1 Peter 2:11
Verse
Context
The Living Stone and Chosen People
10Once 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.11Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.12Conduct 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.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As strangers and pilgrims - See the note on Heb 11:13. These were strangers and pilgrims in the most literal sense of the word, see Pe1 1:1, for they were strangers scattered through Asia, Pontus, etc. Abstain from fleshly lusts - As ye are strangers and pilgrims, and profess to seek a heavenly country, do not entangle your affections with earthly things. While others spend all their time, and employ all their skill, in acquiring earthly property, and totally neglect the salvation of their souls; they are not strangers, they are here at home; they are not pilgrims, they are seeking an earthly possession: Heaven is your home, seek that; God is your portion, seek him. All kinds of earthly desires, whether those of the flesh or of the eye, or those included in the pride of life, are here comprised in the words fleshly lusts. Which war against the soul - Αἱτινες στρατευονται κατα της ψυχης· Which are marshalled and drawn up in battle array, to fight against the soul; either to slay it, or to bring it into captivity. This is the object and operation of every earthly and sensual desire. How little do those who indulge them think of the ruin which they produce!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As heretofore he exhorted them to walk worthily of their calling, in contradistinction to their own former walk, so now he exhorts them to glorify God before unbelievers. Dearly beloved--He gains their attention to his exhortation by assuring them of his love. strangers and pilgrims-- (Pe1 1:17). Sojourners, literally, settlers having a house in a city without being citizens in respect to the rights of citizenship; a picture of the Christian's position on earth; and pilgrims, staying for a time in a foreign land. FLACIUS thus analyzes the exhortation: (1) Purify your souls (a) as strangers on earth who must not allow yourselves to be kept back by earthly lusts, and (b) because these lusts war against the soul's salvation. (2) Walk piously among unbelievers (a) so that they may cease to calumniate Christians, and (b) may themselves be converted to Christ. fleshly lusts--enumerated in Gal 5:19, &c. Not only the gross appetites which we have in common with the brutes, but all the thoughts of the unrenewed mind. which--Greek, "the which," that is, inasmuch as being such as "war." &c. Not only do they impede, but they assail [BENGEL]. the soul--that is, against the regenerated soul; such as were those now addressed. The regenerated soul is besieged by sinful lusts. Like Samson in the lap of Delilah, the believer, the moment that he gives way to fleshly lusts, has the locks of his strength shorn, and ceases to maintain that spiritual separation from the world and the flesh of which the Nazarite vow was the type.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles,.... To have the conversation honest, is to provide things honest in the sight of men; to live and walk honestly before all; to do those things which are right and honest in the sight of God, and among men; to order the conversation aright, according to the law of God, which is a rule of walk and conversation, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and which was the more, and rather to be attended to, because these converted Jews were "among the Gentiles", that knew not God; idolaters, and unbelievers, profane sinners, who were watching for their halting, and that they might take an advantage against them, and the Gospel, and the religion they professed, from their conversations: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers: charging them with the grossest immoralities, as the Heathens did the Christians in the first ages; which appears evidently from the apologies of Tertullian, Jnstin Martyr, and others; though it seems that the Jewish converts are here intended, who were accused by the Gentiles of seditious principles and practices, and of acting contrary to the laws of civil government, refusing to yield subjection to Gentile magistrates, and obedience to Heathen masters; and hence the apostle, in some following verses, enlarges on those duties, and which he exhorts them to attend unto, that they might put to silence the ignorance of such foolish accusers: and that they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation; or "trial", or "examination", as the Syriac version renders it; which may be understood either of human or divine visitation; if of the former, then the sense is, let the saints attend to all the duties of civil life, that when Heathen magistrates come to visit their several districts, and inquire and examine into the conduct of men, and seeing and finding that the Christians behave well and orderly, instead of persecuting them, they will bless God that they are such good subjects; if of divine visitation, which seems most likely, this must either design a visitation by way of judgment, or of mercy; for as the Jews say (d), there is "a visitation", for good, and a visitation for evil: God sometimes visits in a way of punishment for sin, and sometimes in away of grace, for the good and welfare of men; and then the sense is, that when wicked men take notice of and observe the good works of the saints, their civil, honest, and orderly conversation, they shall glorify God on that account, who has enabled them to perform them; and acknowledge the goodness of them, and the wrong judgment they have passed upon them, and the ill measure they have measured out to them; and this will be, either when God visits them in a way of wrath, as at the day of judgment, or at the time of some temporal calamity before, or when he visits them in a way of mercy, calls them by his grace, and effectually works upon them by his Spirit: the same argument for the performance of good works is used by Christ, in Mat 5:16. (d) Zohar in Gen. fol. 93. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11-12 These verses are transitional. They can be viewed as the finale to the first section of the letter or as the opening statement of the second section of the letter. They enunciate the letter’s central theme: Christians living in hostile territory need to live out the principles of the Good News so that they can win other people to the Lord. 2:11 “temporary residents and foreigners”: Believers belong not to this world but to the Kingdom of Heaven (see 1:1, 17).
