1 Peter 2

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Chapter Two IN THIS CHAPTER

1. To note what is necessary in order to grow spiritually

2. To reflect upon our privilege and duties as God’s special people, living as sojourners and pilgrims in a world not our home

3. To review our duty to submit to governmental authorities, and to make application of the instructions to slaves in our lives as employees

SUMMARY Having described how they were born again by the incorruptible Word of God, Peter admonishes his readers to put aside sinful attitudes and to grow spiritually with an infant-like longing for the Word (1 Peter 2:1-3).

He then depicts Jesus as a living stone, and Christians as living stones. The latter are being built up as a spiritual house and holy priesthood in order to offer spiritual sacrifices through Christ. As foretold in the Scriptures, Jesus is the chief cornerstone that is precious to those who believe, while a stone of stumbling to those who are disobedient. Christians are called on to proclaim the praises of God as they are now a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people who have now obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:4-10).

As the people of God, Christians are sojourners and pilgrims in this world. Their duties as such involve abstaining from fleshly lusts, and keeping their conduct honorable among the Gentiles (nations) through good works designed to glorify God. They are to honor and submit to governmental authorities, and honor all people while loving the brethren and fearing God (1 Peter 2:11-17).

Christian slaves are told to submit to their masters, even when they are harsh and cause them to suffer grief wrongly. Peter reveals that such submission is commendable before God and follows the example of Jesus whose own suffering delivered us from sin (1 Peter 2:18-25).

OUTLINE I. A CALL TO GROWTH (1 Peter 2:1-3) A. WHAT TO LAY ASIDE (1 Peter 2:1)1. All malice, all deceit 2. Hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking

B. WHAT TO DESIRE (1 Peter 2:2-3)1. The pure milk of the word a. As newborn babes b. That you may grow thereby 2. If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious

II. OUR IN CHRIST (1 Peter 2:4-10) A. AS LIVING STONES (1 Peter 2:4-8)1. Coming to Christ as to a living stone a. Who was rejected by men b. Who is chosen by God and precious 2. We as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house a. To be a holy priesthood b. To offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 3. Christ is the precious cornerstone a. As foretold in Isaiah 28:161) God would lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious 2) He who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame 3) Precious to those who believe b. As foretold in Psalms 118:22 and Isaiah 8:141) A stone rejected by the builders, which has become the chief cornerstone 2) A stone of stumbling and rock of offense to those who are disobedient 3) To which they were appointed

B. AS PEOPLE OF GOD (1 Peter 2:9-10)1. They are now: a. A chosen generation b. A royal priesthood c. A holy nation d. His own special people 2. They are now: a. To proclaim the praises of God, who called them:

1. Out of darkness
2. Into His marvelous light b. The people of God, who once were not the people of God
3. Who had not obtained mercy
4. But now have obtained mercy

III. OUR DUTIES IN CHRIST (1 Peter 2:11-25) A. AS (1 Peter 2:11-12)1. To abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul 2. To have conduct honorable among the Gentiles a. That when they speak against you as evildoers b. They may glorify God in the day of visitation c. Because of your good works they observe

B. AS (1 Peter 2:13-17)1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake a. To the king as supreme b. To governors as those sent by the king

1. For the punishment of evildoers
2. For the praise of those who do good

2. For this is the will of God, as bondservants of God a. That by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men b. As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice
3. Therefore: a. Honor all b. Love the brotherhood c. Fear God d. Honor the king

C. AS (1 Peter 2:18-25)1. Submissive to your masters with all fear a. Not only to the good and gentle b. But also to the harsh 2. For this is commendable before God a. If because of conscience before God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully b. What credit is there when beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? c. If when you do good and suffer, yet take it patiently, that is commendable 3. For we were called to Follow in the steps of Jesus our example a. Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth (Isaiah 53:9)

1. When He was reviled, did not revile in return
2. When He suffered, He did not threaten
3. He committed Himself to Him who judges righteously b. Who bore our sins in His own body on the tree
4. That we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness
5. By whose stripes you were healed
6. You were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls

REVIEW FOR THE CHAPTER

1. What are the main points of this chapter?- A call to spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:1-3)

• Our privilege in Christ (1 Peter 2:4-10)
• Our duties in Christ (1 Peter 2:11-25)

2. What must we lay aside to grow spiritually? (1 Peter 2:1)- All malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking

3. How should we long for the Word if we want to grow spiritually? (1 Peter 2:2)- As newborn babes desire milk

4. What should motivate us to desire the Word with such longing? (1 Peter 2:3)- If we have already tasted that the Lord is gracious

5. What kind of stone is used to describe Jesus? (1 Peter 2:4)- A living stone

• Rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious

6. What two metaphors are used to describe Christians? (1 Peter 2:5)- Living stones, being built up as a spiritual house

• A holy priesthood, offering up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ

7. What prophecy foretells the laying of a chief cornerstone in Zion? (1 Peter 2:6)- Isaiah 28:16
8. What is Jesus to those who believe in Him? To those who do not believe? (1 Peter 2:6-8)- The chief cornerstone, elect, precious

• A stone of stumbling, a rock of offense

9. What is the appointed end of those who do not believe and are disobedient? (1 Peter 2:8)- They stumble

10. How are Christians described by Peter? What is their duty? Why? (1 Peter 2:9-10)- A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people

• To proclaim the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light
• They are now the people of God who have obtained mercy

11. What is our duty as sojourners and pilgrims in this world? Why? (1 Peter 2:11-12)- Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul

• Conduct ourselves honorably among the Gentiles
• That they might glorify God in the day of visitation because of our good works

12. What is our duty toward the governments of men? Why? (1 Peter 2:13-15)- Submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake

• That by doing good we might silence the ignorance of foolish men

13. How are we use our freedom in Christ? (1 Peter 2:16)- Not as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God

14. What four admonitions summarize our duties to others? (1 Peter 2:17)- Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king

15. What is the duty of servants to their masters? (1 Peter 2:18)- Be submissive with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh

16. What is commendable before God? (1 Peter 2:19-20)- To endure grief, suffering wrongfully though doing good, because of conscience toward God

17. To what have we been called? (1 Peter 2:21)- To follow in the steps of Christ, who suffered for us and left us an example

18. How did Jesus suffer wrongly and bear it patiently? (1 Peter 2:22-23)- He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth

• When reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten
• He committed Himself to God who judges righteously

20. What good did Jesus accomplish by suffering such abuse? (1 Peter 2:24-25)- He bore our sins in His own body on the tree

• Making it possible for us to die to sin and live for righteousness (by His strips we were healed)
• Like sheep gone astray, we have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls

1 Peter 2:1-3

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

The Living And Abiding Word (1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 Peter 2:1-3)

1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims in this world; our lives are but a sojourn toward our true home which is in heaven a. But as we travel through this life, we are not left without a “spiritual roadmap” b. To guide us on our journey, God in His grace has given us His wonderful Word, contained in the pages of what we call the Bible

2. What is sad is the fact… a. That many people go through their lives and never seriously consult this book which can direct them to heaven b. That even many Christians go through life ignorant of much of its content!

3. I am hoping that in the course of this lesson… a. I can awaken any such people to the value of the wonderful Word of God b. And that I can impress upon you the importance and necessity of reading the Word of God on a daily basis

[In an effort to do so, I encourage you to open your Bibles to 1 Peter 1 : 22-2:3, where we read of the nature of God’s Word (read).

Within this passage of scripture, we can glean various attributes possessed by the Word of God that make it so wonderful. Consider, then…]

I. THE WONDER OF GOD’S WORD A. IT LIVES AND ABIDES FOREVER…1. Verses 23-25 stress this point: a. “not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible” b. “which lives abides forever” c. “the Word of the Lord endures forever” 2. Jesus has also spoken of the indestructibility of the Word of God - Matthew 24:353. History has borne out the fact that despite man’s efforts to destroy and do away with it, the Bible continues to endure forever a. The efforts of Diocletian

1. In 303 A.D. he proclaimed an edict requiring Christians and their sacred scriptures to be destroyed
2. But within 25 years, the succeeding emperor ordered that 50 copies be made and distributed at government expense! b. The claims of Voltaire, the French atheist (who died in
4. He boasted that within 100 hundred years of his lifetime, Christianity would be swept from the earth
5. But only fifty years after his death, his own printing press and house were being used by the Geneva Bible Society to produce stacks of Bibles!

4. How true, then, is the statement of Isaiah as quoted by Peter in 1 Peter 1:24-25 B. IT CAN CAUSE ONE TO BE BORN AGAIN…1. There is a law of science known as the Law of Biogenesis which states that “life begets life”
5. Because the Word of God is what it is, it is able to produce spiritual life! What is it? a. It is “incorruptible” seed which “lives and abides forever”

• 1 Peter 1:23b. It is “living and powerful” - Hebrews 4:12c. As Jesus said: “…The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” - cf. John 6:633. When a person receives the Word of God and obeys it, he or she is truly born again! - cf. James 1:18 C. IT CAN PURIFY THE SOUL…1. Notice carefully: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth…” - 1 Peter 1:222. By obeying the truth (the Word of God), our souls are purified
• cf. John 17:173. That is because the truth contains the gospel, which when believed and obeyed, results in the remission of sins by the blood of Christ!

