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1 Peter 2

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‹ Chapter 1 1 Peter — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame." 7 To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. 12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 18 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. 19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. 20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." 23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. 24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed." 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

‹ Chapter 1 1 Peter — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

Study Notes — 1 Peter 2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In 1 Peter 2, Peter encourages believers to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that they may grow in their faith. He reminds them that they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, and that they should live as such. He also warns them about the dangers of stumbling and the importance of submitting to authority. Key verses include 1 Peter 2:2, where Peter writes that believers should crave pure spiritual milk, and 1 Peter 2:9, where he reminds them of their identity as a holy nation.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of a larger letter that Peter wrote to believers who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. The letter is a call to believers to live out their faith in a way that honors God, even in the face of persecution and hardship. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and living as God's people.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that we may grow in our faith. We are also called to live as a holy nation, set apart to serve and worship God. This means submitting to the authorities that God has placed over us, and living in a way that honors Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about growing in our faith and living as God's people. It reminds us to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that we may grow up into salvation. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:2, we should crave pure spiritual milk, and as he writes in 1 Peter 2:9, we are a holy nation, set apart to serve and worship God.

Voices from the Church

“The true believer is a new creature, and as such, he is called to live a new life, a life that is characterized by love, joy, and obedience to God's Word.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Christian life is a life of constant growth and transformation, as we seek to conform to the image of Christ and to live in a way that honors Him.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Importance of Spiritual Growth (1 Peter 2:1-3) — In this section, Peter emphasizes the need for believers to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that they may grow in their faith.
  2. The Dangers of Stumbling (1 Peter 2:4-8) — In this section, Peter warns believers about the dangers of stumbling and causing others to stumble.
  3. The Importance of Submitting to Authority (1 Peter 2:13-18) — In this section, Peter encourages believers to submit to the authorities that God has placed over them, whether in the church or in the world.
  4. The Call to Holiness (1 Peter 2:9-12) — In this section, Peter reminds believers of their identity as a holy nation, and encourages them to live in a way that honors God.
  5. The Example of Christ (1 Peter 2:19-25) — In this section, Peter reminds believers of the example of Christ, who suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps.

Core Doctrines

Sanctification
This chapter teaches that sanctification is a process of growth and transformation, as believers seek to conform to the image of Christ and to live in a way that honors Him.
The Priesthood of Believers
This chapter teaches that all believers are part of a royal priesthood, set apart to serve and worship God.
The Importance of Submitting to Authority
This chapter teaches that submitting to authority is an important part of living as a Christian, and that it is a way of honoring God.
The Example of Christ
This chapter teaches that Christ is the ultimate example of how to live as a Christian, and that we should seek to follow in His steps.

Lessons from 1 Peter 2

  1. The Importance of Spiritual Growth — This chapter teaches us that spiritual growth is a process of putting away sinful behaviors and craving spiritual nourishment, that we may grow in our faith.
  2. The Dangers of Stumbling — This chapter warns us about the dangers of stumbling and causing others to stumble, and encourages us to live in a way that honors God.
  3. The Importance of Submitting to Authority — This chapter teaches us that submitting to authority is an important part of living as a Christian, and that it is a way of honoring God.
  4. The Call to Holiness — This chapter reminds us of our identity as a holy nation, and encourages us to live in a way that honors God.
  5. The Example of Christ — This chapter reminds us of the example of Christ, who suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps.

Themes from 1 Peter 2

  1. Spiritual Growth — This chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, and encourages believers to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that they may grow in their faith.
  2. The Priesthood of Believers — This chapter teaches that all believers are part of a royal priesthood, set apart to serve and worship God.
  3. The Importance of Submitting to Authority — This chapter teaches that submitting to authority is an important part of living as a Christian, and that it is a way of honoring God.
  4. The Call to Holiness — This chapter reminds believers of their identity as a holy nation, and encourages them to live in a way that honors God.
  5. The Example of Christ — This chapter reminds believers of the example of Christ, who suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some sinful behaviors that you need to put away in your life, and how can you crave spiritual nourishment to grow in your faith?
  2. How can you live as a holy nation, set apart to serve and worship God, in your daily life?
  3. What are some ways that you can submit to the authorities that God has placed over you, whether in the church or in the world?
  4. How can you follow the example of Christ, who suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps?
  5. What are some ways that you can proclaim the praises of God, who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Importance of Spiritual Growth (1 Peter 2:1-3)

2:1 In this verse, Peter encourages believers to put away sinful behaviors, such as malice and hypocrisy.
2:2 In this verse, Peter writes that believers should crave pure spiritual milk, that they may grow up into salvation.
2:3 In this verse, Peter reminds believers that they have tasted the kindness of the Lord, and that they should desire to grow in their faith.

2. The Dangers of Stumbling (1 Peter 2:4-8)

2:4 In this verse, Peter writes that believers are being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone.
2:5 In this verse, Peter reminds believers that they are being built into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God.
2:6 In this verse, Peter writes that Christ is the cornerstone, and that those who believe in Him will not be disappointed.
2:7 In this verse, Peter writes that Christ is precious to believers, but a stone of stumbling to those who do not believe.
2:8 In this verse, Peter warns believers about the dangers of stumbling and causing others to stumble.

3. The Call to Holiness (1 Peter 2:9-12)

2:9 In this verse, Peter reminds believers of their identity as a holy nation, and encourages them to live in a way that honors God.
2:10 In this verse, Peter writes that believers were once not a people, but are now the people of God.
2:11 In this verse, Peter encourages believers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
2:12 In this verse, Peter reminds believers to live in a way that honors God, and to keep their behavior excellent among the Gentiles.

