1 Peter 2:12
Verse
Context
The Living Stone and Chosen People
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
Erlo Stegen
Leonard Ravenhill
Keith Daniel
Bill McLeod
Jim Van Gelderen
Brian BrodersenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having your conversation honest - Living in such a manner among the Gentiles, in whose country ye sojourn, as becomes the Gospel which ye profess. That whereas they speak against you as evil doers - In all the heathen countries, in the first age of the Church, the Christians and the Jews were confounded together; and as the latter mere everywhere exceedingly troublesome and seditious, the Christians shared in their blame, and suffered no small measure of obloquy and persecution on this very account. It was doubly necessary, therefore, that the Christians should be exceedingly cautious; and that their conduct should prove that, although many of them were of the same nation, yet they who had embraced Christianity differed widely in their spirit and conduct from those, whether Jews or Gentiles, who had not received the faith of Christ. In the day of visitation - I believe this refers to the time when God should come to execute judgment on the disobedient Jews, in the destruction of their civil polity, and the subversion of their temple and city. God did at that time put a remarkable difference between the Jews and the Christians: all the former were either destroyed or carried into slavery; not one of the latter: nor did they deserve it; for not one of them had joined in the sedition against the Roman government. That the day of visitation means a time in which punishment should be inflicted, is plain from Isa 10:3 : And what will ye do in the Day of Visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from afar? To whom will ye flee for help? And where will ye leave your glory? Some think that by the phrase in this place is meant the time in which they should be brought before the heathen magistrates, who, after an impartial examination, should find them innocent, and declare them as such; by which God would be glorified, the work appearing to be his own. Others think that it signifies the time in which God should make them the offer of mercy by Jesus Christ. The words, however, may refer to the time in which the Christians should be called to suffer for the testimony of Christ; the heathens, seeing them bear their sufferings with unconquerable patience, were constrained to confess that God was with them; and not a few, from being spectators of their sufferings, became converts to Christianity,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
conversation--"behavior"; "conduct." There are two things in which "strangers and pilgrims" ought to bear themselves well: (1) the conversation or conduct, as subjects (Pe1 2:13), servants (Pe1 2:18), wives (Pe1 3:1), husbands (Pe1 3:7), all persons under all circumstances (Pe1 2:8); (2) confession of the faith (Pe1 3:15-16). Each of the two is derived from the will of God. Our conversation should correspond to our Saviour's condition; this is in heaven, so ought that to be. honest--honorable, becoming, proper (Pe1 3:16). Contrast "vain conversation," Pe1 1:18. A good walk does not make us pious, but we must first be pious and believe before we attempt to lead a good course. Faith first receives from God, then love gives to our neighbor [LUTHER]. whereas they speak against you--now (Pe1 2:15), that they may, nevertheless, at some time or other hereafter glorify God. The Greek may be rendered, "Wherein they speak against you . . . that (herein) they may, by your good works, which on a closer inspection they shall behold, glorify God." The very works "which on more careful consideration, must move the heathen to praise God, are at first the object of hatred and raillery" [STEIGER]. evildoers--Because as Christians they could not conform to heathenish customs, they were accused of disobedience to all legal authority; in order to rebut this charge, they are told to submit to every ordinance of man (not sinful in itself). by--owing to. they shall behold--Greek, "they shall be eye-witnesses of"; "shall behold on close inspection"; as opposed to their "ignorance" (Pe1 2:15) of the true character of Christians and Christianity, by judging on mere hearsay. The same Greek verb occurs in a similar sense in Pe1 3:2. "Other men narrowly look at (so the Greek implies) the actions of the righteous" [BENGEL]. TERTULLIAN contrasts the early Christians and the heathen: these delighted in the bloody gladiatorial spectacles of the amphitheater, whereas a Christian was excommunicated if he went to it at all. No Christian was found in prison for crime, but only for the faith. The heathen excluded slaves from some of their religious services, whereas Christians had some of their presbyters of the class of slaves. Slavery silently and gradually disappeared by the power of the Christian law of love, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." When the pagans deserted their nearest relatives in a plague, Christians ministered to