D. IT CAN PRODUCE GROWTH…1. “…desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” - 1 Peter 2:22. Spiritual growth as a Christian is totally dependent upon the Word of God!

[Do you see why the Word of God is too wonderful to neglect? There is no way you can destroy it, and if you desire to be born again and grow spiritually, it is impossible without the incorruptible seed of the Word of God!

Now if we desire to allow the Word of God to produce in our lives its desired effect (spiritual life and spiritual growth), there are at least two things mentioned by Peter which are essential…]

II. GROWING BY THE WORD OF GOD A. FIRST, WE MUST PREPARE THE SOIL OF OUR HEARTS…1. Just as when we prepare the ground for planting a garden a. We cleanse the ground of all insects and weeds b. So that seeds can grow unhindered 2. Likewise, there are things Peter says we must lay aside… a. MALICE - an evil disposition, malignant spirit, a desire to injure another b. GUILE - that is, craftiness c. - deceptive and deceitful actions and attitudes d. ENVY - feelings of unhappiness because another has that which one desires for oneself e. EVIL - slanderous and defamatory statements about others – For the Word of God to flourish in our lives, we must rid ourselves of these things 3. Note also that these attributes must be rid of, if we are to be able to “love one another fervently” (as commanded in 1 Peter 1:22)

B. SECOND, WE MUST HAVE THE PROPER DESIRE FOR THE WORD…1. Peter illustrates the proper desire… a. We are to be like “newborn babes” who desire milk - 1 Peter 2:2-3b. Just as babies “long” for milk, we are to “long” for the Word of God 2. Do our present attitudes toward the Word of God indicate such longing? a. Do we demand regular feeding upon the Word of God? b. If we feasted upon food as often as we feasted upon the Word of God, would we survive physically? - cf. Matthew 4:4; Psalms 119:165; Jeremiah 15:163. Failure to have this longing for the Word of God is a main reason for the lack of spiritual growth in many today a. It is why many do not overcome sin in their lives - cf. 1 John 2:14b. It is why many never become the godly men and women you would expect of Christians who have been such for 5,10,15 years or more 4. A question I often raise: a. If we do not read, study and meditate upon the Bible daily… b. If we go year after year, failing to read through the Bible on a regular basis… – Can it be said that we have the proper desire for the Word of God?

1. The Word of God is too wonderful for Christians to neglect! Yet I dare to say that there has been a wholesale neglect of the Word of God among Christians in the Lord’s church today

2. “If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious”, as Peter says, if you have been born again by the Word of God, then I plead with you to make Bible reading an integral part of your daily life!

If you have not even obeyed the gospel, why not do so this very day? For the wonderful Word of which we have been speaking is contained within the gospel (cf. 1 Peter 1:25 b; Mark 16:15-16).

Yes, be born again through obedience to the Word of God (cf. 1 Peter 1:22-23), and begin a life where you can continue to grow, feeding upon “The Living And Abiding Word!”

1 Peter 2:2

1 Peter 2:21 Pe 2:2 ωςG5613 AS αρτιγεννηταG738 NEWBORN βρεφηG1025 BABES, τοG3588 THE λογικονG3050 MENTAL αδολονG97 GENUINE γαλαG1051 MILK επιποθησατεG1971 [G5657] LONG YE AFTER, ιναG2443 THAT ενG1722 BY αυτωG846 IT αυξηθητεG837 [G5686] YE MAY GROW, . newborn: 1 Peter 1:23, Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:15, Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 14:20 the sincere: Psalms 19:7-10, 1 Corinthians 3:2, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:13 grow: 2 Samuel 23:5, Job 17:9, Proverbs 4:18, Hosea 6:3, Hosea 14:5, Hosea 14:7, Malachi 4:2, Ephesians 2:21, Ephesians 4:15, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Peter 3:18 Genesis 35:2 - clean Job 23:12 - I have esteemed Psalms 15:3 - backbiteth Psalms 32:2 - whose Psalms 34:8 - taste Psalms 119:30 - chosen Psalms 119:50 - for thy Psalms 119:101 - refrained Psalms 119:131 - opened Psalms 119:140 - pure Ecclesiastes 5:1 - ready Son 4:5 - two breasts Isaiah 28:9 - weaned Isaiah 55:1 - milk Isaiah 58:2 - they ask Isaiah 66:11 - ye may suck Jeremiah 3:15 - which shall Jeremiah 9:4 - walk Matthew 13:23 - good Matthew 19:14 - for Mark 4:24 - Take Mark 10:14 - for Luke 8:15 - in an Luke 8:18 - heed Luke 9:47 - took Luke 10:21 - revealed Luke 18:16 - for John 1:13 - were John 21:15 - lambs Acts 8:31 - How Acts 10:33 - are we Acts 17:11 - they received Romans 2:20 - a teacher Romans 10:17 - faith Romans 13:13 - strife 1 Corinthians 5:8 - neither 2 Corinthians 7:11 - vehement Ephesians 4:22 - ye Ephesians 4:24 - new Philippians 2:3 - nothing Colossians 1:5 - the word 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - effectually 1 Timothy 3:6 - novice 1 Timothy 4:6 - nourished 1 Timothy 6:4 - words James 3:14 - if 1 Peter 1:3 - hath 1 Peter 1:25 - this 1 Peter 2:2 The disciples to whom this epistle is addressed were not actually beginners in the service of Christ. Peter only means for them to be as newborn babes in that they were to be free from the evils named in the preceding verse. This is a very appropriate illustration seeing an infant would be free from such. Also as newborn babes in that they would show a desire for the nourishment provided for them. As newborn babes (hτs artigennηta brephη). Brephos, old word, originally unborn child (Luke 1:41-44), then infant (Luke 2:12), here figuratively, like nηpioi. Artigennηta is a late and rare compound (Lucian, imperial inscription) from arti and gennaτ, with evident allusion to anagegennηmenoi in 1 Peter 1:23, probably meaning that they were recent converts, possibly slight proof that the Epistle written before Romans by Paul (Kuhl). ——————————————————————————– Long for (epipothηsate). First aorist (constative) active imperative of epipotheτ, old verb for intense yearning (Philippians 2:26). ——————————————————————————– The spiritual milk which is without guile (to logikon adolon gala). Gala is old word for milk as in 1 Corinthians 9:7 and as metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:2. Adolos is an old compound (here alone in N.T.) adjective (alpha privative and dolos deceit), unadulterated milk which, alas, is so hard to get.

Logikon is an old adjective in -ikos, from logos (reason, speech), in N.T. only here and Romans 12:1, used here with allusion to logou (1 Peter 1:23) and rηma (1 Peter 1:25), “the sincere milk of the word” (“the milk belonging to the word,” either the milk which is the word or the milk contained in the word, that is Christ). So Bigg holds.

But in Romans 12:1 Paul uses logikon in the sense of “rational” or “spiritual,” and that idea is possible here as Hort holds. In the Pelagia legend (Usener) we have the phrase tτn logikτn probatτn tou Christou (the spiritual or rational sheep of Christ). ——————————————————————————– That ye may grow thereby (hina en autτi auxηthηte). Purpose clause with hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of auxanτ, old and common verb to grow. See this same metaphor in Colossians 2:19; Ephes. 4:15. Peter uses the word of God as the food for growth, especially for babes in Christ, not emphasizing the distinction from solid food (brτma) made in 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:13. Salvation (sτtηrian) here is final salvation.

1 Peter 2:3

1 Peter 2:31 Pe 2:3 ειπερG1512 IF INDEED εγευσασθεG1089 [G5662] YE DID TASTE οτιG3754 THAT “IS” χρηστοςG5543 GOOD οG3588 THE κυριοςG2962 LORD. . Psalms 9:10, Psalms 24:8, Psalms 63:5, Son 2:3, Zechariah 9:17, Hebrews 6:5, Hebrews 6:6 2 Samuel 19:35 - can I discern Job 12:11 - Doth Psalms 34:8 - taste Romans 12:2 - prove 2 Corinthians 12:16 - being1 Peter 2:3 If so be ye have tasted. Sometimes an infant just arrived in the world will seem disinclined to receive the milk that nature had provided. But if the attendant is patient and urges the babe until he gets a taste he will not require to be urged further. Frequently we observe disciples who seem indifferent about the spiritual food which has been provided for them. It is fair to conclude that such persons have not as yet even tasted of the milk of the word, and hence they do not realize how precious or agreeable to the spiritual palate such nourishment is. If ye have tasted (ei egeusasthe). Condition of first class with ei and first aorist middle indicative of geuτ in figurative sense as in Hebrews 6:4-5. “A taste excites the appetite” (Bengel). ——————————————————————————– Gracious (chrηstos). Quotation from Psalms 34:8. The Hebrew for the LXX chrηstos is simply tobh (good). Plato used the word for food also, and Peter carries out the metaphor in gala (milk) as in Luke 5:39.

