1 Peter 2 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 Peter 2

The First Epistle of Peter was written by the apostle Peter, one of the closest followers of Jesus Christ. Peter was a fisherman by trade before being called by Jesus to become a “fisher of men. Peter provides guidance and encouragement to the early Christian community as they face persecution and hardship in this chapter.

Peter reminds the believers of their new identity in Christ – they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. This identity calls them to live differently, to abstain from sinful desires and to submit to earthly authorities. Peter foreshadows the suffering that is to come, drawing parallels to the suffering of Christ. He encourages the believers to endure, knowing that their eternal reward awaits.

Throughout the passage, Peter references other important biblical figures and events, such as the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the “cornerstone” (v.6-8) and the example of Christ’s own suffering (v.21-25). These connections serve to ground the believers in the broader narrative of God’s redemptive work throughout history.

1 Peter 2:1-3

The passage in 1 Peter 2:1-3 can be broken down into three key sections. Putting Aside Malice and Deceit: Peter first urges believers to rid themselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Malice refers to the intention to harm or do evil to someone, while deceit involves misleading others through false appearances or statements. Hypocrisy is pretending to be something one is not, and envy is resenting others for what they have. Slander is making false and damaging statements about others.

This admonition from Peter reflects the importance of maintaining a pure heart and engaging in righteous behavior. These vices contradict the virtues that Christians are called to embody. Believers better able to grow spiritually and cultivate genuine love and respect for one another by purging themselves of these negative attributes. This lesson is timeless, emphasizing the need for integrity and authenticity in relationships within the Christian community.

1. Long for Pure Spiritual Milk: Peter compares the longing for the Word of God to a newborn’s craving for milk. This imagery underscores the essential nourishment that the Scriptures provide for believers. Just as milk is vital for the physical growth and development of an infant, so too is the Word of God indispensable for the spiritual growth and maturity of a believer.

The metaphor of milk underscores the foundational nature of the Word of God in the life of a Christian. It is through the Scriptures that believers learn about God’s character, His will for their lives, and the principles by which they are to live. Just as physical nourishment is necessary for sustaining life, spiritual nourishment from the Word of God is crucial for sustaining faith and deepening the relationship with God.

1. Tasting That the Lord is Good: Peter highlights the goodness of the Lord and calls believers to experience it for themselves. This verse encourages believers to have personal encounters with God, to taste and see His goodness by immersing themselves in His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Believers can develop a deeper intimacy with the Lord and grow in their faith by tasting and experiencing His goodness. This firsthand knowledge of God’s goodness not only strengthens believers in times of trial and temptation but also serves as a testimony to the transformative power of God in their lives. Just as the psalmist declares in Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him,” Peter’s exhortation reinforces the invitation to partake of the richness of God’s presence and experience His faithfulness firsthand. The passage in 1 Peter 2:1-3 calls believers to a life marked by moral purity, spiritual sustenance from the Word of God, and personal encounters with the goodness of the Lord. Believers can mature in their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and bear witness to His transformative power by putting off sinful behaviors, craving the Word of God like essential nourishment, and tasting the goodness of the Lord in their lives.

1 Peter 2:4-8

Several important sections are found in 1 Peter 2:4-8. Peter’s audience is encouraged to draw near to Jesus, who is referred to as the “living Stone.”” This term is significant as it alludes to Jesus being the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The mention of Jesus being rejected by humans but chosen and precious to God highlights the paradoxical nature of Christ’s identity. Throughout the Bible, there are instances where individuals or groups rejected Jesus, such as the religious leaders during his earthly ministry. However, God’s plan was to elevate Jesus to a position of utmost importance, emphasizing the concept that God’s ways are often contrary to human understanding. This message serves to remind believers to place their trust in God’s divine wisdom, even when the world may reject or misunderstand them.

1. “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. Peter extends the analogy of Jesus as the “living Stone” to believers in this section, describing them as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. The imagery of a spiritual house being constructed with believers as its foundational stones signifies the unity and interconnectedness of the body of Christ. Each individual believer plays a vital role in the collective work of God’s kingdom, contributing to the construction of a holy dwelling place for God. The concept of believers serving as a holy priesthood echoes the teachings of the Old Testament, where priests served as mediators between God and the people. Through Jesus Christ, believers now have direct access to God and can offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, worship, and service. This highlights the privilege and responsibility of all believers to actively participate in the work of God’s kingdom.