the sick and dying. When the Gentiles left their dead unburied after a battle and cast their wounded into the streets, the disciples hastened to relieve the suffering. glorify--forming a high estimate of the God whom Christians worship, from the exemplary conduct of Christians themselves. We must do good, not with a view to our own glory, but to the glory of God. the day of visitation--of God's grace; when God shall visit them in mercy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man,.... Or, "to every human creation", or "creature"; not to "all the sons of men", as the Syriac version renders it; or to all the individuals of mankind; for there are some that are in such stations and circumstances, that they are not to be submitted to, but to be ruled over, and governed: so kings are not to submit to their subjects, nor are parents to be subject to their children, nor husbands to their wives, nor masters to their servants, which would be preposterous; but submission is limited and restrained to persons in such a place and situation: "the human creature", or "creation", here designs the Gentiles, who are elsewhere called the creature, the whole creation, every creature, and every creature under heaven, Rom 8:19 and particularly Heathen magistrates, styled creation, or creature: not as men, for all men, as such, are creatures; but as magistrates, being created, constituted, and appointed such, and installed into, and invested with such an office: and "human"; not only because they were men, and were taken out from among men that bore the office of magistrates, and governed over men, and were for the good and advantage of mankind, but because they were created and placed in such a station by men; though government itself is of God, is a divine institution, yet this and that particular form of government is of man; and especially the forms of government among the Gentiles were human; and are here so called, in distinction from the form of government among the Jews, which was a theocracy, and was divine; wherefore the Jews, and so these converted ones, scrupled yielding obedience to Heathen magistrates; on which account they were spoken against, as evildoers; hence the apostle, in the first place, and as a principal part of their honest conversation among the Gentiles, exhorts them to submission to civil magistrates, though they were creatures of men; and to everyone of them, though a Gentile, an unbeliever, and a wicked man: and this he urges, for the Lord's sake; for the sake of Christ Jesus the Lord, because of his command, who ordered to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and in imitation of him, who paid tribute to whom tribute was due; and for the sake of his honour and glory, who was ill thought and spoken of by the Gentiles, because of the disregard of the converted Jews to their magistrates; and which served to prejudice them against Christ and his Gospel: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read, "for God's sake"; because civil government is of God; magistracy is of divine appointment; the powers that he are ordained of God, though this or the other form is of man's prescription: it is the command of God that magistrates should be obeyed; and it makes for his glory, as well as for the good of men, when they are submitted to in things that do not contradict the revealed will of God; for otherwise, not man, but God, is to be obeyed: whether it be to the king; to Caesar, the Roman emperor; and the then reigning one seems to be Nero, who, though a wicked man, was to be submitted to in things civil and lawful; and it holds good of any other king that has the supreme government of a nation: the Syriac version reads it in the plural number, "to kings"; and though the name of king was odious to the Romans, from the times of Tarquin, nor did they call their chief governor, or governors, by this name, yet other nations did; see Joh 19:15 and subjection was to be yielded to him, "as supreme"; for the sake, and in consideration of his being in so high and exalted a station, having the supreme power and government of the people in his hands. The Syriac version renders it, "because of their power"; and the Arabic version, "because of his power"; and the Ethiopic version, "because all things are his"; the Roman emperors were absolute monarchs; see Rom 13:1.
1 Peter 2:12
The Living Stone and Chosen People
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 22): Our Walk in the Presence of the Unsaved
By A.W. Tozer22K35:14UnsavedMAT 5:16MAT 6:331CO 10:31PHP 2:151TI 4:12JAS 2:171PE 2:12In 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 Him, and that His precepts are meant to be applied in different situations and contexts. The preacher encourages listeners to understand that the Bible provides broad principles of right living, but the specific application of those principles is determined by individual circumstances. The sermon is based on 1 Peter 2:12, which urges believers to have an honest conversation and conduct among Gentiles, so that their good works may glorify God.