1 Peter 2:4-10

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Jesus: Cornerstone, Or Stumblingstone? (1 Peter 2:4-10)

1. When the infant Jesus was being presented to the Lord at the temple, an interesting statement was made concerning Him by Simeon:

“Behold, this Child in destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel…” (Luke 2:34) 2. In other words, Jesus was destined to have different effects on different people… a. To some, He would be the cause of their rising b. For others, He would be their down fall

3. In 1 Peter 2:4-10, the apostle Peter expands upon this same theme… a. To some people, Jesus serves as a “cornerstone” b. To others, He is a “stumblingstone”.

[What’s the difference? Well…]

I. TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE, JESUS IS A "" A. HE IS A “LIVING STONE” (1 Peter 2:4)1. Which was rejected by men a. As stated by John in John 1:10-11b. Instead, they crucified Him 2. And yet, He was chosen by God, considered to be precious a. As foretold in Psalms 118:22, God has taken that which was rejected by men and made it the “cornerstone” b. The cornerstone of what?

B. THE "" OF A GREAT HOUSE OR TEMPLE (1 Peter 2 :5-6)1. Upon which we are being built 2. The same thought or illustration is used by the apostle Paul

• 1 Corinthians 3:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-223. As this spiritual house built upon Christ, we fulfill certain responsibilities… a. We serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God, e.g.:

1. Our bodies - Romans 12:1-22) Our praise - Hebrews 13:153) Our doing good and sharing - Hebrews 13:164) Even our deaths - 2 Timothy 4:6-8b. We therefore serve as God’s special people (9-10)
2. With a special task of proclaiming the praises of God
3. For by His grace… a) We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light b) We who were not a people, are now the people of God c) We have obtained mercy!

C. JESUS IS ALSO THE ROCK UPON WHICH WE AS BUILD OUR LIVES - Matthew 7:24-271. By following His teachings, we are able to establish our lives on solid ground 2. And this enables us to withstand the “storms” of life

[So in more ways than one, Jesus is truly a “cornerstone” to those who believe in Him and follow Him.

But what about those who do not believe in Jesus, who do not make Him the “cornerstone” of their lives?]

II. TO THOSE WHO , JESUS IS A "" A. THERE IS NO OTHER (1 Peter 2:7-8)1. Either Jesus is the cornerstone… a. Upon which we are being built as stones in His temple (the church) b. Upon which we are building our lives by following His teaching 2. Or He will be the “stumblingstone” over which we will meet our doom!

B. THAT JESUS WOULD BE A TO SOME…1. Was foretold by Isaiah, who Peter quotes - cf. Isaiah 8:13-152. We saw that Simeon also foresaw the same thing when Jesus was presented in the temple as a newborn - Luke 2:343. Even Jesus saw Himself as this stumblingstone - Matthew 21:42-44 C. SADLY, JESUS HAS BECOME A TO ISRAEL…1. Cf. Romans 9:30-33; 1 Corinthians 1:232. Jesus was a stumbling block to many of the Jews because… a. They thought that they could attain righteousness by keeping the Law b. They could not accept the need for a suffering Messiah to atone for their sins!

D. IN A SIMILAR WAY, JESUS IS A FOR MANY PEOPLE TODAY…1. Pride prevents them from accepting Jesus on His terms! 2. They think that they can please God and go to heaven on the basis of their good deeds 3. Therefore, they are unwilling… a. To confess their sinfulness, and their need for Jesus Christ b. To turn their lives over to Jesus, and to do His Will

E. THE SAD PART IS THIS: TO THOSE WHO STUMBLE BY BEING , DOOM AWAITS!1. For such doom has been appointed by God - 1 Peter 2:82. Such is logically necessary, for without Christ… a. We will die in our own sins - cf. John 8:24b. Righteous punishment can only follow - cf. Revelation 20:11-15

1. We often sing “Jesus, Rock of Ages,” for truly Jesus is like a rock. But what kind of rock is He to us?

2. If we are willing to believe and obey Jesus, He can be the … a. Upon which we can be added as part of His church, the spiritual temple b. Upon which can build our lives so as to have a full and meaningful life

3. But if we disbelieve and are disobedient. then by necessity Jesus will be our … a. Over which we will fall b. Under which we will be broken and be ground to powder

There is no middle ground. What will Jesus be for you? Are you obedient to His Word?

1 Peter 2:5

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Spiritual Sacrifices Acceptable To God (1 Peter 2:5)

1. An important principle taught in the New Testament is that of “The Priesthood Of All Believers.” a. It is true that under the Law of Moses there was a distinction made between priests the common people b. Even today, many religions professing to be “Christian” have developed a clergy-laity distinction c. But the New Testament teaches otherwise - Revelation 1:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9

2. The fact is, in Christ we are ALL “clergy” a. I used to say that we had no clergy in the church, but in reality we have no “laity” b. Does this mean we are all free to use “clergy-parking”? I’ll let you discuss that with the security guards at the hospitals!

3. As “a royal priesthood”, our responsibilities are described in 1 Peter 2:5a. “to offer up spiritual sacrifices” b. “sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”

4. My goal in this lesson… a. Is to make sure that we understand our duties as “a holy priesthood” b. And to encourage us to carry them out faithfully

[Let’s take a closer look at the idea of “spiritual sacrifices”…]

I. A. TYPES OF TO BE OFFERED BY …1. Our bodies, as “living sacrifices” - Romans 12:1-22. A lifestyle characterized by sacrificial love - Ephesians 5:1-23. Praise and thanksgiving, which we do in prayer and song - He 13:154. Doing good and sharing with others - Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 4:15-185. Even in the way we die for the Lord! - Philippians 1:20; Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6 B. THE PURPOSE OF THESE …1. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered for one of two reasons… a. For those OUT of fellowship with God, to restore them back to the Lord b. For those IN fellowship with God, to express thanksgiving, praise, love and devotion 2. But in the New Testament… a. Only Jesus can provide the sacrifice needed to restore us back to God - Hebrews 10:11-18b. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that our sacrifices are not to “remove sin” or in any other way to try to “earn our way” into heaven! 3. Rather, to express thanksgiving and praise, love and devotion, for the goodness and mercy God has shown to us!

[Such is the nature of the “spiritual sacrifices” we offer to God. But as our text says, they must be “acceptable to God”.

We can learn some valuable lessons from the Book of Malachi about what constitutes “acceptable sacrifices”…]

II. TO GOD A. IT MUST BE THE BEST WE HAVE TO OFFER - Malachi 1:6-81. Otherwise we despise the Name of God by offering “defiled food” 2. Would we render the same kind of service to our employers, etc.? 3. If not, God would rather someone “shut the doors” or let someone else serve Him - cf. Malachi 1:9-11 B. IT MUST BE OFFERED WITH AND ZEAL

• Malachi 1:12-131. Lack of zeal is evidence of lack of sincerity!

2. Lack of both results in offering “blemished sacrifices”, which brings a curse from Him who deserves proper reverence - Malachi 1:14-2:93. How does this apply to our spiritual sacrifices? a. Like singing praises? b. Like doing good to others?

C. IT MUST BE OFFERED IN WITH LIVES - Malachi 2:13-161. The priests of Malachi’s day had been quick to divorce their wives 2. Even Peter taught that our treatment of wives would have a bearing on the effectiveness of our prayers - 1 Peter 3:73. This can be applied to many other things as well - cf. Psalms 41:1-3

1. Some in Malachi’s day did not think it of any value to serve the Lord faithfully - Malachi 3:13-15
2. But others heeded his words, and it is touching to read what was said about them - Malachi 3:16-18
3. Shall we be among those who serve God? May we never forget that in the sight of God we are to be “a royal priesthood”, called to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”!

May God help us to truly be one of His “jewels”!