1 Peter 2:11
The Living Stone and Chosen People
10Once 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.11Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.12Conduct 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts
By A.W. Tozer23K18:33PilgrimsGEN 19:1EXO 2:22PSA 84:5HEB 11:131PE 2:11In 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 protected his anointed ones, but we still face temptations that can destroy our souls. The preacher gives an example of two Christians, one who gets involved in worldly things and loses their character as a stranger, while the other remains separated from the ways of the world. The sermon also highlights the importance of Christians being both strangers and pilgrims, abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul. The preacher references Bible verses, such as 1 Peter 2:11, to support these teachings.
Flee the Lusts of the Flesh - Escape for Your Life
By Erlo Stegen3.9K1:01:45Lusts Of The FleshGEN 19:26EXO 14:13MAT 2:13JHN 10:101CO 10:131PE 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and pure life. He encourages listeners to flee from bad talk, foul mouthing, and stealing, and instead, to be helpful and beneficial to others. The preacher also highlights the negative consequences of promiscuity and sexual immorality, stating that it is self-evident in a person's appearance and demeanor. He laments the high number of illegitimate children being born and questions why society has become so morally degraded. The sermon concludes with a reminder to always focus on moving forward in faith and not looking back.
(Fury of Fire) 02 - a Fury of Fire & the Vengeance of God
By Milton Green3.7K56:56VengeanceJER 2:19HAB 2:4HEB 10:261PE 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the listeners to examine their beliefs and teachings in light of the scriptures, even if it conflicts with their previous understanding. The preacher also discusses the concept of the field in Matthew 13, explaining that it represents the world and not just the church. He highlights the presence of both the sons of the kingdom and the sons of the devil in the world, and emphasizes the ultimate judgment and separation that will occur at the end of the age.
Dealing With Lust
By George Verwer3.1K47:09MAT 6:33HEB 13:41PE 2:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle of a married man who is studying for the ministry and battling with lustful desires. The man feels isolated and unable to find someone to confide in. The speaker suggests several strategies to overcome these temptations, including engaging in physical exercise, finding legitimate enjoyments in life, and using diversionary tactics when faced with temptation. The speaker also shares a story about a man who resisted the temptation of a prostitute by chopping wood instead. The overall message emphasizes the importance of finding practical ways to resist lustful desires and remain faithful to God.
Coming Persecution Tn Christians in America and the World
By Steven J. Lawson2.4K05:561PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the inevitability of persecution for believers, highlighting the need for spiritual alertness and readiness for the tribulation. It underscores the reality of being strangers in this world and the ongoing spiritual warfare between God and Satan. The message warns of a time when being a Christian will be a punishable offense, leading to martyrdom, as society becomes increasingly godless and intolerant of Christian values.
Paul's Gospel
By Rolfe Barnard1.9K57:36PSA 9:17ROM 9:15ROM 12:21CO 2:1COL 3:171PE 2:111PE 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central belief of Christianity that Jesus is Lord. He explains that Jesus' Lordship is not just a theory, but a reality that was established through his sacrificial death on the cross. The preacher highlights that the gospel is the good news of this costly action by God on behalf of humanity. He also raises concerns about the current state of the gospel, questioning why it has become so popular without resulting in true transformation and conformity to the image of Christ.