4. The Importance of Submitting to Authority (1 Peter 2:13-18)

2:13 In this verse, Peter encourages believers to submit to the authorities that God has placed over them, whether in the church or in the world.
2:14 In this verse, Peter writes that believers should submit to kings and governors, as those who are sent by God to punish evil and praise good.
2:15 In this verse, Peter reminds believers that they should live in a way that silences the ignorance of foolish men.
2:16 In this verse, Peter writes that believers should live as free men, but not use their freedom as a cloak for evil.
2:17 In this verse, Peter encourages believers to honor the king, and to show respect to all people.
2:18 In this verse, Peter reminds believers to submit to their masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

5. The Example of Christ (1 Peter 2:19-25)

2:19 In this verse, Peter writes that believers will be blessed if they suffer for doing good and endure it patiently.
2:20 In this verse, Peter reminds believers that it is not commendable to suffer for doing evil, but to suffer for doing good.
2:21 In this verse, Peter writes that Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps.
2:22 In this verse, Peter reminds believers that Christ did not commit sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.
2:23 In this verse, Peter writes that Christ did not retaliate when He was reviled, but entrusted Himself to God, who judges righteously.
2:24 In this verse, Peter reminds believers that Christ bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
2:25 In this verse, Peter writes that believers were once straying sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a holy nation?

To be a holy nation means to be set apart to serve and worship God, and to live in a way that honors Him. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9, believers are a holy nation, and should live in a way that reflects this identity.

How can I submit to authority in a way that honors God?

Submitting to authority in a way that honors God means recognizing that all authority is from God, and living in a way that respects and obeys those in authority over us. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:13-18, believers should submit to kings and governors, as those who are sent by God to punish evil and praise good.

What is the example of Christ that I should follow?

The example of Christ is one of suffering for doing good, and entrusting oneself to God, who judges righteously. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:21, Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Peter 2:1 → Ephesians 4:31-32 In both passages, believers are encouraged to put away sinful behaviors and to live in a way that honors God.
2 1 Peter 2:2 → Matthew 5:6 In both passages, believers are encouraged to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and to crave spiritual nourishment.
3 1 Peter 2:4 → Psalm 118:22 In both passages, Christ is referred to as the cornerstone, which was rejected by the builders but has become the chief cornerstone.
4 1 Peter 2:5 → Revelation 1:6 In both passages, believers are referred to as a kingdom of priests, and are encouraged to offer spiritual sacrifices to God.
5 1 Peter 2:9 → Exodus 19:6 In both passages, believers are referred to as a holy nation, and are encouraged to live in a way that honors God.
6 1 Peter 2:10 → Hosea 1:10 In both passages, believers are referred to as the people of God, and are encouraged to live in a way that reflects this identity.
7 1 Peter 2:13 → Romans 13:1-7 In both passages, believers are encouraged to submit to the authorities that God has placed over them, whether in the church or in the world.
8 1 Peter 2:21 → Isaiah 53:3-12 In both passages, Christ is referred to as the suffering servant, who bore our sins and suffered for us.
9 1 Peter 2:24 → Galatians 3:13 In this verse, Christ is referred to as the one who bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
10 1 Peter 2:25 → Psalm 23:1-4 In both passages, believers are referred to as sheep who have gone astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.

Sermons on 1 Peter 2

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable.
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 22): Our Walk in the Presence of the Unsaved by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers. He highlights that God never gives us instructions to live without
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 20): Ye Are a Chosen Generation by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Epictetus and his belief that understanding the nature of a man helps determine his purpose. The preacher then transitions to the
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 19): The Chief Cornerstone and Us Cornerstones by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not indulging in worldly pleasures such as overeating and watching television. Instead, he encourages the audience to prac
Corrie Ten Boom The Reality of the Love of Jesus Christ by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of preaching in Russia, where he was given the opportunity to bring greetings from America and Holland. He emphasizes the i
K.P. Yohannan Christ's Call Follow in My Footsteps by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrificing our own desires for the sake of the cross and Calvary. He shares a personal story of his wife'
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import
Derek Prince Israel in the Last Days by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's purpose for Israel. He urges believers to bless and not curse Israel, as shown in Numbers 23 with the s
Paul Washer 作妻子的 - Attention: Wives! by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not fighting and arguing with our spouses, but instead allowing God to work in their lives. He encourages husbands and wiv

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Peter 2

In this chapter, Peter encourages believers to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that they may grow in their faith. He reminds them of their identity as a holy nation, and encourages them to live in a way that honors God. He also warns them about the dangers of stumbling and the importance of submitting to authority. As Matthew Henry writes, 'the apostle Peter, in this chapter, exhorts believers to a holy and heavenly conversation, and to a conscientious discharge of their duty to one another, and to the world.' He reminds us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, and that we should live in a way that reflects this identity. As he writes in 1 Peter 2:9, 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Spiritual Growth

Peter emphasizes the need for believers to put away sinful behaviors and to crave spiritual nourishment, that they may grow in their faith. This is seen in 1 Peter 2:1-3, where he writes about the importance of laying aside malice and hypocrisy.

The Dangers of Stumbling

Peter warns believers about the dangers of stumbling and causing others to stumble. This is seen in 1 Peter 2:8, where he writes about those who stumble because they disobey the word.

The Importance of Submitting to Authority

Peter encourages believers to submit to the authorities that God has placed over them, whether in the church or in the world. This is seen in 1 Peter 2:13-18, where he writes about submitting to kings and governors.

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