1 Peter 2:6

1 Peter 2:61 Pe 2:6 διοG1352 καιG2532 ALSO περιεχειG4023 [G5719] IT IS ενG1722 IN τηG3588 THE γραφηG1124 : ιδουG2400 [G5628] BEHOLD, τιθημιG5087 [G5719] I PLACE ενG1722 IN σιωνG4622 SION λιθονG3037 A STONE ακρογωνιαιονG204 CORNER, εκλεκτονG1588 CHOSEN, εντιμονG1784 : καιG2532 AND οG3588 HE THAT πιστευωνG4100 [G5723] επG1909 ON αυτωG846 HIM ουG3756 μηG3361 IN NO WISE καταισχυνθηG2617 [G5686] SHOULD BE PUT TO SHAME. . it: Daniel 10:21, Mark 12:10, John 7:38, Acts 1:16, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20, 2 Peter 3:16 Behold: 1 Peter 2:4, Isaiah 28:16, Zechariah 10:4, Romans 9:32, Romans 9:33, Ephesians 2:20 elect: Psalms 89:19, Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 12:18, Luke 23:35, Ephesians 1:4 shall: Psalms 40:14, Isaiah 41:11, Isaiah 45:16, Isaiah 45:17, Isaiah 50:7, Isaiah 54:4 Deuteronomy 32:4 - the Rock 1 Kings 5:17 - costly stones 1 Kings 8:1 - out of the city Psalms 2:12 - Blessed Psalms 22:5 - and were Psalms 25:2 - O Psalms 36:7 - excellent Psalms 71:1 - do I Psalms 119:116 - and let me Psalms 119:165 - nothing shall offend them Proverbs 9:1 - builded Son 5:16 - most Isaiah 46:13 - salvation Isaiah 49:23 - for they Jeremiah 12:17 - if Joe 2:27 - and my Zephaniah 3:11 - shalt thou Luke 23:42 - Lord Acts 4:11 - the stone Romans 10:11 - Whosoever 1 Corinthians 3:11 - General James 2:23 - the scripture 1 Peter 2:6 The apostle now quotes from Isaiah 28:16 to show that even while the Mosaic service was in force, the Lord was planning on another one to come and made predictions con­cerning the same. Lay in Sion (or Zion). This literally refers to the city of Jerusalem as a wdiole. and some­times to a particular portion of the city designated as the “city of David.” The church was started in the city of Jerusalem and hence it is often re­ferred to as “Mount Zion” (Hebrews 12:22). A conclusion is given us therefore that the foundation stone (Christ) was to be laid in the church. Chief corner stone. The corner stone of a building was imoortant because it served to unite the walls into one structure.

Christ is called the elect because the word means “pointed or picked out. chosen.” God chose his Son to be the chief corner stone of the final building to be erected in the Christian Dispensation. It is a precious stone because of the valuable benefits it will furnish those who will accent them. To he confounded is de­fined by Thaver “To be put to shame.” On the day of iudgement The Lord Jesus Christ will put to shame all those who refused to believe in Him in this world, since unbelief indicates they’ are ashamed of Him (Luke 9:26). It is contained (periechei). Present active (here intransitive, to contain, only N.T. example) of periechτ, old verb, to surround, transitive in Luke 5:9 to seize (only other N.T. example). The formula with periechei is in Josephus (Ant. XI. 7). This Scripture (en graphηi) is Isaiah 28:16 with some changes. Peter had in 1 Peter 2:4 already quoted eklekton and entimon.

Now note akrogτniaion (a chief corner stone), a word apparently invented by Isaiah (from akros, highest, and gτniaios, Attic word for corner stone). Paul in Ephes. 2:20 uses the same word, making Christ the chief corner stone (the only other N.T. example). In Isaiah the metaphor is rather a foundation stone. Peter and Paul make it “the primary foundation stone at the structure” (W. W. Lloyd). ——————————————————————————– On him (ep’ autτi).

That is, “on it” (this corner stone, that is, Christ). ——————————————————————————– Shall not be put to shame (ou mη kataischunthηi). Strong negatives ou mη with first aorist passive subjunctive of kataischunτ, old verb, to put to shame (Romans 5:5).

1 Peter 2:7

1 Peter 2:71 Pe 2:7 υμινG5213 TO YOU ουνG3767 “IS” ηG3588 THE τιμηG5092 τοιςG3588 WHO πιστευουσινG4100 [G5723] BELIEVE; απειθουσινG544 [G5723] TO “THOSE” δεG1161 BUT, “THE” λιθονG3037 STONE ονG3739 WHICH απεδοκιμασανG593 [G5656] οιG3588 THOSE οικοδομουντεςG3618 [G5723] , ουτοςG3778 THIS εγενηθηG1096 [G5675] ειςG1519 BECAME κεφαληνG2776 HEAD γωνιαςG1137 OF “THE” CORNER, . you: 1 Peter 1:8, Son 5:9-16, Haggai 2:7, Matthew 13:44-46, John 4:42, John 6:68, John 6:69, Philippians 3:7-10 precious: or, an honour, Isaiah 28:5, Luke 2:32 which be: 1 Peter 2:8, Acts 26:19, Romans 10:21, Romans 15:31, *marg. Titus 3:3, Hebrews 4:11, Hebrews 11:31, *marg. the stone: Psalms 118:22, Psalms 118:23, Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Mark 12:11, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, Acts 4:12 the head: Zechariah 4:7, Colossians 2:10 Numbers 5:10 - hallowed things 1 Samuel 18:30 - set by 1 Kings 5:17 - costly stones Psalms 2:3 - General Psalms 36:7 - excellent Son 1:7 - O thou Son 5:16 - most Isaiah 19:13 - stay Isaiah 28:13 - that Daniel 2:34 - a stone Hosea 14:9 - but Malachi 3:2 - who may abide Mark 8:29 - But Luke 2:34 - set Luke 7:23 - General Luke 23:42 - Lord John 16:14 - glorify Acts 4:28 - to do Romans 9:33 - Behold 1 Corinthians 16:22 - love 2 Corinthians 2:16 - the savour of death Ephesians 2:20 - Jesus Philippians 3:8 - the excellency 1 Timothy 1:9 - disobedient 1 Peter 1:7 - precious 1 Peter 2:4 - precious 2 Peter 1:1 - have1 Peter 2:7 An unbeliver sees nothing prec;ous or of special honor in Jesus for his interests are in the vain things of this world. That is why Paul says a man must become a believer before he can come to God (Hebrews 11:6). Note that a disobedient person is placed opposite a believer, and that is because all disobedience is charged to unbelief. The various acts of disobedience that the Israelites committed in the wilderness kept them out of the land of Canaan and Paul sums it up with one word “unbelief” (Hebrews 3:19). But the disobedience of unbelievers will not affect the authority of the stone which the Lord chose to be the head of the corner.. The preciousness (hη timη). Or “the honour.” Explanation of entimon and ou mη kataischunthηi and only true “for you which believe” (tois pisteuousin ethical dative of articular present active participle of pisteuτ to believe). ——————————————————————————– But for such as disbelieve (apistousin de). Dative present active participle again of apisteτ, opposite of pisteuτ (Luke 24:11). ——————————————————————————– Was made the head of the corner (egenηthη eis kephalηn gτnias). This verse is from Psalms 118:22 with evident allusion to Isaiah 28:16 (kephalηn gτnias = akrogτniaion). See Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17, where Jesus himself quotes Psalms 118:22 and applies the rejection of the stone by the builders (hoi oikodomountes, the experts) to the Sanhedrin’s conduct toward him. Peter quoted it also (and applied it as Jesus had done) in his speech at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 4:11). Here he quotes it again to the same purpose.

1 Peter 2:8

1 Peter 2:81 Pe 2:8 καιG2532 AND λιθοςG3037 A STONE προσκομματοςG4348 OF καιG2532 AND πετραG4073 A ROCK σκανδαλουG4625 OF OFFENCE; οιG3739 WHO προσκοπτουσινG4350 [G5719] STUMBLE AT τωG3588 THE λογωG3056 WORD, απειθουντεςG544 [G5723] BEING , ειςG1519 TO οG3739 WHICH καιG2532 ALSO ετεθησανG5087 [G5681] THEY WERE . . a stone: Isaiah 8:14, Isaiah 57:14, Luke 2:34, Romans 9:32, Romans 9:33, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 2:16 being: 1 Peter 2:7 whereunto: Exodus 9:16, Romans 9:22, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 2 Peter 2:3, Jude 1:4 Exodus 4:21 - I will harden Deuteronomy 32:35 - their foot 2 Kings 18:12 - they obeyed not 2 Chronicles 25:20 - it came of God Job 23:14 - appointed Psalms 2:3 - General Psalms 69:22 - a trap Proverbs 4:12 - thou shalt Proverbs 16:4 - yea Proverbs 19:21 - nevertheless Proverbs 21:30 - General Isaiah 28:13 - that Isaiah 37:26 - how I Jeremiah 6:21 - I will Jeremiah 13:16 - your Ezekiel 3:20 - and I lay Ezekiel 14:3 - and put Hosea 14:9 - but Malachi 3:2 - who may abide Matthew 5:30 - offend Matthew 11:6 - whosoever Matthew 21:44 - whosoever Mark 12:10 - The stone Luke 7:23 - General Luke 20:17 - The stone John 3:19 - because John 16:1 - General Acts 2:23 - being Acts 4:28 - to do Romans 10:16 - But they Romans 10:21 - a disobedient Galatians 5:11 - the offence Ephesians 2:20 - Jesus Ephesians 5:6 - disobedience Hebrews 11:31 - believed not 1 Peter 4:17 - obey 2 Peter 3:16 - unto their own Revelation 2:14 - a stumblingblock1 Peter 2:8 Stone of stumbliny and rock of Offence. No part of the Bible must be interpreted in a way that will contradict another part. God does not want the anyone to do wrong or be lost (2 Peter 3:9); but man can be saved only through Christ, and there­fore it was necessary that He be sent into the world. If His presence is so objectionable to some that they permit Him to be a stone over which they stumble the Lord cannot be blamed for it. Stumble at the word specifies in what way certain men stumble; it is at His word. People do not like to obey that which interferes with their sinful life and hence it becomes a stumbling stone to them. James Mac- knight translates a part of his verse as follows: “ The disobedient stumble against the word, to which verily they were appointed.” The thought is that they were not appointed to be disobedient. but to stumble at the word because of their disobedience. And (kai). Peter now quotes Isaiah 8:14 and gives a new turn to the previous quotation. To the disbelieving, Christ was indeed “a stone of stumbling (lithos proskommatos) and rock of offence (petra skandalou),” quoted also by Paul in Romans 9:32-33, which see for discussion. Proskomma (from proskoptτ, to cut against) is an obstacle against which one strikes by accident, while skandalon is a trap set to trip one, but both make one fall. Too much distinction need not be made between lithos (a loose stone in the path) and petra (a ledge rising out of the ground). ——————————————————————————– For they (hoi). Causal use of the relative pronoun. ——————————————————————————– Stumble at the word, being disobedient (proskoptousin tτi logτi apeithountes).

