Growing and being built together
1 Peter 2:1–10FocusLiving stones and a chosen people
Connection to the wholePeter moves from putting away corrupt conduct to growth and shared identity in relation to Christ the living stone.
interpretation 1 Peter 2:14
KJVOr unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Read it in context
Conduct among the Gentiles
Start reading at 1 Peter 2:11 (1 Peter 2:11 to 1 Peter 2:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The readers' identity as strangers and pilgrims leads to honourable conduct and responsibilities toward human authorities.
- 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
- 2:12 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.
- 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
- 2:14 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.
- 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
- 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
- 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Peter the apostle is the named author. Silvanus is associated with the letter's delivery or composition in the closing statement; his precise role is not fully explained. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Peter 1:1–2:25): Peter addresses scattered believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia about identity, holiness, and conduct among outsiders; servants receive specific instruction. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect strangers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: Christian communities facing suffering in Asia Minor. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 4:12. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Conduct among the Gentiles. Read 1 Peter 2:11 through 1 Peter 2:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The readers' identity as strangers and pilgrims leads to honourable conduct and responsibilities toward human authorities. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses believers facing trials and speaks of Christ's revelation as their hope. It gives no calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The opening names regions of dispersion. The greeting from Babylon should be reported as written; identifying it with another city is an interpretation. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Conduct among the Gentiles (1 Peter 2:11 to 1 Peter 2:17). Start reading at 1 Peter 2:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's suffering, resurrection, and example ground the exhortation. The baptism statement in chapter 3 should be read with its own qualification and its reference to Jesus' resurrection. See 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Peter 5:13. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Live faithfully and do good under pressure, entrusting judgment to God. Instructions about suffering do not make wrongdoing by those who cause it righteous. interpretation
Cited: 1 Peter 2:11, 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Peter 5:13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and mentions Silvanus as the one who wrote it.
1 Peter 1:11 Peter 5:12
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Peter.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question the polished Greek, though the letter itself credits Silvanus.
Related passages
- for the punishment Rom 13:3-4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Peter 2
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
FocusGood works and public responsibility
Connection to the wholeThe readers' identity as strangers and pilgrims leads to honourable conduct and responsibilities toward human authorities.
interpretation Suffering unjustly
1 Peter 2:18–25FocusFollowing Christ's example
Connection to the wholeInstructions to servants lead into Christ's suffering, His refusal of retaliation, and His bearing of sins so that believers should live unto righteousness.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Peter
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
A living hope
1 Peter 1:1–12FocusResurrection and salvation
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving places the readers' present trials within their hope and the salvation announced to them.
interpretation A holy and built-together people
1 Peter 1:13–2:10FocusNew birth, obedience, and identity
Connection to the wholeThe hope leads into holiness, love, and the image of believers coming to Christ as living stones.
interpretation FocusLife among others and within households
Connection to the wholePeter applies the calling to public conduct, service, marriage, and the community's manner toward one another.
interpretation Suffering with faithfulness
1 Peter 3:13–4:19FocusChrist's example and God's judgment
Connection to the wholeThe letter addresses opposition by directing believers toward Christ and toward continued doing of good under trial.
interpretation Shepherding and steadfastness
1 Peter 5:1–14FocusHumility, vigilance, and grace
Connection to the wholeFinal instructions to elders and the church join mutual humility with watchfulness and steadfast resistance to the adversary.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.