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1 Peter Chapter Two

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Identity and Responsibility of Those Who Have Been Favored

A.  As new born babes ---- lay aside desire and grow (v.1-3);

B.  As living stones ---- be built and offer spiritual sacrifices and trust and obey (v.4-8);

C.  Who are the people of God ----proclaim the praise of God (v.9-10);

D.  Who are sojourners and pilgrims ---- abstain from fleshly lusts and have one’s conduct honorable (v.11-12);

E.  Who are servants of God ---- fear God and honor the kings and all and love the brotherhood (v.13-17).

F.  Who are sheep of the Shepherd ---- imitate the example of the Lord and do good and suffer (v.18-25);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

1Pet. 2:1 “Therefore laying aside all malice all deceit hypocrisy envy and all evil speaking ”

YLT: “Having put aside then all evil and all guile and hypocrisies and envyings and all evil speakings ”

Meaning of Words: lay aside”: put away cast off lay apart; “malice”: evil wickedness malignity naughtiness; “deceit”: craft guile subtlety; “hypocrisy”: dissimulation condemnation; “evil speaking”: evil words backbiting;

Literal Meaning: “therefore” here it connects the end of the previous chapter and the beginning of this chapter. We can know from this word (“therefore”): 1) because of the “obedience to the truth” and “rebirth” (1:22-23) believers will be “as newborn babes” (2:2); 2) “pure milk” (2:2) refers to “the word of God” (1:23 25); 3) “purify your souls” (1:22) that is “laying aside all malice …” (2:1);

  “Laying aside all malice” “laying aside” it is “having put aside” in “YLT” ---- cast off all the evil works like putting off the clothes (see Col. 3:8-9); “all”: various; “malice”: have evil mind toward others; “all malice”: various naughtiness and wickedness (see Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8);

  “All deceit hypocrisy envy and all evil speaking” “all deceit”: all deceptive words and deeds harming others to benefit oneself or distorting the facts; “hypocrisy”: cover up unfavorable one’s true faces and motivations; “envy”: be jealous of things of others instead of oneself and all excellent works of others; “all evil speaking”: all the words of defaming or slandering including public and secret;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “All malice all deceit hypocrisy envy and all evil speaking” is totally opposite to “in sincere love of the brethren …love one another fervently” (1:22).

2)    “Malice all deceit hypocrisy envy and all evil speaking” are a plague in the interpersonal relationship. All groups (including the churches) are deeply harmed by them.

3)    C. E. B. Cranfield said “It is not difficult for the people who are experienced in the works of the church to find that envy is the main reason for all difficulties”.                   

4)    The five evil things in this verse are from the evil heart……. just as the Lord had said “the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).

5)    A regenerated Christian (see 1:23) should correct his wrong interpersonal relationship and lay aside improper attitudes and deeds so as to have clean appetite to enjoy the nourishment of spiritual food thus growing healthy and mature and experiencing the perfect salvation (see v.2)

 

1Pet. 2:2 “as newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby ”

YLT: “as new-born babes the word's pure milk desire ye that in it ye may grow ”

Meaning of Words: desire”: long after; “pure”: sincere; “newborn”: a young convert; “grow”: increase;

Literal Meaning: “as newborn babes” “newborn babes” it does not mean the receivers of this epistle are believers who have been just saved but refer to all believers that should be “as” newborn babes eating and drinking continually with the instinct and inclination of eating to be full. Note that “milk” here refers to the spiritual provision nourishing believers’ spiritual life. “Milk” here is different from that “milk” used by Paul who classified spiritual food into two sorts ---- “milk” (which suits young believers only) and “solid food” (see 5:12-14; 1Cor. 3:2). However Peter did not mention the distinction.

  “Desire the pure milk of the word” “desire”: the desire is earnest as the hart pants after water-brooks (Ps. 42:1); “pure”: the nature and function are pure without mix; “the pure milk of the word” means that the word of God (see 1:23-25) is as the milk nourishing spiritual milk. 

  “That you may grow thereby” “grow”: the growth of spiritual life; “grow thereby”: obtain the perfect salvation especially the salvation of soul (see 1:9).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Desiring the word of God is the precondition of Christians’ growth. God has given us a desire for His word so as to make us grow.

2)     A normal Christian does not take it as a burden of studying the word of God. Instead he will enjoy the word of God ---- the more he reads the more will he feel nourished and sweet and full.

3)     The life of Christians needs the nourishment of God’s word (see 1:23 25) for such “reasonable” (see Rom. 12:1) food will make believers grow healthy in grace.

4)     The word of God can be translated into spiritual “milk” to nourish our life through our “spiritual” mind. Therefore let us cut in a straight line the word of truth (2Tim. 2:15).

5)     The word of God is the “soundest” word because of its pureness and righteousness and accuracy (Ps. 12:6; 19:7-9). Therefore let us enjoy the divine word with rest.

6)     Our spiritual growth is closely connected with the receiving of the perfect salvation. Christians who have ignored spiritual growth now will suffer great loss in the future.

7)     If Christians are not satisfied with “being saved only” (see 4:18) we have to press on ceaselessly and expect to gain possession seeing that also we have been taken possession by Christ (Phil. 3:12) namely the perfect salvation.

 

1Pet. 2:3 “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

YLT: “if so be ye did taste that the Lord gracious ”

Meaning of Words: taste”: eat; “gracious”: kind good easy;

Literal Meaning: “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” it is quoted from the Book of Psalm (34:8); “if” here is not an expression of supposition but “raising a fact”; “the Lord is gracious” if one has tasted the Lord he will know the Lord is gracious and good.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The Lord can be tasted. His is gracious and good and sweet to our taste (Song 2:3; 5:16). As long as one has tasted the Lord he will be drawn by Him and thus desire Him.

2)     All real Christians must have tasted the Lord and His graciousness. Anyone who does not think the Lord is gracious may have not been really saved.

3)     The most important word of preachers is “feeding the Lord’s lamb” (John 21:15-17) ---- let them taste the Lord not let them acquire knowledge. Knowledge is not important but secondary.