Dreams in Flames - Part 2
By Winkie Pratney1.6K1:14:24PRO 4:23ISA 53:6MAT 5:3MAT 16:24ROM 13:141CO 6:18EPH 5:3COL 3:51TH 4:31PE 2:11In this sermon, Winky Prattley speaks on the subject of Dreams and Flames, Part 2. He starts by sharing a powerful testimony of how a group of kids gave their lives to Christ after hearing the preaching of the word. He then turns to the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew, emphasizing the importance of living a pure and holy life. Prattley encourages the audience to turn away from temptation and to introduce Jesus into their thoughts and desires. He concludes by referencing a letter from Ann Landers about staying out late and emphasizes the need for real help and a change in mindset.
Why a Lack of Patriotism
By Vance Havner1.6K34:42PatriotismMAT 6:33JHN 8:32ROM 12:2JAS 4:71PE 2:91PE 2:11REV 3:18In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of America and compares it to the decline of Rome. He highlights the loss of patriotism and respect for heritage in the country. The preacher also draws parallels between the conditions in the country and the church, emphasizing the need for a practical understanding of the times and what needs to be done. He criticizes the lack of connection and understanding among experts and calls for a focus on fellowship and practical knowledge in the church.
Exhortations to Strangers and Pilgrims
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:01:23Strangers And Pilgrims1PE 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of freedom in Christ and not using it as an excuse for wrongdoing. He shares his personal experience of holding onto his freedom tightly and not being influenced by any external authority. The preacher also discusses the role of a Christian policeman, highlighting the need to fulfill both their duties to the state and to God. He encourages believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live in a way that reflects Jesus to the world. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of love and the futility of trying to control others through violence.
Integrity of Heart
By Erlo Stegen1.6K1:18:18IntegrityGEN 16:81CH 29:151CH 29:17HEB 4:121PE 2:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and how he tried to cover up his sins until God exposed him. The preacher then shares a story about a little girl who had a powerful encounter with God when she saw a great eye looking at her. This eye revealed all her sins, including stealing, and she was deeply convicted. The preacher also talks about a man who had a life-changing encounter with God and how he shared his testimony with others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sins, seeking God's forgiveness, and sharing our testimonies with others.
Sexual Immorality and Pornography
By Tim Conway1.5K42:23MAT 5:28MAT 13:44ROM 6:14ROM 8:13GAL 5:191TH 4:31PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the spiritual warfare new Christians face, particularly in battling against the passions of the flesh, focusing on the destructive nature of sexual sin and the need for believers to abstain from it. The speaker highlights the importance of controlling one's body in holiness, honoring God, and avoiding sexual immorality, as it is a serious battle that can lead to soul destruction and separation from God. The message stresses the significance of genuine faith that actively fights against lust and immorality, reflecting a true intimacy with Christ and a transformed life.
K-466 Agenda for Biblical People
By Art Katz1.5K1:22:06BiblicalMAT 5:14MAT 6:33ACT 4:29ROM 12:21CO 2:9JAS 1:271PE 2:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being representatives of another kingdom. He describes the Bible's view of change as primarily coming through the presence of God's people in history, demonstrating what human life can be in the love and power of Christ. The speaker shares a powerful statement from Paul about the gospel's purpose being to teach men how to live, and highlights the role of gospel people in teaching the world to live according to God's values. The speaker challenges the congregation to examine their lives and submit them to God's light, seeking to establish a distinct lifestyle that originates from heaven.
Pilgrim's Progress - Part 5
By Alfred P. Gibbs1.3K58:36Pilgrim's Progress1PE 2:11In this sermon, the preacher recounts the journey of a man named Christian who is on a quest to reach heaven. Along the way, Christian encounters various challenges and temptations that test his faith and commitment to God. Despite facing persecution and ridicule, Christian remains steadfast in his belief and refuses to compromise his values. The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and resisting worldly temptations in order to attain eternal salvation.
The Battle in Your Mind Over Sexual Sin
By Tim Conway1.1K1:09:19PSA 15:1PSA 32:3PSA 51:8MRK 4:19ROM 8:28ROM 8:311TH 4:72TI 2:22TIT 2:13JAS 4:81PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith that breaks the dominion of sin in our lives, particularly focusing on the need for faith to save us from sexual immorality. It highlights the battle against sexual temptation and the imperative to abstain from these passions that wage war against the soul. The sermon also stresses the need for believers to equip themselves with prayer, pursue faith, love, and peace, and remember the agonies of Christ for sexual sin to maintain intimacy with the Lord.