2. “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.”

Peter references Isaiah 28:16 in this section, linking the prophetic words of Isaiah to Jesus as the cornerstone. The “stone in Zion” in Isaiah represents a foundation of security and stability for those who trust in it. Peter emphasizes the unchanging nature of Christ as the cornerstone of faith by applying this prophecy to Jesus. Those who trust in Jesus will not be disappointed or disgraced but will find their hope and confidence fulfilled in Him. This verse underscores the importance of faith and reliance on Jesus as the source of true security and honor. It also reinforces the idea that God’s promises, as foretold in the Old Testament, find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, highlighting the continuity of God’s plan throughout history.

1. “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.”

Here, Peter addresses the identity and purpose of believers in Christ. He affirms their election and special status in God’s eyes by calling them a “chosen people.” The reference to believers as a “royal priesthood” and a “holy nation” echoes the language used in Exodus 19:6 to describe the people of Israel. Through their union with Christ, believers now inherit the promises and privileges once reserved for Israel, signifying their inclusion in God’s redemptive plan. The ultimate purpose of this chosen status is to declare praises to God, recognizing and proclaiming His saving work in bringing them out of spiritual darkness into the light of His truth. This verse underscores the transformative power of God’s grace in believers’ lives and their responsibility to reflect His glory through worship and testimony. 1 Peter 2:4-8 conveys profound truths about the identity of believers in Christ, the significance of Jesus as the cornerstone of faith, and the call to active participation in God’s kingdom. Through vivid imagery and scriptural references, Peter emphasizes the unity, priesthood, security, and purpose of believers in Christ, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and devotion to the living Stone. These verses serve as a reminder of the timeless principles of God’s kingdom, encouraging believers to find their identity and mission in Christ and to live out their calling as a holy priesthood, devoted to declaring the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9-10

1. Breakdown of the verse into important sections:
2. “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)

3. “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.” (1 Peter 2:10)

4. Peter addresses the believers as a “chosen people” in the first section of these verses, echoing the language used in the Old Testament to describe Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6). This designation points to the special status that Christians have as being selected by God for a purpose. The term “royal priesthood” is significant as it suggests that believers have direct access to God, just as the priests did in the Old Testament, without the need for an intermediary. This imagery reinforces the idea of believers being granted authority and responsibility in their relationship with God.

5. The phrase “holy nation” highlights the separation of believers from the world and their consecration unto God. This concept of holiness, seen throughout the Bible, calls for believers to live differently, set apart for the service of God and living according to His standards. The mention of being God’s “special possession” emphasizes the value God places on His people, showing His care and love for them.

6. Through this passage, Peter reminds the believers of their transformation from darkness to light, symbolizing the transition from a state of sin and separation from God to a state of righteousness and fellowship with Him. This transformation is not of their own doing but is the result of God’s work in calling them to Himself.

7. Moving on to verse 10, Peter emphasizes the collective identity of believers. He contrasts their past state of spiritual estrangement and no mercy with their current status as the people of God, who have now received His mercy. This transformation from spiritual alienation to being part of God’s family through His mercy reflects the profound impact of God’s grace on their lives.

8. Relevance and Application:

9. The message in these verses underscores the unique identity and purpose of believers in Christ. Christians, as members of God’s chosen people, are called to a life of holiness, service, and proclamation of God’s praises. This call echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16, where believers are described as the light of the world, called to shine for His glory.

10. The idea of being a royal priesthood reminds believers of their direct access to God through Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), and the responsibility to intercede for others and offer spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This royal priesthood status emphasizes the believer’s role as an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing Him on earth.

11. The transformation from darkness to light and from spiritual alienation to being part of God’s chosen people serves as a powerful reminder of the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of God’s mercy in our lives and the need to share this message of salvation with others (Matthew 28:19-20). These verses in 1 Peter 2 highlight the believer’s special identity, role, and transformation in Christ, pointing to the profound impact of God’s grace and mercy in our lives. They call believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting God’s light, and proclaiming His praises to a world in need of His love and salvation.