 

1Pet. 2:4 “Coming to Him as to a living stone rejected indeed by men but chosen by God and precious ”

YLT: “to whom coming -- a living stone -- by men indeed having been disapproved of but with God choice precious ”

Meaning of Words: living”: alive; “reject”: cast off after examination; “chosen”: elected; “precious”: valuable;

Literal Meaning: “come to Him” it means receiving Him and being united with Him;

“A living stone” “living stone” shows the two great functions of the Lord: 1) He is the living stone that provides life (see John 3:15-16); 2) He is firm and stable as the stone ---- who is the cornerstone of God’s building (see 1Cor. 3:11-15; Eph. 2:20-22).

  “Rejected indeed by men” “rejected”: be rejected by the Jews who did not know Him; since they regarded the Lord useless and valueless so they rejected Him (see Mark 6:3).

  “But chosen by God and precious” “chosen and precious” are opposite to “rejected”; men rejected the Lord because of knowing not His preciousness but God chose Him because of seeing His honor.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The Lord is living. Though He became dead He is living to the ages of ages (Rev. 1:18). All those who live and believe on the Lord shall never die (John 11:26).

2)     The Lord is the spiritual rock following us (1Cor. 10:4). Through the provision of the living water we are changed and renewed from the useless dust to living stones (se v.5).

3)     Christ is the rock in building of the church (see Matt. 16:18) who is precious in the sight of God. However in our daily do we ignore Him or magnify Him?

 

1Pet. 2:5 “you also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

YLT: “and ye yourselves as living stones are built up a spiritual house a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Meaning of Words: build”: establish make; “spiritual”: of the spirit; “holy”: hallowed sanctified; “sacrifice”: offering;

Literal Meaning: “you also as living stones” “you” refer to all Christians; “as living stones”: be of the same nature with the Lord (see v.4; 2Pet. 1:4);

  “Are being built up a spiritual house” “are being built up” it shows that the primary purpose of the change of life is being used by God; “spiritual house” the habitation of the Spirit is the Lord’s temple (see Eph. 2:21-22).

  “A holy priesthood” “holy”: be separated unto God; “priesthood” the ministry of those who are separated to stand and serve before God;

  Here we can see two important revelations in the times of the New Testament: 1) every man is a priest in the new of the New Testament (see v.9; Rev. 1:6) and offering is on longer a privilege of a special group; 2) God needs all believers instead of an individual in His spiritual building.

  “To offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” “through Jesus Christ” He is the origin and premise and essence of our offering; “to offer up … acceptable to God” it suggests that some sacrifices may not be acceptable to God (see Lev. 10:1-2); “spiritual sacrifices” do not refer to the cattle or the herd but spiritual sacrifices including the body (Rom. 12:1) praise (Heb. 13:15) doing good and communicating (Heb. 13:16; Phil.4:18) and the fruit of the gospel (Rom. 15:16) and prayer (Rev. 8:3-4) etc.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Man was created by the dust (see Gen. 2:7). And the dust can merely be used to make bricks that will be used in the building of Babel tower to be against God having no portion with the building of God.

2)     Only “living stones” can be taken as the materials in God’s building. Therefore it is not enough for us to be saved only – we must be transformed and renewed by the Spirit from dead dust to living stone.

3)     The Lord has said “Someone has a name that he lives and is dead” (Rev. 3:1). Much possibly they may seek letter only instead of ignoring spiritual reality (see 2Cor. 3:6).

4)     The main purpose of salvation is not making us go to the heaven only but also more building us into a spiritual house. However many believers are too selfish to care for the will of God caring about them only.

5)     There are several special points of God’s building: 1) It should be living not dead; 2) the material should be living stone not dead bricks; 3) it should be spiritual not material; 4) it should be cooperate not individual;

6)     “Building” indicates uniting the materials together rather than heap them up together. The union of life and love of the saints in truth is the purpose of God’s building (see Eph. 4:3 15-16).

7)     Christ is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Without Him we cannot be accepted by God.

8)     Since what God desires is “spiritual sacrifices” we shall have firstly spiritual experience and enjoyment and then offer sacrifices.

 

1Pet. 2:6 “Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture "Behold I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone elect precious And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."”

YLT: “Wherefore also it is contained in the Writing: `Lo I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone choice precious and he who is believing on him may not be put to shame;'”

Meaning of Words: cornerstone”: chief stone first stone; “lay in”: appoint ordain; “shame”: dishonor disgrace;

Literal Meaning: “therefore it is also contained in the Scripture” the following words are quoted from the Book of Isaiah (28:16).

  “Behold I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone elect precious” “elect precious” it refers to the Lord Jesus (see v.4); “a chief of cornerstone” equals to the chief stone in the building project now (see Eph. 2:20); “lay in Zion” it indicates that God lets the cornerstone manifest in His people or sets Him the center of His will.

  “And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame” “he who believes on Him”: the one who receives Him by faith or the one who commits his whole life unto Him; “will by no means be put to shame” it means that he who believes on Him will have nothing to worry about and need not to flee to be in dishonor.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     “The chief of cornerstone” is known as the most important stone in building project rather than a kind of decoration. Unfortunately many believers regard Christ as only a decoration or slogan instead of the cornerstone or goal in their life construction.

2)     All those who build their life upon Christ will go through any waving with rest for He never waves (see Matt. 7:24-25).

3)     Any spiritual giants or spiritual knowledge or spiritual ways cannot replace Christ to be the indispensible “cornerstone” in the building of the church. If the church upholds Christ apparently but actually honors anyone or anything more she will be ultimately divided and put to shame.

 

1Pet. 2:7 “Therefore to you who believe He is precious; but to those who are disobedient "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone "”

YLT: “to you then who are believing the preciousness; and to the unbelieving a stone that the builders disapproved of this one did become for the head of a corner ”

Meaning of Words: believe”: trust commit; “precious”: honorable valuable; “corner”: quarter angle; “head”: first one;

Literal Meaning:therefore to you who believe He is precious “therefore” it continues the above paragraphs showing that the Lord is worthy of trust; “He is precious” the attitude toward Him varies from individual to individual; “to you who believe” it shows that faith is our spiritual eyes enabling us to see what God lets us see.