The Spirit of Egypt - Part 5
By Joshua Daniel1.0K05:07ISA 1:18ROM 12:22CO 6:17JAS 4:81PE 2:111JN 1:9This sermon addresses the concept of spiritual heart failure, emphasizing the need for honesty before God to overcome subtle sins hindering spiritual progress. It warns against placing trust in worldly comforts and the spirit of Egypt, urging for a cleansing and a return to reflecting the beauty of Jesus. The message calls for sanctification, rejecting worldly influences and seeking God's help for spiritual renewal.
Names of the Holy Sprit
By Bakht Singh1.0K19:57Holy SpritPSA 27:4PSA 84:10MAT 6:33JHN 14:2HEB 11:101PE 2:11REV 21:3The video is a sermon on the topic of finding a place to live in the Lord. The speaker repeatedly asks the Lord to provide a place where they can live. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's guidance and relying on Him for direction in finding a place to live. The sermon encourages listeners to trust in the Lord's provision and to seek His will in all aspects of their lives.
The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #4
By Milton Green9921:59:57GEN 1:27ROM 12:21CO 10:132CO 4:172CO 11:14EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 2:111PE 5:8This sermon delves into the concept of godliness as a mystery of iniquity, highlighting the contrast between Christ and the Antichrist. It emphasizes the importance of understanding that Satan counterfeits everything that God represents, urging listeners to be vigilant and keep their minds focused on the Lord to combat spiritual oppression and distractions. The message underscores the desire of the Holy Spirit to express God's likeness through individuals, drawing parallels to Adam's fall and the ongoing spiritual battles faced in daily life.
Life or Lust
By George Verwer98938:061TI 4:122TI 2:142TI 2:221PE 2:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the lives of the people present and emphasizes the importance of the gospel being preached with power and authority. He urges the audience to have a spirit of expectation and to be not just hearers but doers of the word. The speaker then highlights the need to be reminded of the basic truths preached in the Keswick fellowship and warns against forgetting them. He specifically focuses on the importance of fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The sermon also touches on the need to avoid foolish and unlearned questions and to stand against fleshly lusts. The speaker encourages the audience to be examples of believers and to give exhortation to one another.
You're Dead to Sin, but Still at War
By Tim Conway68603:33JOS 1:9ROM 6:11EPH 6:12COL 3:51PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the believer's call to actively fight against sin, highlighting the need for a determined will based on the truth of being dead to sin in Christ. It stresses the seriousness of the spiritual battle, urging believers to relentlessly combat sin in their lives and not show any mercy towards it, drawing parallels to the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The message underscores the command to think rightly and the necessity of embracing a mindset that acknowledges being dead to sin.
Planting the Underground Church - Part 1
By Eric Foley56958:31MAT 5:13ACT 5:29ROM 12:2EPH 5:221PE 2:11This sermon addresses the challenges posed by the sexual revolution to the church, emphasizing the need to be fully Christian amidst these unique challenges. It explores the broader implications of the sexual revolution beyond homosexuality, highlighting the importance of understanding and responding to self-creation and societal changes. The sermon advocates for churches to consider going underground not to hide, but to unplug from societal systems that may restrict their ability to fulfill their God-given functions.
Ten Spiritual Disciplines
By Phil Beach Jr.831:04:04Spiritual DisciplinesDisciplinesActive FaithPSA 119:97ROM 12:1GAL 5:19EPH 4:22JAS 4:71PE 1:131PE 2:11PE 2:111PE 3:151PE 5:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the active nature of God's grace and love in the believer's life, arguing that true love compels action, purpose, and determination. He warns against passive Christianity, urging believers to engage in ten spiritual disciplines outlined in 1 Peter, which reflect a vibrant relationship with Christ. These disciplines include girding the mind, putting aside sinful behaviors, craving God's Word, and submitting to authority, all driven by the love of God. Beach highlights that a lack of action may indicate a waning love for God, and he encourages daily prayer for the fullness of God's love to maintain fervor in faith. Ultimately, he asserts that genuine experiences with God will lead to practical changes in one's life.