1 Peter 2:11-12

The passage in 1 Peter 2:11-12 can be divided into two important sections. “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Peter addresses the believers as “sojourners and exiles,” emphasizing their status as temporary residents in this world in this section. Peter reminds them that their true home is not in this world but in the kingdom of God by calling them sojourners. This distinction is important as it reminds Christians that while they are in the world, they are not of the world (John 17:16).

Peter highlights the importance of abstaining from the passions of the flesh which wage war against the soul. Throughout the Bible, the struggle between the spirit and the flesh is a common theme. Paul also discusses this internal battle in Galatians 5:17, where he talks about the desires of the flesh being opposed to the desires of the Spirit. Peter is reminding believers of the need to abstain from these passions and live a life that is in line with God’s will, not succumbing to the temptations of the world.

1. “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Peter emphasizes the importance of maintaining good conduct among the Gentiles in this section. The term “Gentiles” here refers to those who are not believers. Peter is instructing believers to live in such a way that even non-believers would have no legitimate grounds to accuse them of wrongdoing. This reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:16, where He says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The ultimate goal of this honorable conduct is not just to win the approval of others but to point them towards God. Peter suggests that through observing the good deeds of believers, non-believers may come to glorify God on the day of visitation. This can be seen as a form of evangelism, where the actions of believers serve as a testimony to the transformative power of God in their lives. Believers can find important guidance on how to navigate their lives in a world that often stands in opposition to their faith in 1 Peter 2:11-12. It encourages them to remember their identity as citizens of heaven, to resist the temptations of the flesh, and to live in a way that brings glory to God. Believers can uphold these principles and be a light in a dark world, leading others to glorify God through their witness.

1 Peter 2:13-17

The verse in 1 Peter 2:13-17 can be broken down into several important sections. The first section is Peter’s instruction to submit to governing authorities for the Lord’s sake. This command underscores the importance of respecting and obeying the civil authorities that are placed over us. Peter emphasizes that this submission is not merely a political or social expectation, but a spiritual act of obedience to God.

The next section focuses on the reason for this submission, which is to silence the ignorance of foolish people. We display the character of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel by conducting ourselves honorably and submitting to authority. Our conduct in society should be a testimony to the grace and truth we have received through Christ.

Furthermore, Peter goes on to highlight that we are free, not using our freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. This concept of freedom is not a license to do as we please, but a call to live in accordance with God’s will and purposes. True freedom is found in surrendering our will to God’s and living in alignment with His Word.

Peter also mentions the importance of showing proper respect to everyone, loving the family of believers, fearing God, and honoring the emperor. This emphasis on love, respect, and honor towards all people, regardless of their social status or beliefs, reflects the overarching theme of Christian ethics found throughout the New Testament. Love is to be the defining mark of a follower of Christ, extending to all, both within the faith community and beyond. These verses in 1 Peter 2 situate within a larger message of enduring persecution and suffering for the sake of Christ. Peter addresses believers who are facing trials and challenges because of their faith and provides them with guidance on how to navigate their circumstances with grace, patience, and love. Believers bear witness to the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ by submitting to authorities, living honorably, and showing love and respect to all. We see a consistent theme of submission to governing authorities and upholding moral principles in the face of adversity by examining these verses alongside other biblical passages, such as Romans 13:1-7 and Titus 3:1-2. The overarching message is one of faithfulness, humility, and love in all circumstances, reflecting the character of Christ and pointing others to the transformative power of the Gospel.

1 Peter 2:18-20

The passage in 1 Peter 2:18-20 addresses the theme of submission, particularly in the context of servants being subject to their masters, even when the masters are unjust. This section reads, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”

Peter’s instruction for servants to submit to their masters is not an endorsement of slavery but reflects the social structures of the time. The focus here is on enduring hardships with dignity and grace, following the example of Christ who suffered unjustly. This submission is not a validation of abuse or oppression, but a call for patience, faithfulness, and reliance on God even in difficult circumstances.