“But to those who are disobedient “those who are disobedient”: those who have no spiritual insight;

"The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone "” it is quoted from the Book of Psalm (118:22); “builders”: the leaders of both politics and religion of the Jews; “the stone … rejected” the stone refers to Jesus whom was rejected and crucified by the builders; “has become…” Christ has been raised up by God in resurrection (see Acts 3:10-11; 5:30-31); “the chief cornerstone” refers to the foundation of the church as well as the chief stone joining all members.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Faith enables us to see and experience the preciousness of Christ. The more faith we have the more will we find the excellence of Christ.

2)     Christ is “the chief cornerstone” of the church. Those who are out of every tribe and tongue and people are joined together by Him and are built upon Him.

3)     Let Christians walk in Him in everything and let the Lord’s mind be our mind and take Himself as the standard and purpose.

4)     The will of God is not only saving us through Jesus Christ but also building us through Him. The purpose of salvation is building. Let us cherish both salvation as well as building.

5)     Many times the views of God’s servants go against the views of God upon spiritual things. Men even despise what is precious in the sight of God. However what is cast off by God is cherished by men. 

 

1Pet. 2:8 “and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble being disobedient to the word to which they also were appointed.”

YLT: “and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence -- who are stumbling at the word being unbelieving -- to which also they were set;”

Meaning of Words: stumble”: stagger tumble; “offense”: snare trap-stick stumbling-block; “disobedient”: obey not believe not; “appoint”: set put;

Literal Meaning: “and” the following words are quoted from the Book of Isaiah (8:14-15).

  “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense” “stone of stumbling” it means the stones or other things scattered on the way that may hit men’s feet or make them stumble; “a rock of offense”: the big stone above the ground that may cause the passerby stumble.

  They stumble being disobedient to the word “disobedient”: disbelieve (see v.7); “the word”: the quotations from verse six to eight; “stumble”: unable to run on the right way;

“To which they also were appointed” “appointed” God has preordained that some men will not be saved and will stumble. This is to way those who do not obey the word of truth nor believe Christ must ultimately stumble because of Him.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Only two attitudes that men can adopt toward Christ: one is to believe Him and regard Him precious and the other is to reject Him and stumble because of Him.

2)     Faith in Christ means obedience to God’s word. Disobedience to God’s word is distrust in Christ.

3)     Our faith comes from God’s word (see Rom. 10:14 17) so let us read the Scriptures and hear the Lord’s word. However if we have heard His words we are hardened in heart and unwilling to obey the wrath of God will be provoked (see 3:8) and we will then stumble (see Heb. 4:11).

4)     If we hold some “prejudices caused by first impressions” we will be unable to receive new revelations of God to us so as to “stumble in the word”. Therefore every time when we come to the word of God we shall firstly empty us and seek the new light given by God.

5)     It is the natural law “appointed” by God of causal relationship. Therefore every time when we see “bad fruit” we shall ask and seek the “bad reason” before God (see Matt. 7:16-18; 12:33).

 

1Pet. 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation a royal priesthood a holy nation His own special people that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

YLT: “and ye a choice race a royal priesthood a holy nation a people acquired that the excellences ye may shew forth of Him who out of darkness did call you to His wondrous light;”

Meaning of Words: generation”: nation race;royal”: kingly;proclaim”: declare announce;call”: call aloud;marvelous”: wonderful amazing;praises”: virtues; 

Literal Meaning: “but you are a chosen generation” “but you” it is emphatic in the original showing that we Christians are a group of special people different from the above-mentioned disbelieving and disobedient people (see v.7-8); “chosen” it indicates He who chose (God) had special purpose on those whom they are chosen. “Generation” this group of men becomes an only nation quiet different from men in the world in life and life of manner.

  “A royal priesthood” “royal” it shows the honor of one’s identity and ministry e.g. royalty for we serve the Lord of lords (see 1Tim. 6:15) and will reign with Him together (see 2Tim. 2:12); “priesthood” in the times of the New Testament all believers belong to the priesthood and serve God together.

  “A holy nation” “holy”: be separated unto God (see 2Cor. 6:17); “nation”: the realm of reigning and this nation equals to the kingdom of God namely the realm of God’s reigning (see Matt. 6:10).

  “His own special people” “His own” here it emphasizes the ownership indicating that God owns us and regards us as His possession; “people” has two aspects of meaning: 1) since we are of God we have to submit to Him; 2) God not only governs us but also protects and nourishes us.

  “That you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” “that you” here it points out the purpose of salvation; “proclaim the praises of…” here it is the responsibility of believers; “proclaim” includes proclaiming with mouth and by walking (see Phil. 1:27); “praises” refer to the disposition of God (see 2Pet. 1:3-4) manifested before men; “Him who called you…”: God; “out of darkness into His marvelous light” it speaks of our condition from unbelief and corruption to being favored by faith (see Acts 26:18); “out of darkness” it points that we are in the power of darkness and live in sins and darkness and ignorance and death (see Eph. 2:1-2; 4:18) before we are saved (Col. 1:13); “into His marvelous light”: we are children of light and bear fruits of light after we are saved (see Eph. 5:8-9).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Christians are a group of special people who are chosen by God unto Himself and live for God and bear witness concerning God in the world.

2)     Since we believers have a “royal” status before God we have to be worthy of the name of saints in speaking and walking (Eph. 5:3) and maintain our dignity so as not to humiliate the name of the Lord.

3)     We are “a royal priesthood”. Every Christian has the privilege to come to God. And every Christian shall offer his service and worship and all that he has to God.

4)     “Priest” in Latin means “builder of bridge”. Believers are priests of God and become the bridge between God and men manifesting God to men and bringing men to God.

5)     The main responsibility of “priest” is to offer the spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (see v.5). Everyday we have to apply ourselves to spiritual pursuit so that we will get something to offer.

6)     The best sacrifices of Christians are our hearts and whole bodies (see Rom. 12:1). What God desires to gain most is our true love to Him and our service unto Him in life.