Breaking Free of Porn
By Shane Idleman2952:14Pursuing HolinessBreaking Free from SinISA 53:5MAT 5:29JHN 8:36ROM 13:141CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 6:12PHP 4:13JAS 4:71PE 2:11Shane Idleman addresses the urgent need for the church to confront the issue of pornography and sin, emphasizing that casual Christianity is insufficient in the face of extreme spiritual attacks. He encourages believers to adopt an offensive stance against sin, utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve victory and pursue holiness. Shane highlights the importance of removing triggers for sin, being vigilant in spiritual warfare, and fostering a deep relationship with Christ to combat the pervasive influence of sin in our lives. He calls for accountability, practical steps to safeguard against temptation, and a commitment to holiness as essential for breaking free from the chains of sin. Ultimately, he reassures that through Christ, believers can find freedom and restoration from the burdens of guilt and shame.
Hungering for Righteousness in Our War Against Lust, Part 1
By Mike Bickle281:03:58Spiritual WarfareRighteousnessPSA 19:11MAT 5:6MAT 7:14MAT 16:24LUK 4:13EPH 6:12COL 3:52TI 2:20JAS 4:21PE 2:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of hungering and thirsting for righteousness in our battle against lust, highlighting that this internal war requires our active cooperation with God's grace. He explains that while we have a part to play in denying ourselves and making quality decisions, we must also seek divine help through prayer and fasting to overcome the temptations that arise. Bickle stresses the importance of preemptive prayer, urging believers to ask God for strength before facing temptation, rather than only seeking forgiveness after falling. He warns against the dangers of complacency and encourages a proactive approach to spiritual warfare, reminding us that true victory comes from a deep connection with God and a commitment to purity. Ultimately, he calls for a serious commitment to self-denial and the pursuit of holiness as essential to experiencing God's presence and power.
Building the House of God - Strangers and Pilgrims Yearning for Immortality
By Phil Beach Jr.2751:49EternityJudgmentHolinessMAT 7:19ROM 8:182CO 5:1GAL 5:222TI 4:12TI 4:3HEB 12:1JAS 5:71PE 2:111JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgency of living with a holy fear of God, reminding believers that Christ will judge both the living and the dead. He calls for a deep introspection of our lives, urging us to produce good fruit that pleases God rather than being consumed by earthly desires. The sermon highlights the importance of groaning for immortality and the need for believers to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, living as pilgrims and strangers in this world. Beach warns against the dangers of complacency and the temptation to settle for a superficial faith, encouraging a passionate pursuit of God's highest calling. Ultimately, he stresses that true grace leads to a life of holiness and accountability before the divine judge.
Breaking Free of Pornography
By Shane Idleman2551:54Pursuing HolinessBreaking Free from SinMAT 5:29JHN 8:36ROM 13:142CO 10:4GAL 5:16EPH 6:12PHP 4:13JAS 4:71PE 2:111JN 1:9Shane Idleman addresses the urgent need for the church to confront the issue of pornography and sin, emphasizing that casual Christianity is insufficient in the face of extreme spiritual attacks. He encourages believers to adopt an offensive stance against sin, utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve victory and pursue holiness. Shane stresses the importance of removing triggers for sin, making no provision for the flesh, and actively seeking accountability and support. He highlights that true freedom comes from a deep relationship with Christ, where believers are filled with the Spirit and equipped to resist temptation. Ultimately, Shane calls for a serious commitment to holiness and a rejection of compromise in the Christian walk.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As strangers and pilgrims - See the note on Heb 11:13. These were strangers and pilgrims in the most literal sense of the word, see Pe1 1:1, for they were strangers scattered through Asia, Pontus, etc. Abstain from fleshly lusts - As ye are strangers and pilgrims, and profess to seek a heavenly country, do not entangle your affections with earthly things. While others spend all their time, and employ all their skill, in acquiring earthly property, and totally neglect the salvation of their souls; they are not strangers, they are here at home; they are not pilgrims, they are seeking an earthly possession: Heaven is your home, seek that; God is your portion, seek him. All kinds of earthly desires, whether those of the flesh or of the eye, or those included in the pride of life, are here comprised in the words fleshly lusts. Which war against the soul - Αἱτινες στρατευονται κατα της ψυχης· Which are marshalled and drawn up in battle array, to fight against the soul; either to slay it, or to bring it into captivity. This is the object and operation of every earthly and sensual desire. How little do those who indulge them think of the ruin which they produce!