A Godly Example
By Erlo Stegen3.9K21:11Living WorthyMAT 5:161CO 10:31EPH 5:3PHP 2:151TI 4:12TIT 2:71PE 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good example, especially to young people. He mentions a survey conducted in American jails, which found that over 90% of serial killers admitted to using pornography when they were young. The preacher urges the congregation to set a clear pattern of integrity and to be a positive influence on both believers and unbelievers. He also highlights the alarming statistics of the pornographic industry, stating that the average age of those involved is 11 years old. The sermon concludes with Bible verses encouraging young people to be examples in speech, life, love, faith, and purity.
Christ Came to Make Men Holy
By Leonard Ravenhill3.5K1:06:31HolinessMAT 6:33LUK 6:31PHP 2:14TIT 2:9TIT 2:121PE 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being salt and light in the world. He compares the idea of gathering all the street lights and putting them in one place to show that Christians should be scattered throughout the world, shining their light in different places. The preacher encourages believers to live with holiness and purity that the world does not understand. He references Philippians 4:4, where the apostle Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, even in difficult circumstances. The preacher challenges listeners to take their faith seriously and seek revival, rather than complaining or being discouraged.
(Faith Community Chapel) 10/29
By Keith Daniel3.1K1:26:03SinJHN 8:34ACT 3:19ACT 17:30ROM 6:162CO 5:172TI 3:161PE 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of being enslaved to sin. He explains that it is not just about committing isolated sins, but rather living a life of sin. The preacher highlights the tragic reality of being a servant of sin and the consequences it brings. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for true freedom that can only come from Jesus Christ. The sermon also touches on the sinful nature of children and the transformative power of Christ in their lives.
Our Relationship With Christ
By Bill McLeod1.7K54:36Relationship With Christ2CO 3:32CO 12:19EPH 2:10COL 3:111PE 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living as a testimony of Jesus Christ. He highlights that as believers, we are constantly being watched by the world, angels, and men. The speaker encourages Christians to walk carefully and circumspectly, knowing that our actions and behavior have an impact on others. He emphasizes that we are the only Bible that the world reads, and therefore, we should strive to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that our lives should be radically different as followers of Christ, and we should actively share the gospel and further the kingdom of God.
How to Overcome Addictions
By Jim Van Gelderen1.1K55:54MAT 5:16ROM 6:141CO 10:132CO 2:14EPH 4:22COL 3:51PE 2:12The video begins by describing a documentary where a camera was placed on the bottom of a Blue Angels jet, giving viewers the sensation of flying in the jet. The speaker then shares an anecdote about his daughters witnessing two teenagers getting sick while watching the documentary. The sermon then transitions to discussing the importance of knowing the right facts before making decisions, using the example of the debate over whether the country should have gone to war in Iraq. The speaker emphasizes the need for factual information in order to make informed decisions and applies this concept to the importance of knowing the transforming power of Christ in our lives. The sermon concludes by introducing Romans chapter 6 as a passage that confronts and challenges listeners, offering insights into the actions that God calls us to take in our faith.
(1 Timothy) Being an Example of the Believer
By Brian Brodersen1.0K51:24PRO 20:7MAT 6:33ROM 12:21TI 4:71TI 4:12JAS 3:81PE 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being examples of faith to others. He highlights the trust and confidence that comes from being a child of God and how it can be a powerful witness to those around us. The speaker also discusses the need to be examples of purity in a morally corrupt world, emphasizing the importance of integrity in our relationships and conduct. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to live a distinct and faithful life that reflects the teachings of the Scriptures and the example set by Jesus.