Present active indicative of proskoptτ with dative case, logτi, and present active participle of apeitheτ (cf. apistousin in 1 Peter 2:7) as in 1 Peter 3:1. Tτi logτi can be construed with apeithountes (stumble, being disobedient to the word). ——————————————————————————– Whereunto also they were appointed (eis ho kai etethηsan). First aorist passive indicative of tithηmi. See this idiom in 1 Timothy 2:7. “Their disobedience is not ordained, the penalty of their disobedience is” (Bigg). They rebelled against God and paid the penalty.

1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:91 Pe 2:9 υμειςG5210 δεG1161 BUT YE γενοςG1085 “ARE” A RACE εκλεκτονG1588 CHOSEN, βασιλειονG934 A KINGLY ιερατευμαG2406 , εθνοςG1484 A NATION αγιονG40 HOLY, λαοςG2992 A PEOPLE ειςG1519 FOR περιποιησινG4047 A , οπωςG3704 THAT ταςG3588 THE αρεταςG703 VIRTUES εξαγγειλητεG1804 [G5661] YE MIGHT SET FORTH τουG3588 OF HIM WHO εκG1537 OUT OF σκοτουςG4655 υμαςG5209 YOU καλεσαντοςG2564 [G5660] CALLED ειςG1519 TO τοG3588 θαυμαστονG2298 αυτουG846 HIS φωςG5457 LIGHT; . a chosen: 1 Peter 1:2, Deuteronomy 10:15, Psalms 22:30, Psalms 33:12, Psalms 73:15, Isaiah 41:8, Isaiah 44:1 a royal: Exodus 19:5, Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 61:6, Isaiah 66:21, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 20:6 an holy: Psalms 106:5, Isaiah 26:2, John 17:19, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Timothy 1:9 peculiar: or, purchased, Deuteronomy 4:20, Deuteronomy 7:6, Deuteronomy 14:2, Deuteronomy 26:18, Deuteronomy 26:19, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:14, Titus 2:14 show: 1 Peter 4:11, Isaiah 43:21, Isaiah 60:1-3, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 3:21, Philippians 2:15, Philippians 2:16 praises: or, virtues who: Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 60:1, Isaiah 60:2, Matthew 4:16, Luke 1:79, Acts 26:28, Romans 9:24, Ephesians 5:8-11, Philippians 3:14, Colossians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 Genesis 8:20 - builded Genesis 34:7 - wrought Exodus 10:23 - but all Exodus 15:16 - which thou Exodus 28:36 - Leviticus 6:18 - every one Leviticus 8:13 - Moses Leviticus 11:44 - ye shall Leviticus 14:14 - General Leviticus 20:24 - which Leviticus 21:6 - holy Numbers 5:10 - hallowed things Numbers 15:41 - General Numbers 16:7 - that the man Numbers 23:9 - dwell alone Numbers 25:13 - an everlasting Deuteronomy 18:2 - the Lord Deuteronomy 28:9 - establish Deuteronomy 32:9 - the Lord’s Deuteronomy 32:21 - I will 1 Samuel 8:20 - General 2 Samuel 7:23 - went 1 Kings 8:53 - separate 1 Chronicles 16:13 - his chosen 1 Chronicles 16:35 - that we may give 1 Chronicles 17:22 - thy people Psalms 4:3 - that the Psalms 14:5 - the generation Psalms 18:28 - my God Psalms 24:6 - This is Psalms 31:21 - marvellous Psalms 36:9 - in thy Psalms 45:13 - king’s Psalms 45:16 - princes Psalms 50:14 - Offer Psalms 50:23 - Whoso Psalms 86:9 - glorify Psalms 100:3 - we are his Psalms 102:18 - the people Psalms 102:21 - General Psalms 105:6 - his chosen Psalms 107:14 - brought Psalms 107:22 - sacrifice Psalms 118:2 - General Psalms 118:27 - showed Psalms 135:4 - the Lord Psalms 145:7 - abundantly Psalms 145:10 - and thy saints Psalms 146:8 - openeth Psalms 147:20 - not dealt so Psalms 148:14 - a people Proverbs 30:11 - a generation Son 4:16 - Let Isaiah 4:3 - shall be Isaiah 19:21 - and shall Isaiah 29:18 - the deaf Isaiah 32:16 - General Isaiah 35:8 - The way Isaiah 42:6 - a light Isaiah 42:7 - to bring Isaiah 43:4 - precious Isaiah 43:7 - for my Isaiah 43:20 - my chosen Isaiah 44:5 - the name Isaiah 48:12 - my called Isaiah 49:3 - General Isaiah 49:9 - to the Isaiah 51:4 - O my Isaiah 55:13 - for a Isaiah 60:6 - they shall show Isaiah 61:3 - that he Isaiah 61:11 - praise Isaiah 62:1 - the righteousness Isaiah 62:12 - The holy Isaiah 63:18 - people Isaiah 65:15 - his servants Jeremiah 2:3 - holiness Jeremiah 13:11 - for a name Jeremiah 17:26 - sacrifices of Jer 31:14 - satiate Jeremiah 33:18 - General Jeremiah 51:19 - the rod Ezekiel 36:23 - when I shall Ezekiel 38:8 - it is Ezekiel 43:19 - the priests Daniel 4:37 - I Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 12:7 - the holy said Hosea 2:23 - and I will have Hosea 14:2 - the calves Zechariah 2:11 - many Zechariah 14:20 - Malachi 3:3 - an Malachi 3:17 - jewels Matthew 21:43 - a nation Mark 5:30 - virtue Mark 8:25 - and saw Luke 1:17 - to make Luke 4:18 - and Luke 6:19 - for Luke 8:46 - for Luke 16:8 - children of light Luke 18:43 - followed John 4:23 - the Father seeketh John 9:39 - that they John 12:23 - The hour John 15:19 - because John 17:10 - and I Acts 13:17 - God Acts 15:14 - to take Acts 26:18 - and to Acts 26:20 - and do Acts 27:23 - whose Romans 1:5 - for his name Romans 1:6 - the called Romans 1:21 - their foolish Romans 5:17 - shall reign Romans 6:17 - that Romans 7:25 - thank God Romans 8:30 - Moreover Romans 9:16 - General Romans 15:8 - truth 1 Corinthians 6:20 - God 2 Corinthians 4:6 - the light 2 Corinthians 4:15 - the abundant 2 Corinthians 6:14 - and what 2 Corinthians 9:13 - they Galatians 5:11 - the offence Ephesians 1:4 - as Philippians 1:11 - are Colossians 3:17 - giving 1 Thessalonians 2:12 - who 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - God 1 Thessalonians 5:8 - who 2 Thessalonians 1:10 - to be glorified 1 Timothy 2:2 - all godliness Hebrews 3:1 - holy Hebrews 8:10 - they shall Hebrews 12:10 - partakers James 1:9 - in James 2:8 - the royal James 3:13 - let 1 Peter 1:15 - as 1 Peter 2:5 - an holy 1 Peter 5:3 - heritage 2 Peter 1:3 - called Revelation 11:1 - Rise Revelation 14:4 - redeemed Revelation 17:14 - and they1 Peter 2:9 The various things said in this verse about disciples of Christ, should cause them to exert themselves to the utmost to live up to the great honor and responsibility. Generation means race or kind, and the Lord has chosen them because they had been “ born again” thus becoming another kind (John 3:3). Royal priesthood means a kingly priesthood. Under the Mosaic law the same man could not be both king and priest (2 Chronicles 26:18), but disciples of Christ are said to be both (Revelation 1:6). Christians are kings (of a secondary order of course) in that they reign under Christ and the anostles (1 Corinthians 4:8). Nation denotes a num­ber of persons living together as a group, and Christians are such having become holy or consecrated to God by obedience to the Gospel.