7)     Christians are “owned” by God who not only created us but also bought us by the blood of His beloved Son. Therefore no one belongs to himself any more nor live to himself (1Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 14:7-8).

8)     Since we are “God’s own special people” we have to completely submit to God’s authority and wale in His will. Therefore let us seek the will of God in everything and do accordingly.

9)     On one hand we are the possession of God. And on the other hand God is our possession. God has His works in us and we shall also cooperate on God’s works and be established in God and thus work out our own salvation (see Phil. 2:13).

10)  Darkness is because of separation from the Lord and he who follows the Lord will receive light (see John 8:12). If believers desire to shine in the world they have to live with the Lord for He is light.

11)  Darkness is out of death and light is out of life. Since Christians have been passed out of death into life (see 1John 3:14) we shall not “have a name that we live and are dead” (Rev. 3:1).

12)  Christians shall proclaim the praises of God in Christians’ speaking and walking manifesting the divine life and disposition and testifying the salvation God has accomplished in Christ.

 

1Pet. 2:10 “who once were not a people but are now the people of God who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

YLT: “who once not a people and now the people of God; who had not found kindness and now have found kindness.”

Meaning of Words: once”: then in the old time; “mercy”: pity compassion;

Literal Meaning: who once were not a people but are now the people of God it is quoted from the Book of Hosea (1:9-10; 2:23). “Once”: before we believed the Lord; “now”: after we have believed the Lord; “people” refers to our relationship with God and status before Him; the whole verse means that our identity and status before God have been transformed.

“Who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” “have obtained …”: experience and enjoy; “mercy” it is easier to be given to those who are unworthy of being loved so mercy is before love. Our condition is unworthy of God’s love so we have to obtain mercy before receiving God’s love (see Hos. 2:23; Rom. 9:25).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The special point of the faith in Christianity lies in the confession that men were nothing in fact and yet the obtaining of God’s exaltation. We were totally corrupted but have obtained mercy of God.

2)     We Christians are those who are called out of the common people and become uncommon people for we have obtained the divine life and nature (see 2Pet. 1:3-4) and we have the responsibility of proclaiming God’s praises (see v.9).

3)     “People” has a concept of fellowship. Christians are a group of people who are called out of the world by God and gathered to live for the will of God.

 

1Pet. 2:11 “Beloved I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul ”

YLT: “Beloved I call upon as strangers and sojourners to keep from the fleshly desires that war against the soul ”

Meaning of Words: beloved”: dear beloved; sojourners”: foreigners strangers; pilgrims”: aliens; abstain”: avoid refrain; fleshly”: of the flesh; lusts”: desires; “war”: fight;

Literal Meaning: “beloved” it is mentioned in the epistles of Peter seven times (1Pet. 2:11; 4:12; 2Pet. 3:1 8 14 15 17) to express the true brotherly love (see 1:22; 2:17; 3:8; 4:8; 5:14).

  “As sojourners and pilgrims” “sojourners” it emphasizes the nature of the sojourners in a foreign land; “pilgrims” here it emphasizes that the world is not our house; the meaning of the two words is similar ---- both remind we Christians that we are heavenly people and foreigners on the earth. Therefore let us set the goal of life on the heaven and walk according to the heavenly standard not devote to the earthly business.

  “Abstain from fleshly lusts” “abstain” it is an unceasing and repeated act; “fleshly lusts”: the improper lusts in the flesh that are unworthy of the identity of believers;

“Which war against the soul” “soul”: the person of a man; “war against”: it is a continual fight. Since men were created according to the image of God there is good conscience in men. However men’s conscience became corrupted because of the fall of sin and men had given themselves up to lasciviousness (Eph. 4:19). After men are saved since the conscience is recovered (see Heb. 10:22) there will be the war of the law of doing right inside against the fleshly lusts (see Rom. 7:21-23).

Note: according to the wording in the New Testament three aspects of life of man are mentioned: 1) the life of body namely the life of creature (Luke 21:4 all the “living” bios in the original); 2 the life of soul (Luke 17:33 save his “life” psuche in the original); 3) the life of spirit (Luke 12:15 his “life” zoe in the original). Therefore man has spirit and soul and body. However traditional theology in Christianity confuses spirit with soul (see 1:9; 2:11 25; 4:19) so that there is no distinction between the salvation of spirit and the salvation of soul. Even the enjoyment of “soul” is regarded as the enjoyment of “spirit” and some superficial activities of soul are sought e.g. the lively and noisy gatherings like crying or speaking the tongues in the flesh;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Though we believers are heavenly people (see v.9) we are also people on the earth that cannot be isolated from the society.

2)     We are only “sojourners” and “pilgrims” in the world and our home is not here. Therefore let us not set earthly things as our goal nor be overwhelmed by the worldly tide.

3)     We are debtors not to the flesh to live according to flesh (Rom. 8:12). Therefore let us abstain from fleshly lusts. And the problem is that we often take wrong source of power.

4)     Though the good part in our soul often wars against the fleshly lusts the law of doing right cannot overcome the lusts (see Rom. 7:23). Instead it is the law of life in our spirit that overcomes (see Rom. 8:2).

5)     Remember that we have to submit to the Spirit and walk by the Spirit (Rom. 8:5-6) and put the evil works to death by the Spirit only (Rom. 8:13). If we walk in the Spirit we shall no way fulfill the flesh (Gal. 5:16).

 

1Pet. 2:12 “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles that when they speak against you as evildoers they may by your good works which they observe glorify God in the day of visitation.”

YLT: “having your behaviour among the nations right that in that which they speak against you as evil-doers of the good works having beheld they may glorify God in a day of inspection.”

