1 Peter 1:15

Positively we should emulate our holy God who called us to be holy and to be holy in all our behavior: thoughts, words, and deeds (cf. 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 5:10; Mark 1:17). Holy means set apart from sin to God. We are to strive after sinless living, namely, purity. Peter was not implying that his readers had been living unholy lives but that holiness should mark them.

This verse contains the first use of a key word in 1 Peter: "behavior" (Gr. anastrophe; cf. 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1-2; 1 Peter 3:16). Other frequently recurring words include "bear up" (Gr. pascho; cf. 1 Peter 2:19-21; 1 Peter 2:23; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 3:17-18; 1 Peter 4:1 [twice], 15, 19; 1 Peter 5:10), "submit" (Gr. hypotasso; cf. 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 2:18; 1 Peter 3:1; 1 Peter 3:5; 1 Peter 3:22; 1 Peter 5:5), and "do right" (Gr. agathopoieo; cf. 1 Peter 2:15; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 3:6; 1 Peter 3:17). Taken together these words indicate one of this epistle’s distinctive emphases, namely, the importance of bearing up submissively and practicing good deeds while enduring persecution for one’s faith.