Peter emphasizes the importance of enduring suffering for doing what is right, rather than for wrongdoing. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12, where he blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The idea of suffering unjustly but remaining steadfast in faith is a recurring theme in the Bible, exemplified by figures such as Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but remained faithful to God and was eventually exalted in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). Peter is highlighting the Christian calling to emulate Christ’s sacrificial love and patience in the face of persecution by urging servants to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness. This aligns with the broader message of 1 Peter, which encourages believers to live holy lives in the midst of a hostile world, knowing that their ultimate reward and vindication come from God, who sees and values their faithfulness. This passage underscores the Christian virtues of humility, patience, and perseverance in the face of adversity, reminding believers that their ultimate allegiance is to God, who sees their struggles and rewards their faithfulness. It serves as a timeless reminder that even in situations where injustice prevails, maintaining one’s integrity and trust in God ultimately leads to spiritual growth and blessings.

1 Peter 2:21-25

Certainly! Delve into 1 Peter 2:21-25. **”For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. Peter is setting the stage for his audience to understand the essence of being a follower of Christ in this opening part of the verse. He points out that suffering is not only a possibility but a reality for believers. Peter emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ’s mission on earth by highlighting that Christ suffered for them. Jesus’ suffering was not in vain but was purposeful in carrying out the redemptive plan of God. Peter is urging the believers to follow in Christ’s steps, emulating the humility, obedience, and perseverance demonstrated through Christ’s suffering. This mirrors the sentiment expressed in Philippians 2:5-8, where believers are encouraged to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death.

1. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”

Peter underlines the sinless nature of Christ. This highlights the purity and blamelessness of Jesus. The fact that Christ was without sin but still suffered unjustly serves as a powerful example to believers. It reinforces the fundamental Christian belief that Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity (John 1:29). This verse not only emphasizes Christ’s moral perfection but also challenges believers to strive for moral uprightness in their own lives. It’s a reminder that, as followers of Christ, they are called to live lives of integrity and righteousness (1 John 2:6).

1. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

Here, Peter recounts Christ’s response to unjust treatment. Despite experiencing verbal abuse and physical torment, Jesus responded with restraint and did not retaliate. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He instructs His followers to turn the other cheek and love their enemies (Matthew 5:39, 44). Christ exemplified ultimate trust in the Father’s divine plan by entrusting Himself to God, who judges justly. This verse serves as a profound lesson for believers, urging them to respond to mistreatment and suffering with grace, forgiveness, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

1. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. You have been healed by his wounds.”

This pivotal verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message. It speaks of the atoning work of Christ on the cross, where He bore the sins of humanity in His body. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus provided the means for sinful humanity to be reconciled to God. The language used here harks back to Isaiah 53:5, which prophesied about the suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many. The imagery of Christ’s wounds bringing healing underscores the spiritual restoration and redemption available to believers through His death and resurrection. This verse underscores the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, enabling believers to be set free from the bondage of sin and empowered to live lives of righteousness.

1. “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

Peter concludes this passage by drawing a parallel between believers and sheep who had gone astray but have now been brought back into the fold by the Shepherd, who is Jesus Christ. This analogy of Christ as the Good Shepherd can be found in John 10:11-18, where Jesus describes Himself as the one who lays down His life for His sheep. Peter reaffirms the believers’ dependence on Christ for guidance, protection, and spiritual care by identifying Christ as the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls. This imagery highlights the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, emphasizing His role as the ultimate guardian and caretaker of their souls. Believers are exhorted in 1 Peter 2:21-25 to walk in the footsteps of Christ, embracing suffering with humility and trust in God’s plan. It underscores the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, challenging believers to live lives of righteousness and bear witness to the transformative power of His sacrifice. This passage not only provides a blueprint for navigating trials and tribulations but also deepens believers’ understanding of their identity as redeemed followers of Christ.

After 1 Peter 2

Beloved, as we reflect on the teachings of 1 Peter chapter 2, let us remember the call to be living stones, built upon the foundation of Christ. We are urged to abstain from sinful desires and to live honorably among others, shining as lights in a dark world. We should hold fast to the truth that God has chosen us and considers us precious, calling us to proclaim His excellencies to all. Let us carry the exhortation to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness in our hearts. Our hope and trust rest in the unfailing love and faithfulness of our God, even though we may face trials and tribulations. May we continue to grow in our faith and understanding, ready to embrace the challenges and blessings that lie ahead.