Meaning of Words: Gentiles”: heathens nations; conduct”: conversation walking; honorable”: good fair; speak against”: slander speak evil of; observe”: watch inspect behold; visitation”: inspection; 

The Background: that when they speak against you as evildoers” at that time in the Roman Empire Christians were often slandered and accused falsely (see Acts 28:22) and were called “superstitious believers that did all kinds of evil”. All of them were not facts but misunderstandings e.g. 1) “my flesh is truly food and my blood is truly drink” (John 6:55) ---- remembering the Lord in bread-breaking gathering is misunderstood as eating the flesh of babes and drinking the blood of babes; 2) the loving feast was regarded immoral; 3) if a family became a family composed of believers and unbelievers the Christianity belief was misunderstood to destroy the blood relationship; 4) the conversion from idolatry was regarded as despising false gods and destruction of business (see Acts 19:24-27); 5) Christians’ upholding Christ the Lord of lords was regarded as rebellion against and disloyalty to Caesar etc.

Literal Meaning: “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles” “the Gentiles”: unbelievers the common people in the world; “conduct”: the conversations including words and works; “honorable”: things that are true noble just pure amiable and things of good report honest (Phil. 4:8) ---- all of them are regarded as good and gracious and elegant in the eyes of the world.

  “That when they speak against you as evildoers” “they speak against you …”: those who are against Christians; “as evildoers”: Christians are slandered and accused by feigned sins;

  “By your good works which they observe” “observe” it is different from hearing. To the words of slander our response is not words but our obvious works. “Good works” equals “walking honorably” namely “the light in the world” in the words of the Lord Jesus (see Matt. 5:14-16).

  “Glorify God in the day of visitation” “the day of visitation” many Bible expositors believe it refers to the day of the Lord’s second coming. Then He will judge according to the works of each one (see 1:7; 4:13-17; 5:4) and avenge us (see 2Thess. 1:7-10). And there are also some people who believe that the day of visitation aims at the “visitation” upon those who speak against Christians as evildoers so it should be the time when Christ comes again in the throne of glory to judge all the nations (see Matt. 25:31-32) or the last days when God sits on the white throne to judge all the dead (see Rev. 20:11-12; Rom. 2:5). “Glorify God” attribute the glory of good works unto God (see Matt. 5:16);

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We are the light of the world bearing witness of the glory of God by honorable and good conduct among unbelievers (Matt. 5:14-16).

2)     It is inevitable of being spoken evil of for believers. Contrarily woe when all men speak well of us (see Luke 6:26).

3)     No matter how men say “good conduct” of Christians can stop many mouths and overcome arguments with much word.

4)     “The day of visitation” whether it is blessing or curse it is decided by our present conduct ---- have we glorified God and profited men? Or have we indulged in the fleshly lusts?

 

1Pet. 2:13 “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake whether to the king as supreme ”

YLT: “Be subject then to every human creation because of the Lord whether to a king as the highest ”

Meaning of Words: “submit”: obey; “ordinance”: creation building; “supreme”: above better higher;

The Background: “the king as supreme” at that time it was the tyrant Nero in the Roman Empire who raised the massacre of Christians for persecution later.

Literal Meaning: for the Lord's sake”: for the sake of the Lord’s will and the glory of God;

  “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man” “submit ... to”: be submissive in a certain condition: “every ordinance of man” refers to the basic social structure that governs and works normally including governmental agencies and legal regulations and morality and ethics etc. The objects of Christians’ obedience are: 1) to the ordinance that does not go against the will of God (see Acts 4:19; 5:29); 2) to the ordinance that does not go against the belief of Christianity; 3) to the ordinance that does not go against morality or ethics 4) to the ordinance that does not go against basic human rights; 5) to the ordinance that is what it seems to be without any fault in execution.

  “Whether to the king as supreme” “as supreme”: from empires and presidents to officials at all levels (see v.14); what Christians respect is their ministry not their personality.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The highest principle of Christians’ conduct is “for the Lord’s sake”. Let everything be done for the sake of obedience to the Lord and glorifying the Lord (see 1Cor. 10:31).

2)    Above all the ordinances our eyes shall be focused on Christ who creates and upholds all (Heb. 1:2-3) the supreme Lord above all authorities (1Tim. 6:15).

3)    Christians’ obedience to all normal ordinances is obedience to the Lord who allows the establishment of all ordinances. Obedience to all normal authorities is obedience to the Lord they represent (see Rom. 13:1; Col. 3:23).

4)    To all the abnormal ordinances and authorities Christians do not make any revolution (e.g. the apostles did not advocate the movement of release of slaves) nor become associated with the evil tide.

 

1Pet. 2:14 “or to governors as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.”

YLT: “whether to governors as to those sent through him for punishment indeed of evil-doers and a praise of those doing good;”

Meaning of Words: punishment”: vengeance retribution; praise”: reward;good”: right upright;governor”: leader ruler;

Literal Meaning: “governors … as to those who are sent by him” can be explained as executive officers who are “legally chosen or appointed by the ruling authorities” or “elected or acknowledged by the people”;

  “The punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do good”: both of them are two great missions political administration;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     “For the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good” it is the principle appointed by God not only on the earth now but also in the Lord’s presence in the future (see Rom. 13:3-4; 2:7-10).

2)     The basic attitude of Christians towards officers at all levels is: to whom fear fear; to whom honor honor (Rom. 13:7).

 

1Pet. 2:15 “For this is the will of God that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--”

YLT: “because so is the will of God doing good to put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men;”

Meaning of Words: doing good”: do righteously; put to silence”: muzzle;foolish”: unwise;ignorance”: lack of knowledge;

Literal Meaning:for this is the will of God that by doing good” “the will of God”: the will that God pleases (see Rom. 12:2); “doing good”: good works (see v.12);  

“You may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--” “the ignorance of foolish men”: those who speak evil against Christians (see v.12) ---- they speak foolishly because of ignorance.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Many religious leaders “say and do not” (Matt. 23:3). Many Christians only seek “the knowledge” of good instead of “the practice” of good ---- this is our sin (James 4:17).

2)     Unbelievers are often foolish in ignorance. Believers often know and yet do not do. Both of them may provoke the wrath of God.

3)     The way of dealing with the ignorant is “to put them to silence”. And the way of dealing with those who think they “know” is “to bridle their tongues” (see James 3:1-2).

 

1Pet. 2:16 “as free yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice but as bondservants of God.”