Peculiar is from a Greek word that means “purchased.” and they are called that be­cause they have been purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). When a man buys something and pays a great price for it. he expects to accomplish something of importance with it. Accordingly the Lord’ s object in purchasing the church was to have an institution equipped for an important work. It was that they should show forth the praises [virtues] of him. etc. This makes it plain that no institution of man has any business to engage in religious in­struction. The church alone, which was obtained by the blood of Christ, bas nnv right to such a glorious work (Ephesians 3:21). But ye (humeis de). In contrast with the disobedient ones. ——————————————————————————– An elect race (genos eklekton). From Isaiah 43:20. The blood relation of the spiritual Israel (not the Jewish race) through the new birth (1 Peter 1:23). ——————————————————————————– A royal priesthood (basileion hierateuma). From Exodus 19:6 (cf. Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). The official in Christian churches is presbuteros = episcopos, not hiereus. We are all hiereis (priests).

Cf. 1 Peter 2:5. ——————————————————————————– A holy nation (ethnos hagion). Also from Exodus 19:6, but here applied, not to the national Israel, but to the spiritual Israel of believers (both Jews and Gentiles). ——————————————————————————– A people for God’s own possession (laos eis peripoiηsin). The idea here occurs in Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18, where we have laos periousios as in Titus 2:14 (alone in the N.T.), and in Malachi 3:17 we find eis peripoiηsin (for a possession). Periousios laos is a people over and above the others and peripoiηsis is a possession in a special sense (Ephes. 1:14). See Paul’s use of periepoiηsato in Acts 20:28. The old rendering, “a peculiar people,” had this idea of possession, for “peculiar” is from pecus (Latin for flock). ——————————————————————————– That ye may shew forth (hopτs exaggeilηte).

Purpose clause with hopτs, rather than hina, with the first aorist active subjunctive of exaggellτ, old verb, to tell out, here alone in N.T. ——————————————————————————– The excellencies (tas aretas). From Isaiah 43:21.

Old word for any preeminence (moral, intellectual, military), often for “virtue,” but not in that sense in the O.T. or the N.T. The word has the sense of moral worth in 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:5; Philippians 4:8; and the Apocrypha. In Isaiah (here quoted) it means praise and glory to God. So also Isaiah 42:12. See Acts 2:11 ta megaleia tou theou (the mighty works of God). ——————————————————————————– Darkness (skotous). Heathenism. ——————————————————————————– His marvellous light (to thaumaston autou phτs). Christianity. For thaumaston (from thaumazτ) see Matthew 21:42.

For the change from heathenism to Christianity see Colossians 1:12; Ephes. 5:8-14. ——————————————————————————– But ye (humeis de). In contrast with the disobedient ones. ——————————————————————————– An elect race (genos eklekton). From Isaiah 43:20. The blood relation of the spiritual Israel (not the Jewish race) through the new birth (1 Peter 1:23). ——————————————————————————– A royal priesthood (basileion hierateuma). From Exodus 19:6 (cf. Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). The official in Christian churches is presbuteros = episcopos, not hiereus. We are all hiereis (priests).

For the change from heathenism to Christianity see Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 5:8-14.

1 Peter 2:10

1 Peter 2:101 Pe 2:10 1 Peter 2:10 οιG3588 WHO ποτεG4218 ONCE ουG3756 “WERE” NOT λαοςG2992 A PEOPLE, νυνG3568 δεG1161 BUT NOW “ARE” λαοςG2992 PEOPLE θεουG2316 GOD’S; οιG3588 WHO ουκG3756 ηλεημενοιG1653 [G5772] HAD NOT MERCY, νυνG3568 δεG1161 BUT NOW ελεηθεντεςG1653 [G5685] MERCY . were: Hosea 1:9, Hosea 1:10, Romans 9:25, Romans 9:26 obtained: Hosea 2:23, Romans 11:6, Romans 11:7, Romans 11:30, 1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Timothy 1:13, Hebrews 4:16 Exodus 6:7 - will take Leviticus 14:14 - General Numbers 15:41 - General Deuteronomy 27:9 - this day Deuteronomy 32:9 - the Lord’s Deuteronomy 32:21 - I will 2 Samuel 7:24 - art become Psalms 18:43 - a people Psalms 102:18 - the people Psalms 118:2 - General Psalms 145:7 - abundantly Psalms 147:20 - not dealt so Son 4:16 - Let Isaiah 19:25 - Blessed Isaiah 35:8 - The way Isaiah 55:13 - for a Isaiah 62:4 - shalt no Isaiah 65:1 - unto Isaiah 65:15 - his servants Jeremiah 17:26 - sacrifices of Dan 4:37 - I Nebuchadnezzar Hosea 1:6 - Loruhamah Hosea 2:1 - Ruhamah Zechariah 2:11 - many Matthew 5:7 - for Matthew 28:20 - them Luke 15:6 - for Luke 19:9 - This day John 10:16 - other John 12:23 - The hour Acts 15:14 - to take Acts 27:23 - whose Romans 1:5 - for his name Romans 4:17 - calleth Romans 9:16 - General Romans 10:19 - First Romans 12:1 - by the Romans 15:8 - truth 2 Corinthians 4:1 - as 2 Corinthians 6:14 - and what Ephesians 1:13 - ye also Ephesians 2:3 - in times 1 Thessalonians 5:4 - are 1 Thessalonians 5:9 - obtain 2 Timothy 2:10 - obtain Titus 3:5 - according Philemon 1:11 - unprofitable Hebrews 4:9 - people Hebrews 11:25 - the people1 Peter 2:10 When in time past were not a people. This clearly indicates that this epistle was not written to Jews since they in the past were the people of God. Had not obtained mercy as a people, although the fam­ilies of the Gentiles v» ere favored when they complied with the require­ments of the Patriarchal Dispensation. Which in time past (hoi pote). “Who once upon a time.” ——————————————————————————– No people (ou laos). This phrase from Hosea 2:23. Note use of ou (not oudeis) with laos like Hebrew negative. ——————————————————————————– Which had not obtained mercy (hoi ouk eleηmenoi). Perfect passive articular participle of eleeτ and the emphatic negative ou, with which compare Paul’s use of Hosea 1; Hosea 2 in Romans 9:25, which may have been known to Peter or not. ——————————————————————————– But now have obtained mercy (nun de eleηthentes). Change to first aorist passive participle from “the long antecedent state” to “the single event of conversion which ended it” (Hort).

1 Peter 2:11-12

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

A Plea To Pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11-12)

1. Having said that as Christians we are… a. “a chosen generation” b. “a royal priesthood” c. “a holy nation” d. God’s “own special people” …Peter makes a heart-felt plea concerning our conduct before those in the world - 1 Peter 2:11-12
2. As we consider this “plea to pilgrims”, remember that Peter is speaking by inspiration; i.e., it is actually GOD who is making this plea!

[Before we examine the plea itself, let’s notice some things mentioned in the passage that serve as…]

I. THE BASIS OF THE PLEA A. YOU ARE “BELOVED”…1. Beloved by whom? a. By Peter, of course - 1 Peter 2:12; cf. also 1 Peter 4:12b. By Paul, James, John, & Jude, all of whom used this same term of endearment c. But most of all, we are beloved of God and Jesus! - cf. Romans 1:7; Colossians 3:122. It is out such human and divine love that this plea is made

B. YOU ARE " AND “…1. You have not yet reached your heavenly home 2. As we will see later, failure to heed the plea will mean you will never reach it! 3. In view of that real possibility, we find this plea made even in form of “begging”!

C. YOU ARE ENGAGED IN WARFARE…1. A war in which “fleshly lusts” wage war against the “soul” 2. The outcome of this “war” will determine whether or not we will reach our heavenly home

D. YOU ARE BEING BY OTHERS…1. Some of which who often speak evil of you (even as they did of Christ) 2. But by heeding this plea, it is possible to cause those very ones who speak evil of you to glorify God in “the day of visitation” a. This “day of visitation” might refer to the Day of Judgment b. In my opinion, it refers to the “day” when God’s grace is shown through a presentation of the gospel to them - cf. Luke 19:44c. In either case, we have an opportunity to bring glory to God by the way we heed this plea

[In view of these four reasons, then, God through Peter is making a heart-felt plea. What is this plea?

It contains two parts, which we shall now look at closely…]

II. THE PLEA ITSELF A. FIRST, THE PLEA BEGS US TO “ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS”…1. The word “abstain” means “to hold one’s self constantly back” 2. From what are we to abstain? a. “Fleshly lusts”, some of which are defined by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21b. Notice that they involve more than just “sexual” sins (such as fornication) c. They also include sins of the “emotions” (hatred, outbursts of wrath, jealousies, envy, etc.) 3. Why must we “hold ourselves constantly back” from these things? a. According to Peter, they “wage war against the soul” b. According to Paul, they can keep us out of the kingdom of God! - cf. Galatians 5:21c. So if we want to succeed in our spiritual “pilgrimage” and reach our heavenly destination, we must heed this “plea to pilgrims”! 4. How can one abstain from fleshly lusts? In his epistles, Paul explains how… a. Keep your mind on the things of the Spirit, and not on the things of the flesh - Romans 8:5-6b. Grow in Christ, and don’t provide opportunities for the fulfillment of fleshly lusts - Romans 13:13-14c. Should such opportunities arise, flee them (remember Joseph and Potiphar’s wife?), and pursue after that which is good

• cf. 2 Timothy 2:22 [By following Paul’s advice, we can win the “war” between the flesh and soul, and successfully complete our pilgrimage!