Honoring Your Prayer
By Samuel Daniel84403:162KI 1:32KI 1:92CH 16:9JAS 5:161PE 2:121JN 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is perfect toward God. He uses the story of Elijah and the captain of fifty to illustrate how God shows himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward him. The preacher also references 1 John 3:20-22, where it is stated that if our hearts do not condemn us, we can have confidence toward God and receive answers to our prayers. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the eyes of the Lord are searching throughout the earth for those whose hearts are perfect toward him, and that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.
Two Groups of Saved People
By Robert B. Thompson6091:16:31ISA 61:11MAT 5:16HEB 12:221PE 2:12REV 21:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline of our nation in terms of education and the arts. They attribute this decline to the abomination that creates desolation and self-will. The speaker emphasizes the importance of gifts and ministries as means to an end, rather than an end in themselves. They also highlight the concept of work as a curse, but emphasize that God created us to play and enjoy what we do. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Psalm 98, to emphasize the joy and celebration that should be present in our worship. The speaker warns against distractions and urges listeners to stay focused on their calling and not allow anyone to take their crown. The sermon concludes with a reminder to press forward and continue striving towards the mark, just as the apostle Paul did.
God Indwelling Us - Duncan Campbell
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons39957:53RadioEXO 40:2PSA 32:5ISA 55:7MAT 6:33ACT 11:241PE 2:91PE 2:12In this sermon, Duncan Campbell shares a story about a farmer who experienced a deep conviction of sin and cried out to God for mercy. After a week of fervent prayer, the farmer's prayers shifted from pleading for mercy to rejoicing and praising God for his forgiveness. Campbell uses this story to illustrate the concept of God becoming real in our lives, the invasion of the heavenly into the earthly. He then poses the question to the audience, particularly the young people, asking if God is truly real to them and if they have a genuine faith.
Asa Did . . . Right in the Eyes
By F.B. Meyer0Accountability to GodRighteousness1KI 15:112CH 14:32CH 16:12PSA 139:1PRO 3:5MAT 5:16ROM 14:13GAL 6:1JAS 1:51PE 2:12F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of living righteously in the eyes of the Lord, as exemplified by King Asa, who took bold actions to remove idolatry from his kingdom. Despite his commendable efforts, Asa's failure to remove the high places and his reliance on physicians rather than seeking God in his affliction highlight the need for complete devotion and accountability to God. Meyer urges believers to live authentically, ensuring that their actions reflect their faith and do not lead others astray. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to God, recognizing that true righteousness involves both personal integrity and consideration for the impact of our actions on others.
A High Sense of Honor
By J.R. Miller0IntegrityHonorPSA 15:1PRO 10:9PRO 11:3PRO 22:1MAT 5:37LUK 16:10EPH 4:29PHP 4:8COL 3:231PE 2:12J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of cultivating a high sense of honor among young people, asserting that character is built during youth and that small actions contribute significantly to one's moral standing. He warns against the dangers of leniency and self-indulgence, advocating for a rigorous self-discipline to maintain a lofty standard of conduct. Miller illustrates how honor applies to various aspects of life, including friendships, financial dealings, and the treatment of others' confidences. He encourages individuals to uphold integrity in all situations, reflecting God's truth in their actions. Ultimately, a life of honor not only glorifies God but also earns respect and admiration from others.
1 Peter 2:12
By John Gill0Witnessing to Non-BelieversChristian ConductMAT 5:16ROM 12:172CO 8:21PHP 2:15COL 4:51TH 4:121TI 3:7TIT 2:7HEB 13:181PE 2:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:12. He explains that Christians, particularly Jewish converts, must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Gospel, especially when surrounded by those who may accuse them of wrongdoing. By demonstrating good works, believers can counteract false accusations and ultimately glorify God, whether in times of judgment or mercy. Gill highlights that the integrity of a Christian's life can lead others to recognize God's goodness and grace.