YLT: “as free and not having the freedom as the cloak of the evil but as servants of God;”

Meaning of Words: free”: at liberty; “clock”: cover; “vice”: evil malice;

Literal Meaning: “as free” be released from the bondage of sins and the law (see Gal. 5:1);

“Yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice” “a cloak for vice”: make oneself and others ignore the evil. It means that Christians shall not do any evil things by using any right reason. For example some heresy or cult groups teach the followers to achieve some noble purposes by unlawful means. 

  “But as bondservants of God” “as bondservants of God”: hear the command of God and be governed by God. Here it indicates that Christians’ liberty is limited and they cannot disobey the command of God or be delivered from the bondage of God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Do not take the liberty into an opportunity to the flesh (Gal. 5:13).

2)    Though we Christians are free we are bondservants of Christ (see 1Cor. 7:22) who keep the law of Christ in everything (see Gal. 6:22) and let the peace of Christ preside in our hearts (Col. 3:15).

3)    All believers no matter in the upper class or in the lower class “shall be bondservants of God” and stand in the status of God’s bondservants governing and being governed.

 

1Pet. 2:17 “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

YLT: “to all give ye honour; the brotherhood love ye; God fear ye; the king honour ye.”

Meaning of Words: honor”: respect; “brotherhood”: brethren; “fear”: be afraid frighten;

Literal Meaning: “honor all people” “honor”: the humble and respectful attitudes; “all people”: believers and unbelievers;

  “Love the brotherhood” “love” (agapao) the love (agape see Rom. 5:5) God had poured out into our hearts through the Spirit when we were saved; “brotherhood”: the relationship between all brethren; 

  “Fear God” be afraid of sinning against God; such mind makes us self-controlled and dare not speak or walk flippantly.

  Honor the king”: respect the representative authority of God; note the first is fearing God and then respecting the representative authorities. It is not showing respect foolishly.

  This verse speaks of four basic conditions of the interpersonal relationship for Christians on the earth as a part of the church and the society: 1) respect all people; 2) love brethren; 3) fear God; 4) honor those who are supreme; none of the four is dispensable. Only when all of them are all prepared in a man may he advance “in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52)

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We Christians shall treat with “man” as a man for every “man” is created according to the image of God and after the likeness of God (see Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1).

2)     “Love” is not “friendship” for friendship is often conditional and love is unconditional. Our love to brothers and sisters should be kept in balance and equality.

3)     Though we shall not love those who are afar only without showing any love to those who are near our love shall still not be restricted in the members of the local church. No matter where we are let us love brothers and show love to one another in the body of Christ.

4)     Let Christians walk according to the fear of God. Everyone shall firstly ask himself whether his activity will sin against God and whether he has peace inside.

5)     Let our respect to everyone be out of “the fear of God” ---- fear God first and then fear men. We shall in no wise “fear men but not God”.

 

1Pet. 2:18 “Servants be submissive to your masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh.”

YLT: “The domestics! be subjecting yourselves in all fear to the masters not only to the good and gentle but also to the cross;

Meaning of Words: servants”: fellow residents household servants; “gentle”: meek mild; “harsh”: crooked perverse;

Literal Meaning: “servants household servants who are directed and ruled by the master; today though slavery has been appeared in the present society there is still the distinction between “employee” and “employer”. Therefore this paragraph relates also to all Christians “receive wages” (including the white-collars and blue-collars and public officers).

“Be submissive to your masters with all fear “with all fear” has two aspects of meaning: 1) with fear of God and fear of sinning against God in various conditions (see 1:17; 2:17; Col. 3:22); 2) “obey masters according to flesh with fear and trembling” (Eph. 6:5); “be submissive to your masters”: submit to the arrangements and dispatch of the masters (or the higher authorities);

“Not only to the good and gentle” “the good and gentle”: the kind masters with good character who are just and sympathetic and considerate and not easily provoked;

“But also to the harsh” “the harsh” refer to the cruel masters with bad character who are unjust and ruthless and selfish and easily provoked. It is difficult to serve such masters.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Above Christians’ masters in flesh there is a Lord in the heaven (Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1). Apparently we serve men but actually we are serving God (see Col. 3:24).

2)     Let us fear both God and men and fear God first and men secondarily. The fear of men is because of the fear of God. One shall in no wise fear men but not God.

3)     Now there is few good and gentle masters in the world but there are many harsh ones. Many times we have to be faced with the masters whom we are not satisfied with. However we cannot decide the masters but we can decide our attitudes. It is better of obedience than struggle for changing the masters or seeking other new masters.

 

1Pet. 2:19 “For this is commendable if because of conscience toward God one endures grief suffering wrongfully.”

YLT: “for this gracious if because of conscience toward God any one doth endure sorrows suffering unrighteously;”

Meaning of Words: endure”: bear undergo; suffer”: feel experience; wrongfully”: unjustly; grief”: sorrow sadness; commendable”: acceptable gracious; 

Literal Meaning: if because of conscience toward God” “conscience toward God”: have a good and clean conscience toward God (see 3:16; 1Tim. 1:5 19; 3:9; 2Tim. 1:3). From this verse we can perceive that “fear” in the previous verse refers more to the fear of God.

“For this is commendableone endures grief suffering wrongfully” “wrongfully”: be treated unreasonably by the Lord; “suffering wrongfully”: the harsh masters (see v.18) do the masters wrong; “commendable”: pleasant in the sight of God (see v.20) namely be acceptable before God (see 1Tim. 2:3; Col. 3:20).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The most important principle of Christians’ walking is to let our conscience toward God ---- have a good conscience before God (see Acts 23:1; 24:6; Heb. 13:18).

2)     It is very painful of suffering wrongfully. Therefore most of many people cannot refrain from avenging themselves but let Christians not avenge ourselves (Rom. 12:9) but commit all to the Lord for He is just and will revenge us sooner or later (Mic. 7:9; Rev. 19:2).

 

1Pet. 2:20 “For what credit is it if when you are beaten for your faults you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer if you take it patiently this is commendable before God.”