But abstaining from fleshly lusts is not the only thing expected of God’s pilgrims…]

B. THE PLEA ALSO BEGS US TO “HAVE CONDUCT”…1. The word “honorable” (“honest”, KJV) in the Greek is “kalos” a. It means that which is good, beautiful, harmonious, and lovely b. I.e., our conduct is to be something beautiful and refreshing to behold 2. We can have conduct that is “honorable”… a. If on the one hand, we abstain from “fleshly lusts” b. And on the other hand, we do “good works” (“good” is the same word in the Greek as “honorable”) 3. We have seen what are “fleshly lusts”, what “good works” can we do that are beautiful to behold? a. We can see to the needs of those who are poor, fatherless, widowed, sick, and otherwise afflicted - cf. James 1:27b. We can demonstrate love and hospitality to brethren, friends, neighbors, even strangers - Hebrews 13:1-3c. We can react kindly to those who despise us, speak evil of us, and mistreat us - Luke 6:27-314. The effect of such conduct is that it will likely prompt others to glorify God! a. As Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:16b. Even those who at the present may speak against us as evildoers! - 1 Peter 2:12

1. By heeding this “plea to pilgrims” as found in 1 Peter 2:11-12, it is possible to accomplish several things at the same time… a. We can save ourselves b. We can glorify God c. We might even help save those who presently speak evil of us!

2. As the “people of God” who have “obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:10), can we do any less? a. Abstain, then, from those fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul! b. Conduct yourselves, then, in ways that are honorable and a thing of beauty for others to behold! – In so doing, you will ensure the successful completion of your spiritual pilgrimage!

Speaking of the mercy of God, have you received the mercy that comes through the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit”?

• cf. Titus 3:4-7

1 Peter 2:12

1 Peter 2:121 Pe 2:12 τηνG3588 αναστροφηνG391 υμωνG5216 YOUR MANNER OF LIFE ενG1722 AMONG τοιςG3588 THE εθνεσινG1484 NATIONS εχοντεςG2192 [G5723] HAVING καληνG2570 RIGHT ιναG2443 THAT ενG1722 ωG3739 WHEREIN καταλαλουσινG2635 [G5719] THEY SPEAK AGAINST υμωνG5216 YOU ωςG5613 AS κακοποιωνG2555 EVIL DOERS, εκG1537 τωνG3588 THROUGH “YOUR” καλωνG2570 GOOD εργωνG2041 WORKS εποπτευσαντεςG2029 [G5660] HAVING δοξασωσινG1392 [G5661] τονG3588 THEY MAY GLORIFY θεονG2316 GOD ενG1722 IN “THE” ημεραG2250 DAY επισκοπηςG1984 OF . . your conversation: 1 Peter 3:2, Psalms 37:14, Psalms 50:23, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Ephesians 2:3, Ephesians 4:22, Philippians 1:27, 1 Timothy 4:12, Hebrews 13:5, James 3:13, 2 Peter 3:11 honest: Romans 12:17, Romans 13:13, 2 Corinthians 8:21, 2 Corinthians 13:7, Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:2, Hebrews 13:18 among: Genesis 13:7, Genesis 13:8, Philippians 2:15, Philippians 2:16 that: 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:16, 1 Peter 4:14-16, Matthew 5:11, Matthew 10:25, Luke 6:22, Acts 24:5, Acts 24:6, Acts 24:13, Acts 25:7 whereas: or, wherein they may: Matthew 5:16, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:8 glorify: 1 Peter 4:11, Psalms 50:23, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 14:25 the day: Luke 1:68, Luke 19:44, Acts 15:14 Genesis 31:37 - set it here Genesis 43:21 - we have Exodus 3:16 - visited Rth 1:6 - visited Rth 3:14 - Let it not 1 Samuel 29:6 - thou hast Nehemiah 5:9 - reproach Nehemiah 6:6 - It is reported Psalms 8:4 - visitest Ecclesiastes 9:12 - man Son 2:2 - General Son 8:8 - in the day Isaiah 10:3 - the day Daniel 6:4 - but Zechariah 10:3 - visited Matthew 26:10 - a good Mark 14:6 - a good John 15:8 - is Acts 28:22 - for Ephesians 2:10 - good Ephesians 4:29 - minister Philippians 1:11 - are 1 Timothy 2:10 - with 1 Timothy 5:10 - good 1 Timothy 6:1 - that the 2 Timothy 2:9 - as Titus 2:10 - adorn Titus 2:12 - denying Titus 2:14 - zealous Philemon 1:6 - the acknowledging 1 Peter 1:15 - in 1 Peter 2:15 - with 1 Peter 4:4 - speaking 2 Peter 2:2 - evil 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation (conduct) honest (righteous) among the Gentiles. These disciples were Gentiles in the sense of not being Jews according to the flesh, but the word is from ethnos which means the heathen nations generally who had not accepted the Gospel. Speak against you. The heathen people were in the habit of speaking evil of the Chris­tians because they would not mix with them in their sinful practices. (See 1 Peter 4:4). Good works which they shall behold. When the test comes upon these disciples in the form of persecutions (the day of visitation), and the heathen see how they are patient and law abiding, it will dis­prove the false charges they have been making. It will then be evident that such a conduct is caused by their faith in God and as a result these heathen accusers will give God the glory. Seemly (kalηn). Predicate adjective with anastrophηn, for which see 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 1:18. The Gentiles are on the watch for slips in moral conduct by the Christians. ——————————————————————————– That (hina). Final conjunction with doxasτsin (they may glorify, first aorist active subjunctive of doxazτ, the purpose of the Christians about the Gentiles. ——————————————————————————– Wherein (en hτi). “In what thing.” ——————————————————————————– As evil-doers (hτs kakopoiτn). As they did and do, old word (from kakon and poieτ, John 18:30), in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:14 in correct text. Heathen talk against us (katalalousin) gleefully. ——————————————————————————– By your good works (ek tτn kalτn ergτn). “Out of (as a result of) your good (beautiful) deeds.” ——————————————————————————– Which they behold (epopteuontes).

Present active participle of epopteuτ, old verb (from, epoptηs, overseer, spectator, 2 Peter 1:16), to be an overseer, to view carefully, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 3:2. ——————————————————————————– In the day of visitation (en hηmerβi episkopηs). From Isaiah 10:33. Cf. its use in Luke 19:44, which see for the word episkopη (from episkopeτ, to inspect (Hebrews 12:15). Clear echo here of Mat 5:16.

1 Peter 2:13-17

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (1 Peter 2:13-17)

1. Throughout our study in 1st Peter, we have noticed that as “pilgrims” those who are Christians have many blessings and responsibilities

2. For example, in our previous study we saw that as “pilgrims and sojourners” we are to have our conduct honorable among those with whom we live

3. But what about our responsibilities to those governments of men under which we live?

4. When our true citizenship is in heaven, do we have any responsibilities to the countries on earth?

[Peter addresses this very question in 1 Peter 2:13-17…]

I. THE ’ IN ONE WORD: SUBMIT! (1 Peter 2:13-14) A. WE ARE TO SUBMIT “TO EVERY OF MAN”…1. The word “submit”… a. Means “be subject to,” signifying “to place one’s self under subjection; to render one’s self subordinate” b. This will not be the only time in this epistle that Christians will be told to be submissive - cf. 1 Peter 2:18; 1 Peter 3:1; 1 Peter 5:52. In this case, we are told to submit “to every ordinance of man” a. The word “ordinance” literally means “a creation”

1. The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to describe the appointment of officers as the “creation” of them
2. Therefore, the expression “ordinance” actually refers… a) Not to a particular law passed by government b) But to the civil government or institution itself
3. Cf. the NASV, “to every human institution” b. Note also, we are to submit to EVERY human institution
4. Whether it be a monarchy, democracy, or totalitarian state
5. The responsibility of pilgrims is still the same: submit!

B. THE APOSTLE PAUL TAUGHT THE SAME …1. We are to be subject to the governing authorities (“higher powers”, KJV) - Romans 13:12. We MUST be subject, and show such submission by paying taxes and customs, and showing respect and honor to our officials - Romans 13:5-7 [Our responsibility as pilgrims to the governments of men under which we live is quite simple: submit to them.

But submission is not always an easy thing to do. What reasons do Peter and Paul give that might motivate us to submit to our governments as we should?]