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As heretofore he exhorted them to walk worthily of their calling, in contradistinction to their own former walk, so now he exhorts them to glorify God before unbelievers. Dearly beloved--He gains their attention to his exhortation by assuring them of his love. strangers and pilgrims-- (Pe1 1:17). Sojourners, literally, settlers having a house in a city without being citizens in respect to the rights of citizenship; a picture of the Christian's position on earth; and pilgrims, staying for a time in a foreign land. FLACIUS thus analyzes the exhortation: (1) Purify your souls (a) as strangers on earth who must not allow yourselves to be kept back by earthly lusts, and (b) because these lusts war against the soul's salvation. (2) Walk piously among unbelievers (a) so that they may cease to calumniate Christians, and (b) may themselves be converted to Christ. fleshly lusts--enumerated in Gal 5:19, &c. Not only the gross appetites which we have in common with the brutes, but all the thoughts of the unrenewed mind. which--Greek, "the which," that is, inasmuch as being such as "war." &c. Not only do they impede, but they assail [BENGEL]. the soul--that is, against the regenerated soul; such as were those now addressed. The regenerated soul is besieged by sinful lusts. Like Samson in the lap of Delilah, the believer, the moment that he gives way to fleshly lusts, has the locks of his strength shorn, and ceases to maintain that spiritual separation from the world and the flesh of which the Nazarite vow was the type.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles,.... To have the conversation honest, is to provide things honest in the sight of men; to live and walk honestly before all; to do those things which are right and honest in the sight of God, and among men; to order the conversation aright, according to the law of God, which is a rule of walk and conversation, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and which was the more, and rather to be attended to, because these converted Jews were "among the Gentiles", that knew not God; idolaters, and unbelievers, profane sinners, who were watching for their halting, and that they might take an advantage against them, and the Gospel, and the religion they professed, from their conversations: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers: charging them with the grossest immoralities, as the Heathens did the Christians in the first ages; which appears evidently from the apologies of Tertullian, Jnstin Martyr, and others; though it seems that the Jewish converts are here intended, who were accused by the Gentiles of seditious principles and practices, and of acting contrary to the laws of civil government, refusing to yield subjection to Gentile magistrates, and obedience to Heathen masters; and hence the apostle, in some following verses, enlarges on those duties, and which he exhorts them to attend unto, that they might put to silence the ignorance of such foolish accusers: and that they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation; or "trial", or "examination", as the Syriac version renders it; which may be understood either of human or divine visitation; if of the former, then the sense is, let the saints attend to all the duties of civil life, that when Heathen magistrates come to visit their several districts, and inquire and examine into the conduct of men, and seeing and finding that the Christians behave well and orderly, instead of persecuting them, they will bless God that they are such good subjects; if of divine visitation, which seems most likely, this must either design a visitation by way of judgment, or of mercy; for as the Jews say (d), there is "a visitation", for good, and a visitation for evil: God sometimes visits in a way of punishment for sin, and sometimes in away of grace, for the good and welfare of men; and then the sense is, that when wicked men take notice of and observe the good works of the saints, their civil, honest, and orderly conversation, they shall glorify God on that account, who has enabled them to perform them; and acknowledge the goodness of them, and the wrong judgment they have passed upon them, and the ill measure they have measured out to them; and this will be, either when God visits them in a way of wrath, as at the day of judgment, or at the time of some temporal calamity before, or when he visits them in a way of mercy, calls them by his grace, and effectually works upon them by his Spirit: the same argument for the performance of good works is used by Christ, in Mat 5:16. (d) Zohar in Gen. fol. 93. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11-12 These verses are transitional. They can be viewed as the finale to the first section of the letter or as the opening statement of the second section of the letter. They enunciate the letter’s central theme: Christians living in hostile territory need to live out the principles of the Good News so that they can win other people to the Lord. 2:11 “temporary residents and foreigners”: Believers belong not to this world but to the Kingdom of Heaven (see 1:1, 17).