YLT: “for what renown if sinning and being buffeted ye do endure ? but if doing good and suffering ye do endure this gracious with God ”

Meaning of Words: fault”: offense trespass; beaten”: be buffeted; take…patiently”: suffer bear; credit”: glory honor; do good”: do righteously; 

Literal Meaning: “what credit is it if when you are beaten for your faults you take is patiently” “faults”: it means that one has done things wrong or disobeyed the will of the Lord; “are beaten”: take the responsibility of one’s faults and be thus punished; “take…patiently”: be able to bear; “what credit is it” it shows that such suffering is just but not praiseworthy.

  “But when you do good and suffer if you take it patiently this is commendable before God” “do good”: do good things or be in the normal condition; “suffer and take …patiently”: be able to bear sufferings; “this is commendable before God” it indicates that God will please it and reward such man.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     It is just of the normal principle in the world of the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do good (see v.14). However in the unrighteous world the reversal of good and evil and the confusion between white and black are too numerous to enumerate. Christians have to learn how to be faced with such abnormal situations.

2)     Do we seek to satisfy men or God? Men in the world choose rather to wrong others than to let themselves suffer loss. However believers would rather please God than avenge themselves to appease the anger.

3)     “Do good and suffer” it is the way that God appoints for us. Good works without suffering has little value before God. Believers’ value lies just in the cost paid for good works.

 

1Pet. 2:21 “For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that you should follow His steps:”

YLT: “for to this ye were called because Christ also did suffer for you leaving to you an example that ye may follow his steps ”

Meaning of Words: example”: copy for imitation; follow”: accompany;steps”: tracks;

Literal Meaning: “to this you were called” “to this”: Christians have to suffer for the sake of unjust treatment (see v.18-20).

  “Because Christ also suffered for us” “because” it will give the explanation why it is commendable before God of doing good and suffering (see v.20); “Christ also suffered for us” it indicates that Christ’s suffering is innocent for the purpose of bearing our sins ---- He suffered for sins just for unjust (see 3:18);

“Leaving us an example” it refers to the example of the conversations of the Lord Jesus in the flesh as well as His mind and attitude toward suffering. 

  “That you should follow His steps” here it indicates that purpose of His leaving the example; “follow His steps”: imitate His examples;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     God has called us out of the world for not only salvation unto eternal life but also a more positive purpose ---- the testimony of “doing good and suffering” in the world to bear witness concerning Jesus Christ.

2)     Jesus Christ is the Son of God who does not need to suffer. However He was even willing to be crucified for the sake of us and unwilling to come down from the cross (see Matt. 27:42-43) ---- this is the example that He left for us that one needs not to suffer but is willing to suffer for the sake of others.

3)     The Lord Jesus had said “If any one desires to come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). “Follow His steps” it is none other than following His steps of taking the cross and suffering and walking in His steps for the will of God’s calling of us.

 

1Pet. 2:22 “"Who committed no sin Nor was deceit found in His mouth";”

YLT: “who did not commit sin nor was guile found in his mouth ”

Meaning of Words: commit”: do work; “sin”: miss the mark; “deceit”: guile craft trick;

Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted from the Book of Isaiah (53:9) ---- “Because He had done no violence nor was any deceit in His mouth”.

  “Who committed no sin” “who” it is emphatic in the original which shows that it is Him only; “committed no sin” it indicates that his suffering is by no means a trouble of his own making but is totally on account of doing good (keeping the will of God) (see v.20).

  “Nor was deceit found in His mouth” He is innocent in both His works as well as His words (see Rom. 3:13-14).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The Lord Jesus is a “perfect” Savior (see Heb. 7:26-27). He has been tempted in all things like as we are sin apart (Heb. 4:15).

2)    It is most difficult to be perfect for a man in his words (see James 3:2). However there is no “Yes and No” found in the mouth of the Lord Jesus (see 2Cor. 1:19; Matt. 5:37).

 

1Pet. 2:23 “who when He was reviled did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”

YLT: “who being reviled -- was not reviling again suffering -- was not threatening and was committing himself to Him who is judging righteously ”

Meaning of Words: revile”: rail in reply put sb. to shame by words; “commit”: deliver surrender;

Literal Meaning: “who when He was reviled did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten” it is possibly quoted from the Book of Isaiah according to its meaning (53:7); “not revile in return” not render evil for evil and keep silence when He is reviled; “suffered”: suffer affliction both physical and mental; “threaten” warn the one who persecutes that he will take the consequence; the whole verse indicates that He had no indignation when he suffered and yet prayed for those who persecuted Him ---- “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34).

  “But committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” “Himself” it refers to not only the person of Him but also all his sufferings; “Him who judges righteously”: the righteous God (see Ps. 9:8; 98:9);

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The real spiritual Christians do not render evil for evil (see 3:9) nor even plead for themselves (see Rom. 12:9).

2)     When we Christians are faced with the slander and revilement and persecution of others the best way is to pour out the afflictions to the Lord who is just and to commit ourselves unto Him thus receiving comfort and encouragement from Him.

 

1Pet. 2:24 “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we having died to sins might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.”

YLT: “who our sins himself did bear in his body upon the tree that to the sins having died to the righteousness we may live; by whose stripes ye were healed ”

Meaning of Words: tree”: staff wood; “bear”: take up; “died”: absent depart; “stripes”: blow-mark; “heal”: make whole;

Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted from the Book of Isaiah according to its meaning (53:4-5);

  “Who Himself … in His own body on the tree” “tree”: the cross made of the wood; “on the tree”: be crucified on the cross;

  “Bore our sins” the Lord Jesus is sinless and innocent (see Luke 23:4 22) but was crucified for bearing our sins (see Heb. 9:28).

  “That we having died to sins” “died to sins”: be delivered from sins; the old man of believers had been crucified with Christ and had died to sin (see Rom. 6:6).

“Might live for righteousness”: live to righteousness and for righteousness;

  “By whose stripes you were healed” “stripes”: wounds leaving on the body after the whip which are used to represent all his sufferings and afflictions in body and in heart; “were healed” it refers to physical healing (see Ps. 103:3) as well as mental and spiritual healing. Here the healing echoes “living for righteousness” it emphasizes spiritual healing more than physical healing. Those who participate in the Charismatic Movement like to adopt this verse in the divine healing and exaggerate the effect of physical healing. But it seems to be too farfetched.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We believers “have died to sin” so let us not live in sin (see Rom. 6:2). Since sin has already been annulled in our body (Rom. 6:6) our body should no longer serve sin.