1 Peter 3:6
By John Gill0ObedienceFaithfulnessGEN 12:5GEN 18:6GEN 18:12PRO 31:10GAL 4:31EPH 5:221TI 2:9HEB 11:111PE 2:121PE 3:1John Gill emphasizes the example of Sarah's obedience to Abraham as a model for women, illustrating her faithfulness in following him and fulfilling her role with respect and honor. He explains that true daughters of Sarah are those who, through grace, imitate her in faith and good works, particularly in their relationships with their husbands. Gill encourages women to act with courage and not be deterred by fear, highlighting that obedience and good deeds should be done with love and for God's glory, just as Sarah did despite the challenges she faced.
True Virginity Perfect
By Clement of Rome0PRO 4:18MAT 5:16EPH 2:10JAS 2:261PE 2:12Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and righteousness, stating that true believers exhibit their faith through good works. He highlights that the kingdom of heaven is obtained not by worldly attributes, but by the power of faith and the manifestation of good works that glorify God. Those who choose to live a life of purity and righteousness for God are called to shine as lights in the world, illuminating the darkness with their good deeds and ultimately glorifying the Father in heaven.
Will Draw All Men Unto Me
By A.B. Simpson0Witnessing to the WorldAuthentic Christian LivingMAT 5:16MAT 28:19JHN 12:32ACT 1:8ROM 12:12CO 5:20PHP 2:15COL 3:171TH 1:51PE 2:12A.B. Simpson emphasizes that a genuine and vibrant Christian life has the power to attract others to Christ, contrasting it with the lackluster examples of mediocre Christians that fail to inspire. He recounts the story of a prominent citizen who, despite his admirable qualities, lived without Christ until he witnessed a true expression of faith that compelled him to seek a relationship with Jesus. This transformation illustrates that the world is drawn to authentic Christianity, which offers a compelling invitation to a life of complete dedication to God.
The Blessing of Simple Goodness
By J.R. Miller0Simple GoodnessInfluence of CharacterPRO 11:17MAT 5:16ROM 12:21GAL 6:9EPH 2:10PHP 2:15COL 3:231TH 5:15JAS 1:221PE 2:12J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of simple goodness in serving Christ, arguing that while eloquence and wealth may attract attention, it is the quiet influence of goodness that leaves a lasting impression on lives. He encourages those who feel inadequate or ungifted to recognize that even the smallest acts of kindness and a life of integrity can be a powerful ministry. Miller illustrates this through the life of an ordinary Christian woman whose humble goodness inspired her family and community over decades. He asserts that every believer can embody this simple goodness, which is essential in a world that often values showiness over sincerity. Ultimately, the sermon calls for Christians to cultivate a spirit of Christ-like goodness in their daily lives.
Keep Your Eyes Open!
By Theodore Epp0Christian WitnessLiving WiselyPRO 4:26MAT 5:16ROM 12:21CO 2:22CO 5:20EPH 5:15PHP 1:20COL 3:17JAS 1:221PE 2:12Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of living wisely and circumspectly as instructed by Paul in Ephesians 5:7-17. He urges believers to be vigilant and intentional in their actions, recognizing that their lives serve as a witness to others. Epp highlights that living with purpose, as exemplified by Paul, is crucial for effectiveness in the Christian walk. He encourages believers to examine their lives carefully, ensuring they align with their faith and the teachings of Christ. Ultimately, Epp calls for a life that magnifies Christ, whether in life or death.
The Power of Godly Living
By A.W. Tozer0Witnessing through LifeGodly LivingMAT 5:16ROM 12:12CO 5:20EPH 5:8PHP 2:15COL 3:171TH 5:221TI 4:12JAS 1:221PE 2:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the most compelling evidence for Christianity is the exemplary lives of its followers. He argues that a community of pure and joyful Christians serves as a stronger testament to the resurrection of Christ than any scholarly work. In a world filled with distractions, a holy life stands out as the only enduring truth, much like the silent stars that have outlasted civilizations. Tozer highlights that while many may overlook theological writings, they cannot ignore the impact of holy men and women. Ultimately, it is the purity of one's life, as exemplified by figures like Francis of Assisi, that resonates deeply with those seeking God.
1 Peter 3:16
By John Gill0Good ConscienceLiving the GospelMAT 5:16ROM 12:172CO 5:17EPH 4:1PHP 2:15COL 3:121TI 1:5HEB 9:141PE 2:121PE 3:16John Gill emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, which is transformed through the sanctification of the Spirit and the blood of Jesus. He explains that a good conscience leads to a life that reflects the teachings of the Gospel, requiring both internal faith and external profession. Gill highlights that despite being falsely accused by others, a humble and sincere demeanor can lead to shame for those who speak ill of believers. Ultimately, living according to a good conscience serves to defend and recommend the doctrines of the Gospel.
1 Peter 5:6
By John Gill0God's ExaltationHumilityPSA 37:34PSA 91:1PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 23:12LUK 14:11HEB 12:5JAS 4:101PE 2:121PE 5:6John Gill emphasizes the importance of humility before God, urging believers to submit quietly to His will and endure afflictions without complaint. He explains that being under the mighty hand of God is both a position of safety and a pathway to exaltation, as God opposes the proud but lifts up the humble. Gill reassures that those who humble themselves will be exalted in God's perfect timing, whether in this life or at the return of Christ. He encourages mourning over sin and recognizing our unworthiness, which fosters a deeper reverence for God's majesty.
Demonstrate Your Faith
By A.W. Tozer0Faith in ActionLiving Out DoctrineMAT 5:16MAT 7:20ROM 12:1GAL 5:6EPH 2:10COL 3:17HEB 11:7JAS 2:171PE 2:121JN 3:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes that mere knowledge of Christian doctrine is insufficient; true faith must be demonstrated through our daily lives. He points out that God desires us to act on our faith, just as He commanded Noah to do, rather than simply holding correct beliefs. Tozer agrees with Martin Lloyd-Jones that learning doctrine for its own sake can be perilous, and that doctrine should be lived out and incarnated in the lives of believers. The ultimate example of this is God Himself, who manifested His nature through His life on earth.
Who Is Your Example?
By A.W. Tozer0Humility in FaithChristian ExampleMAT 5:162CO 3:2GAL 5:22EPH 5:1PHP 2:15COL 3:171TH 1:61TI 4:12HEB 12:11PE 2:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of looking to humble, good men as examples in the Christian faith rather than the fleeting 'celebrities' of the moment. He asserts that true greatness is found in the quiet, spiritual virtues of those who live out their faith authentically, without seeking recognition. Tozer encourages Christians to embody the life of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, allowing their good deeds to shine forth as a testament to their faith. Ultimately, he concludes that the most compelling evidence for Christianity is the exemplary lives of its followers.
David Livingstone’s Example
By K.P. Yohannan0Living Out the GospelAuthentic FaithMAT 5:16MAT 28:19LUK 18:22JHN 15:5ROM 12:12CO 5:20GAL 2:20PHP 1:6COL 3:171PE 2:12K.P. Yohannan shares the transformative encounter between Henry Stanley and David Livingstone, emphasizing how Livingstone's authentic faith and commitment to Christ profoundly impacted Stanley, who had previously been critical of religion. Livingstone's life exemplified the call to 'Leave all and follow Me,' demonstrating that true Christianity is not about programs but about allowing Christ's love to flow through us. Stanley's conversion, which occurred without Livingstone's direct efforts, highlights the power of living out one's faith authentically. The sermon encourages believers to continue their journey of faith and to embody the love of Christ in their lives.
(The Lord and His Church) 5. the Suffering Church
By Zac Poonen0ISA 49:15MAT 24:22LUK 21:26ACT 4:31ROM 8:28PHP 1:12JAS 1:151PE 2:12REV 2:8REV 13:16Zac Poonen preaches about the church in Smyrna facing tribulation, poverty, and slander, highlighting the importance of seeing the Lord as the One in control and the need for faithful endurance in the midst of trials. He emphasizes that tribulation is part of God's will for His wholehearted children and that God allows His best to face suffering. Poonen also discusses the poverty of the saints, contrasting earthly wealth with heavenly riches, and the need for believers to use their resources for God's kingdom. Additionally, he addresses the slander faced by God's faithful children and the freedom from fear that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Lastly, he explores the concept of suffering according to God's plan, encouraging believers to be faithful even unto death to receive the crown of life and escape the second death.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having your conversation honest - Living in such a manner among the Gentiles, in whose country ye sojourn, as becomes the Gospel which ye profess. That whereas they speak against you as evil doers - In all the heathen countries, in the first age of the Church, the Christians and the Jews were confounded together; and as the latter mere everywhere exceedingly troublesome and seditious, the Christians shared in their blame, and suffered no small measure of obloquy and persecution on this very account. It was doubly necessary, therefore, that the Christians should be exceedingly cautious; and that their conduct should prove that, although many of them were of the same nation, yet they who had embraced Christianity differed widely in their spirit and conduct from those, whether Jews or Gentiles, who had not received the faith of Christ. In the day of visitation - I believe this refers to the time when God should come to execute judgment on the disobedient Jews, in the destruction of their civil polity, and the subversion of their temple and city. God did at that time put a remarkable difference between the Jews and the Christians: all the former were either destroyed or carried into slavery; not one of the latter: nor did they deserve it; for not one of them had joined in the sedition against the Roman government. That the day of visitation means a time in which punishment should be inflicted, is plain from Isa 10:3 : And what will ye do in the Day of Visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from afar? To whom will ye flee for help? And where will ye leave your glory? Some think that by the phrase in this place is meant the time in which they should be brought before the heathen magistrates, who, after an impartial examination, should find them innocent, and declare them as such; by which God would be glorified, the work appearing to be his own. Others think that it signifies the time in which God should make them the offer of mercy by Jesus Christ. The words, however, may refer to the time in which the Christians should be called to suffer for the testimony of Christ; the heathens, seeing them bear their sufferings with unconquerable patience, were constrained to confess that God was with them; and not a few, from being spectators of their sufferings, became converts to Christianity,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
conversation--"behavior"; "conduct." There are two things in which "strangers and pilgrims" ought to bear themselves well: (1) the conversation or conduct, as subjects (Pe1 2:13), servants (Pe1 2:18), wives (Pe1 3:1), husbands (Pe1 3:7), all persons under all circumstances (Pe1 2:8); (2) confession of the faith (Pe1 3:15-16). Each of the two is derived from the will of God. Our conversation should correspond to our Saviour's condition; this is in heaven, so ought that to be. honest--honorable, becoming, proper (Pe1 3:16). Contrast "vain conversation," Pe1 1:18. A good walk does not make us pious, but we must first be pious and believe before we attempt to lead a good course. Faith first receives from God, then love gives to our neighbor [LUTHER]. whereas they speak against you--now (Pe1 2:15), that they may, nevertheless, at some time or other hereafter glorify God. The Greek may be rendered, "Wherein they speak against you . . . that (herein) they may, by your good works, which on a closer inspection they shall behold, glorify God." The very works "which on more careful consideration, must move the heathen to praise God, are at first the object of hatred and raillery" [STEIGER]. evildoers--Because as Christians they could not conform to heathenish customs, they were accused of disobedience to all legal authority; in order to rebut this charge, they are told to submit to every ordinance of man (not sinful in itself). by--owing to. they shall behold--Greek, "they shall be eye-witnesses of"; "shall behold on close inspection"; as opposed to their "ignorance" (Pe1 2:15) of the true character of Christians and Christianity, by judging on mere hearsay. The same Greek verb occurs in a similar sense in Pe1 3:2. "Other men narrowly look at (so the Greek implies) the actions of the righteous" [BENGEL]. TERTULLIAN contrasts the early Christians and the heathen: these delighted in the bloody gladiatorial spectacles of the amphitheater, whereas a Christian was excommunicated if he went to it at all. No Christian was found in prison for crime, but only for the faith. The heathen excluded slaves from some of their religious services, whereas Christians had some of their presbyters of the class of slaves. Slavery silently and gradually disappeared by the power of the Christian law of love, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." When the pagans deserted their nearest relatives in a plague, Christians ministered to the sick and dying. When the Gentiles left their dead unburied after a battle and cast their wounded into the streets, the disciples hastened to relieve the suffering. glorify--forming a high estimate of the God whom Christians worship, from the exemplary conduct of Christians themselves. We must do good, not with a view to our own glory, but to the glory of God. the day of visitation--of God's grace; when God shall visit them in mercy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man,.... Or, "to every human creation", or "creature"; not to "all the sons of men", as the Syriac version renders it; or to all the individuals of mankind; for there are some that are in such stations and circumstances, that they are not to be submitted to, but to be ruled over, and governed: so kings are not to submit to their subjects, nor are parents to be subject to their children, nor husbands to their wives, nor masters to their servants, which would be preposterous; but submission is limited and restrained to persons in such a place and situation: "the human creature", or "creation", here designs the Gentiles, who are elsewhere called the creature, the whole creation, every creature, and every creature under heaven, Rom 8:19 and particularly Heathen magistrates, styled creation, or creature: not as men, for all men, as such, are creatures; but as magistrates, being created, constituted, and appointed such, and installed into, and invested with such an office: and "human"; not only because they were men, and were taken out from among men that bore the office of magistrates, and governed over men, and were for the good and advantage of mankind, but because they were created and placed in such a station by men; though government itself is of God, is a divine institution, yet this and that particular form of government is of man; and especially the forms of government among the Gentiles were human; and are here so called, in distinction from the form of government among the Jews, which was a theocracy, and was divine; wherefore the Jews, and so these converted ones, scrupled yielding obedience to Heathen magistrates; on which account they were spoken against, as evildoers; hence the apostle, in the first place, and as a principal part of their honest conversation among the Gentiles, exhorts them to submission to civil magistrates, though they were creatures of men; and to everyone of them, though a Gentile, an unbeliever, and a wicked man: and this he urges, for the Lord's sake; for the sake of Christ Jesus the Lord, because of his command, who ordered to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and in imitation of him, who paid tribute to whom tribute was due; and for the sake of his honour and glory, who was ill thought and spoken of by the Gentiles, because of the disregard of the converted Jews to their magistrates; and which served to prejudice them against Christ and his Gospel: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read, "for God's sake"; because civil government is of God; magistracy is of divine appointment; the powers that he are ordained of God, though this or the other form is of man's prescription: it is the command of God that magistrates should be obeyed; and it makes for his glory, as well as for the good of men, when they are submitted to in things that do not contradict the revealed will of God; for otherwise, not man, but God, is to be obeyed: whether it be to the king; to Caesar, the Roman emperor; and the then reigning one seems to be Nero, who, though a wicked man, was to be submitted to in things civil and lawful; and it holds good of any other king that has the supreme government of a nation: the Syriac version reads it in the plural number, "to kings"; and though the name of king was odious to the Romans, from the times of Tarquin, nor did they call their chief governor, or governors, by this name, yet other nations did; see Joh 19:15 and subjection was to be yielded to him, "as supreme"; for the sake, and in consideration of his being in so high and exalted a station, having the supreme power and government of the people in his hands. The Syriac version renders it, "because of their power"; and the Arabic version, "because of his power"; and the Ethiopic version, "because all things are his"; the Roman emperors were absolute monarchs; see Rom 13:1.