1. Respect for everyone 2:13-17Peter continued to give directions concerning how the Christian should conduct himself or herself when dealing with the state since his readers faced suffering from this source. read more
In the context Peter meant that by obeying the law we can obviate unnecessary and illegitimate criticism. Jesus did this by faithfully paying his taxes (Matthew 17:24-27; Matthew 22:21). Note that Jesus also told His disciples to pay their taxes even though Rome used their tax money for purposes contrary to God’s will. Paul taught that Christians should pay their taxes, too (Romans 13:6-7). Peter had learned that physical retaliation was not best since he had tried to defend Jesus by attacking... read more
2:15 men; (n-19) 'Senseless men' has the article here, as showing that it is not 'some men who are foolish,' but that men (not Christians) are so, are known in that character. It is the character of all who are pointed out by the name of 'men.' It is somewhat wider than 'Gentiles,' ver. 12. read more
New Life According to the Ancient Promise, and after the Example of ChristB (iii). 1 Peter 2:1-10. St. Peter considers that the Christian is the continuation of the Jewish Church. Christ’s coming has been a time of reformation (Hebrews 9:10), but there has been no break with the past. After setting forth the doctrine of salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9), he went on to show that it was the fulfilment of the doctrine of the prophets (1 Peter 1:10-12). Now, after writing about the new life of Christians... read more
(13-4: 6) EXHORTATION TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE.—It is the only charm against persecution. It is like Christ to suffer with a good conscience; and He had His reward for it, in bringing us, and even the spirits of men who had died impenitent, to God thereby. It is the very meaning of the baptism by which He saves us. To feel its beauty and safety, we have but to consider the ugliness and danger of our former life. read more
PRUDENTIAL RULES OF CONDUCT IN VIEW OF THE HOSTILE ATTITUDE OF THE HEATHEN.—As slanders against the Christian name are rife, and bringing practical persecution on the Church, they are exhorted to extreme care about their conduct, especially in regard (1) to purity, and (2) to due subordination, whether as subjects to the officers of state, or as slaves to their masters, or as wives to their husbands (1 Peter 2:11 to 1 Peter 3:12.) read more
(14) Governors, as unto them that are sent by him.—This word will include legati, proconsuls, propraetors, procurators, all officers entrusted with the administration of provinces. Of course the person “by” whom they are here said to be (from time to time) “sent” is Cæsar, not “the Lord.” The persons to whom the letter is addressed would have very little to do with Cæsar himself directly, their submission would be chiefly shown to the lieutenants. Yet how personal was the Imperial government,... read more
(15) For so is the will of God.—This refers to the command contained in the last two verses, which then is further explained by the clause which follows, “that with well-doing.” See a very similar construction in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The “well-doing” of this and the last verse bears the most general sense of good conduct, not the special sense noticed on the “fair works” and “fair life” of 1 Peter 2:12.Put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.—A very contemptuous expression, the word for... read more
The Living Stones of the Temple 1 Peter 2:5 I. Each individual in the Church of God has to submit himself to the Master Builder's hand. For some He designs notable places in His spiritual house on earth, and still more in the house eternal in the heavens. For others here on earth there are obscurer positions some, indeed, quite hidden away from the notice of men. There is one essential difference between the material stones and the spiritual. The material stones are dead, lifeless. The... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 2:13-14
The Christian’s relationship to the state and to state officials is quite clear (cf. Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 3:1-2). We are to submit to the authority of government rulers by obeying them. We should do this not because these individuals are personally worthy of our submission necessarily, but because by submitting to them we honor God by obeying His Word (cf. Matthew 22:21). [Note: Bigg, p. 139.] Peter reminded his readers that government has a valid and necessary God-appointed... read more