2)     We lived to “sin” before we believed the Lord and we live for “righteousness” after we have believed the Lord. As we presented our members as servants to uncleanness and were under the bondage of sin even so now yield our members in bondage to righteousness and will be governed by righteousness (see Rom. 6:18-19).

3)     “Live for righteousness” it shows that we are enabled to live out righteousness. In the past we have willingness yet no strength. But now we are able yet infirm in mind ---- we have not set our mind sufficiently to obey the might power of God working in us (see Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 3:20).

4)     “By whose stripes you were healed” the effects of the redemption of the Lord Jesus cover all illnesses of our spirit and soul and body. Therefore all the problems in our spirit and soul and body can be resolved by appropriating the salvation of the Lord accomplished on the cross.

 

1Pet. 2:25 “For you were like sheep going astray but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

YLT: “for ye were as sheep going astray but ye turned back now to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.”

Meaning of Words: go astray”: be lost err wander; “return”: convert come again; “Overseer”: bishop;

Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted from the Book of Isaiah according to its meaning (53:6);

  “You were like sheep going astray” “sheep going astray” it points that men in the world have been lost on their path of life and departed from the goal and significance set by God and thus become ignorant of “where they are” (see Gen. 3:9) and “where to go” (see 1John 2:11).

  “But have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” “soul”: the real person of us; “the Shepherd and Overseer” the two words (Shepherd and Overseer) enjoy one definite article showing that Shepherd and Overseer refer to the name person and the same work namely “the chief shepherd” (see 5:4).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     God is our shepherd (see Ps. 23:1; Is. 40:11). And we are the sheep of his pasture (see Mark. 6:34).

2)     We were lost sheep before we believed the Lord (see Luke 15:3-7). And even after we have believed the Lord we may also often go astray (see Matt. 12:14).

3)     The Lord Jesus is the good shepherd and the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). Now He has been raised from the dead and become the great shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20) and shepherds us personally.

4)     The Lord is the shepherd and He comes that we may have abundant life (John 10:10). The Lord is the Shepherd and Overseer that we shall hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27).

5)     The Lord is the “Shepherd and Overseer” of our souls who takes care of us in His love and keeps us in His power and leads us in the right path in His wisdom.

6)     The Lord is the “Shepherd and Overseer” of our souls who not only provides our need in spiritual life but also takes care of our soul life for the purpose of transforming and renewing “our old men” distorted by sins into His image (see Col. 3:10).

7)     The greatest privilege of God’s workers is to shepherd and take care of the sheep of God (see 5:2; John 21:15-17). Nevertheless privilege is accompanied by responsibility. If they have failed to fulfill the duty they shall be punished.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

Two Great Conditions for Spiritual Growth

A.  Passive side ---- “laying aside all malice all deceit hypocrisy envy and all evil speaking” (v.1);

B.  Positive side ---- “desire the pure milk of the word” (v.2);

 

Three Manifestations of Life

A.  Remove the elements that prevent growth ---- remove all spiritual illnesses (v.1);

B.  Absorb the nutrition that fosters growth ---- desire the pure milk (v.2a);

C.  Maintain the growth of life ---- grow thereby (v.2b);

 

Four Aspects of Spiritual Life

A.  Life ---- “as newborn babesas living stones” (v.2 5);

B.  Growth ---- “desire the pure milk of the word that grow thereby” (v.2);

C.  Living ---- “are being built up a spiritual houseproclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (v.5 9);

D.  Conduct ---- “having your conduct honorablegood works … do good and suffer” (v.12 20);

 

The Lord is a Stone

A.  The Lord is a living stone ---- who makes those who come to Him be built up a spiritual house (v.4-5);

B.  The Lord is a precious chief cornerstone elected by God ---- he who believes on him will by no means be put to shame (v.6);

C.  The Lord is a stone rejected by the builders ---- who is rejected by unbelievers (v.7);

D.  The Lord is the chief cornerstone ---- who is the foundation of the building of the church (v.7; see Eph. 2:20);

E.  The Lord is the stone of stumbling and the rock of offense ---- who makes those who are disobedient to the word stumble (v.8);

 

Things Christians Are Supposed to Know About Themselves

A.  Know the identities of Christians (v.9a);

1. Who are a chosen generation;

2. Who are a royal priesthood;

3. Who are a holy nation;

4. Who are His own special people;

B.  Know the responsibility of Christians ---- proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (v.9b);

C.  Know things that have happened on Christians (v.10);

1.  Who once were not a people but are now the people of God;

2.  Who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy;

 

Reasons for Abstaining From Fleshly Lusts

A.  Reason one: as sojourners and pilgrims (v.11a);

B.  Reason Two: fleshly lusts war against the soul (v.11b);

C.  Reason Three: the Gentiles are observing us (v.12);

1.  They may speak against us;

2.  They will finally be submissive because of our good works;

 

Obedience of Christians

A.  Motivation for the obedience:

1. For the Lord’s sake (v.13a);

2. For the will of God (v.15a);

3. For the conscience toward God (v.19);

B.  Objects of the obedience:

1. Every ordinance of man (v.13b);

2. The king as supreme (v.13c);

3. Governors as to those who are sent by kings (v.14);

4. Masters ---- no matter good or evil (v.18);

5. The Shepherd and Overseer of souls (v.25);

C.  Attitudes of the obedience:

1. Be bondservants of God (v.16);

2. With all fear in everything (v.18);

3. Suffer wrongfully (v.19);

 

Examples of the Lord’s Suffering

A.   The steps of the Lord were doing good and suffering (v.20-21);

B.   The Lord’s suffering was not because he committed any sin (v.22);

C.   The Lord did not avenge Himself in suffering (v.23);

D.   The Lord’s suffering had borne our sins (v.24a);

E.   The Lord’s stripes had healed us (v.24b);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou