1 Peter 2
1 Peter 2 is part of “The Call to Holiness” (1:13–2:3) in the outline of 1 Peter.
1 Peter 2 summary
The general exhortation to holiness is continued, and enforced by several reasons taken from the foundation on which Christians are built, Jesus Christ, and from their spiritual blessings and privileges in him. The means of obtaining it, the word of God, is recommended, and all contrary qualities are condemned (Pe1 2:1-12). Particular directions are given how subjects ought to obey the magistrates, and servants their masters, patiently suffering in well doing, in imitation of Christ (Pe1 2:13 to the end).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in 1 Peter 2
1 Peter 2 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Living Stones and a Chosen People
1Wherefore, laying aside all maliciousnes, and all guile, and dissimulation, and enuie, and all euill speaking, 2As newe borne babes desire that sincere milke of the woorde, that yee may growe thereby, 3Because yee haue tasted that the Lord is bountifull. 4To whome comming as vnto a liuing stone disallowed of men, but chosen of God and precious, 5Yee also as liuely stones, bee made a spirituall house, an holy Priesthoode to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. 6Wherefore also it is conteyned in the Scripture, Beholde, I put in Sion a chiefe corner stone, elect and precious: and hee that beleeueth therein, shall not be ashamed. 7Vnto you therefore which beleeue, it is precious: but vnto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And a stone to stumble at, and a rocke of offence, euen to them which stumble at the woorde, being disobedient, vnto the which thing they were euen ordeined. 9But yee are a chosen generation, a royall Priesthoode, an holy nation, a people set at libertie, that yee shoulde shewe foorth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darkenesse into his marueilous light, 10Which in time past were not a people, yet are nowe the people of God: which in time past were not vnder mercie, but nowe haue obteined mercie.
Living as Strangers in the World
11Dearely beloued, I beseeche you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstaine from fleshly lusts, which fight against the soule, 12And haue your conuersation honest among the Gentiles, that they which speake euill of you as of euill doers, may by your good woorkes which they shall see, glorifie God in the day of visitation. 13Therefore submit your selues vnto all maner ordinance of man for the Lordes sake, whether it be vnto the King, as vnto the superiour, 14Or vnto gouernours, as vnto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of euill doers, and for the praise of them that doe well. 15For so is the will of God, that by well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men, 16As free, and not as hauing the libertie for a cloke of maliciousnesse, but as the seruauntes of God. 17Honour all men: loue brotherly fellowship: feare God: honour the King.
Submission of Servants
18Seruaunts, be subiect to your masters with all feare, not onely to the good and courteous, but also to the froward. 19For this is thanke worthie, if a man for conscience toward God endure griefe, suffering wrongfully. 20For what praise is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faultes, yee take it paciently? but and if when ye doe well, ye suffer wrong and take it paciently, this is acceptable to God. 21For hereunto ye are called: for Christ also suffred for you, leauing you an ensample that ye should follow his steppes. 22Who did no sinne, neither was there guile found in his mouth. 23Who when hee was reuiled, reuiled not againe: when hee suffered, hee threatned not, but comitted it to him that iudgeth righteously. 24Who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his body on the tree, that we being dead to sinne, should liue in righteousnesse: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheepe going astray: but are nowe returned vnto the shepheard and Bishop of your soules.