demands that we nourish ourselves with what is wholesome and reject what is detrimental.
Instead of clinging to these destructive patterns, Peter encourages us to crave "the pure milk of the word" (I Peter 2:2). This isn't just about passively consuming information; it's about developing a deep hunger for God's Word that fuels our growth in salvation. The Word that caused us to be born again is the same Word that causes growth. The metaphor of newborn infants desiring milk illustrates the natural, instinctive craving we should have for spiritual nourishment. Just as a baby instinctively seeks milk for sustenance, Christians should eagerly desire God's Word for spiritual growth. This desire should be constant and regular, not just a once-a-week experience. We must seek a steady diet and application of God’s Word instead of man’s opinion.
Peter connects this desire for spiritual nourishment with experiencing the goodness of the Lord. He states, "if you have tasted that the Lord is good" (I Peter 2:3), implying that once we experience God's goodness, we will naturally crave more of Him. This "tasting" is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience that deepens our relationship with God and fuels our desire for His Word. Once we taste for ourselves that the Lord is good, we’ll know that nothing else will satisfy.
A New Identity: Living Stones in God's House (I Peter 2:4-10)
In I Peter 2:4-10, Peter unveils our new identity as the people of God, drawing from Old Testament imagery to illustrate our special status. He uses the metaphor of a building, where believers are living stones fit together, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.
Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone, the foundation upon which the entire spiritual house is built. He is the "living stone, rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him" (I Peter 2:4). Despite being rejected by people during His earthly ministry, God honored Him through His resurrection. As it was then, so it is today. You have only two choices with Jesus: accept him or reject him. Those who accept him know he is the Lord’s honored cornerstone—the stone on which the whole house aligns. We are to live our lives with reference to him, and we will never be put to shame (I Peter 2:6). But for those who reject him, he is a stone to stumble over; thus, they will trip over him right into judgment (I Peter 2:7-8).
Those who trust in Him are also "living stones" (I Peter 2:5), being built into a spiritual house. This highlights the corporate nature of our faith. God is taking living stones—that have life because of the living stone—and building a spiritual house (I Peter 2:5). He’s not building houses but a house. And he wants all of us stones to fit snugly into that building. We are not isolated individuals but interconnected parts of God's larger plan. Each believer contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole.
Peter further describes believers as "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" (I Peter 2:9). This emphasizes our unique privileges and responsibilities. As a royal priesthood, we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, without the need for human intermediaries. As a holy nation, we are set apart for God's purposes, called to live in a way that reflects His character. As God's special possession, we belong to Him, and He cherishes us.
Our purpose is to "declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (I Peter 2:9). This means we are to serve as an advertising agency tasked with sharing the message of his love. We are to proclaim the excellencies of God, sharing the good news of salvation with others. Peter reminds us of our transformation: "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" (I Peter 2:10).
Living as Strangers in the World (I Peter 2:11-12)
I Peter 2:11-12 addresses how Christians should live in the world, emphasizing our identity as "foreigners and exiles" (I Peter 2:11). Understanding that this world is not our true home is crucial for living a life that honors God. The Christian’s job in this interim period is to make a difference for God in the world.
Peter urges us to "abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11). Sinful desires are not just external temptations but internal battles that can destroy our spiritual well-being. We must actively resist these desires and cultivate a mindset that is focused on God. You are to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul (I Peter 2:11)—that is, don’t do what everyone else is doing.
Our conduct among non-believers should be honorable, so that "in the day he visits us, they may glorify God because of your good deeds they observe" (I Peter 2:12). Even those who slander you will glorify God, he says, when they observe your good works (I Peter 2:12). This highlights the importance of living a life that is consistent with our faith, so that others may see our good works and be drawn to God.
Submission to Authority (I Peter 2:13-17)
In I Peter 2:13-17, Peter addresses the topic of submission to human authorities. He instructs believers to "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" (I Peter 2:13-14). Those who have come to Jesus Christ have transferred kingdoms and sworn allegiance to a new King. His agenda is theirs. But until Jesus returns, his followers must live in this world of nations, rulers, and laws.
This submission is not meant to be blind obedience but a recognition of God's ordained order. Peter explains that it is "God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people" (I Peter 2:15). By living as exemplary citizens, we can refute false accusations and demonstrate the positive impact of our faith.
Peter cautions against using our freedom in Christ as an excuse for disobedience or disrespect. He writes, "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves" (I Peter 2:16). We are to honor all people, love the family of believers, fear God, and honor the emperor (I Peter 2:17). The world should find Christians to be exemplary citizens who honor all people, love others, fear God, and respect ruling authorities (I Peter 2:17).
Suffering for Doing Good (I Peter 2:18-25)
Peter addresses how Christian household slaves should relate to their masters. Whether their masters were gentle or cruel, Christian slaves were to shine the light of Christ by their service (I Peter 2:18). Though this could result in suffering unjustly (I Peter 2:19), Peter reminds them that it is better to do good and suffer for it than to do evil and suffer. If we endure suffering for doing what is right, this brings favor with God (I Peter 2:20).
Peter emphasizes that suffering for doing good is a part of the Christian calling. He points to Christ as our example, stating, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (I Peter 2:21). Jesus is the perfect example of someone enduring unjust suffering, since he alone is sinless (I Peter 2:22).
Christ's suffering was unique, as "He himself bore our sins" (I Peter 2:24). Jesus not only died because we are sinners (we have a sin nature), but he also died for our sins—for every wrong we have committed or will commit: whether in thought, attitude, or action. Peter quotes from Isaiah 53:5-6: By his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray. God is not promising that followers of Jesus never get sick (though some teach that false theology). There are various kinds of healing that we need. Yes, sometimes God grants physical healing, but we also need emotional healing and relational healing. And all healing is connected to Jesus’s wounds, and Jesus’s wounds are connected to his death for sin. So if you want healing in a relationship, you have to be willing to address the sins that brought about the relational problems. Jesus can bring such healing only if the root sins are dealt with (see Jas 5:14-16).
Peter concludes by reminding us that we "have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (I Peter 2:25). We need him to govern and guide our sin-infected souls so that we live to please God.