II. REASONS WHY WE MUST SUBMIT (1 Peter 2:15-17) A. PETER GIVES US TWO GOOD REASONS…1. First and foremost, “this is the will of God” - 1 Peter 2:15 aa. Cf. also, “for the Lord’s sake” - 1 Peter 2:13b. That ought to suffice for all true servants of God c. But Peter does explain why this is the Lord’s will… 2. That we may “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men”

• 1 Peter 2:15 ba. Because of their allegiance to a heavenly King, Christians are often falsely accused of sedition or treason - e.g., Acts 17:5-8b. By doing good (e.g., submitting to the governing authorities), we can “silence” (lit., muzzle) such ignorant charges

B. PAUL GIVES US ANOTHER GOOD REASON…1. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God!

• Romans 13:1a. This truth is emphasized in the book of Daniel - cf. Daniel 2:20-21; 4:17,25a,32ab. Even those that are evil, which God uses for His divine purposes and then replaces - cf. Exodus 9:16 (Egypt); Isaiah 10:5-12 (Assyria)

2. This being the case, to resist the government means to resist God Himself! - Romans 13:2-4 [So lest we find ourselves resisting against God Himself, let God’s “pilgrims” freely submit to the powers ruling over them. In so doing, we will also silence those who might falsely accuse us of wrong-doing.

But is the principle of submission to government without exception? Is there ever a time when Christians are justified in refusing to obey governmental authorities? From Peter himself, we learn…]

III. THE TO THE RULE A. IT IS NOT " IS …“1. Consider the government and conditions under which Peter and Paul wrote: a. The government was totalitarian, with Nero as ruler, an evil, despotic emperor b. Under his reign, Christians suffered greatly - cf. 1 Peter 4:12-13; 1 Peter 5:8-9c. Eventually, even Peter himself was crucified, and Paul was beheaded 2. Under such oppressive governments, our responsibilities remain clear: a. We are to submit b. We are to pray for our rulers, that peace may prevail - cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2c. Who knows? Perhaps God who “removes kings and raises up kings” will answer our prayers and give us rulers who are good and just!

B. THE : WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN!1. As illustrated by Peter and the rest of the apostles - cf. Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:27-292. Only when government tries to force us to disobey God, must we then disobey the government 3. Even then, it is only the particular laws designed to force us to disobey God that we have a right to break; we have no authority to break other laws in protest 4. Rather, we are charged to pray for those in authority, and submit to them in all other areas

1. Such is our responsibility as pilgrims under whatever government we may find ourselves as we sojourn here on earth a. Even though we have liberty and freedom in Christ, we should use that freedom in serving the Lord - cf. 1 Peter 2:16b. As we do so, we will show honor and respect to those in authority

• cf. 1 Peter 2:17

2. Of course, we who live in countries that allow freedom of religion should be especially quick to show our respect and submission, and to thank God daily for this wonderful privilege!

Speaking of freedom of religion, are we taking advantage of such freedom by rendering obedience to God? Perhaps there are those who have not yet done so… - cf. He 5:9

1 Peter 2:14

1 Peter 2:141 Pe 2:14 ειτεG1535 OR ηγεμοσινG2232 TO ωςG5613 AS διG1223 BY αυτουG846 HIM πεμπομενοιςG3992 [G5746] SENT, ειςG1519 FOR εκδικησινG1557 μενG3303 " ON " κακοποιωνG2555 EVIL DOERS, επαινονG1868 δεG1161 AND PRAISE “TO” αγαθοποιωνG17 WELL DOERS; . for the punishment: Romans 13:3, Romans 13:4 Numbers 16:12 - General Judges 18:7 - magistrate 1 Samuel 10:25 - General 2 Chronicles 19:5 - General Nehemiah 13:21 - I will lay Isaiah 53:2 - he hath no Daniel 6:1 - Darius 1 Corinthians 11:17 - I praise 1 Thessalonians 2:2 - shamefully 2 Timothy 2:9 - as 1 Peter 4:2 - no 2 Peter 2:10 - despise1 Peter 2:14 Or unto governors refers to the deputies or other executioners acting under the supreme ruler. In either case the obligation of obedience is the same on the part of the dis­ciples. This verse shows two objects of government and they are summed up in the words punishment and praise. The first is classified as the penal code and is the one being considered in 1 Timothy 1:9-10. The second is for the encouragement of those who wish to be good citizens. The two parts of government are denoted also in Romans 13:3.

All this disproves a theory that we would not need any government if everybody lived right­eously. The human family could not continue in an orderly manner with­out some form of government, and hence the Lord’ s people are required to respect that form under which they are living. Unto governors (hηgemosin). Dative again of hηgemτn, a leader (from hηgeomai, to lead), old and common word (Matthew 10:18). ——————————————————————————– As sent by him (hτs di’ autou pempomenois). Present passive participle of pempτ. Di’ autou is “by God,” as Jesus made plain to Pilate; even Pilate received his authority ultimately “from above” (John 18:11). ——————————————————————————– For vengeance on evil-doers (eis ekdikηsin kakopoiτn). Objective genitive with ekdikηsin, for which see Luke 18:7-8. ——————————————————————————– For praise to them that do well (epainon agathopoiτn). Objective genitive again, agathopoios, a late word (Plutarch, Sirach) from agathon and poieτ here only in N.T. Found in a magical papyrus.

1 Peter 2:15

1 Peter 2:151 Pe 2:15 οτιG3754 BECAUSE ουτωςG3779 SO εστινG2076 [G5748] IS τοG3588 THE θελημαG2307 τουG3588 WILL θεουG2316 OF GOD, " BY " αγαθοποιουνταςG15 [G5723] WELL DOING φιμουνG5392 [G5721] TO PUT TO SILENCE τηνG3588 τωνG3588 THE αφρονωνG878 OF ανθρωπωνG444 MEN αγνωσιανG56 ; . so: 1 Peter 4:2, Ephesians 6:6, Ephesians 6:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 with: 1 Peter 2:12, Job 5:16, Psalms 107:42, Titus 2:8 the ignorance: 1 Timothy 1:13, 2 Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10 foolish: Deuteronomy 32:6, Job 2:10, Psalms 5:5, Proverbs 9:6, Jeremiah 4:22, Matthew 7:26, Matthew 25:2, Romans 1:21, Galatians 3:1, Titus 3:3 Genesis 30:29 - General Isaiah 5:16 - sanctified Matthew 6:10 - Thy will Matthew 7:21 - that Mark 7:22 - foolishness Acts 17:7 - and these Galatians 6:9 - well Colossians 1:9 - of his Colossians 3:23 - as 1 Peter 4:19 - in1 Peter 2:15 It was sometimes charged that the disciples of Christ were op­posed to the rulers of the land. Such an accusation was made against Christ and Paul (Luke 23:2; John 19:12; Acts 17:7). Such charges were foolish and showed the ignorance of those who made them, for there was nothing in the conduct of the accused that even hinted at rebellion against the laws of the land. Our verse means that such ignorance may be exposed if the disciples will practice well doing, showing that they are good and law- abiding citizens of the community. By well-doing (agathopoiountas). Present active participle of agathopoieτ, only in LXX and N.T. (Mark 3:4). In accusative case agreeing with humas understood, accusative of general reference with phimoin, present active infinitive (epexegetic infinitive after to thelηma tou theou, the will of God), late and rare verb (from phimos muzzle), as in Matthew 22:12. ——————————————————————————– The ignorance of foolish men (tηn tτn aphronτn anthrτpτn agnτsian). Agnτsia is late and rare word (in the papyri) from alpha privative and gnτsis (knowledge), in N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 15:24 (disgraceful ignorance in both instances). Note alliteration.

1 Peter 2:16

1 Peter 2:161 Pe 2:16 ωςG5613 AS ελευθεροιG1658 FREE, καιG2532 AND μηG3361 NOT ωςG5613 AS επικαλυμμαG1942 A CLOAK εχοντεςG2192 [G5723] τηςG3588 HAVING κακιαςG2549 τηνG3588 OF MALICE ελευθεριανG1657 FREEDOM, αλλG235 BUT ωςG5613 AS δουλοιG1401 BONDMEN θεουG2316 OF GOD . free: John 8:32-36, Romans 6:18, Romans 6:22, 1 Corinthians 7:22, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13, James 1:25, James 2:12, 2 Peter 2:19 and: Jude 1:4 using: Gr. having a cloak: Matthew 23:14, John 15:22, 1 Thessalonians 2:5 but: Ephesians 6:6, Colossians 3:24 Leviticus 25:10 - proclaim Psalms 119:32 - enlarge Acts 16:17 - the servants 1 Corinthians 8:9 - take Galatians 2:4 - liberty Galatians 4:26 - free 1 Peter 2:1 - malice1 Peter 2:16 To be free means they had been delivered from the bondage of sin, but that does not signify they had the license to ignore all manner of service. They should therefore not take undue advantage of their liberty from sin which they had received from Christ, and use it to cover up a feeling of maliciousness or ill-will toward the rulers of the land. On the other hand, they should let it be known that, being servants of God, they were all the more desirous of living quiet and obedient lives under the government. Such an example would have a tendency to make a favorable impression on those who represent the powers that be. That is why the apostle makes the remark in verse 13 that disciples are to sub­mit themselves to the ordinances of man “ for the Lord’ s sake.” The same thought is expressed by Paul in Colossians 3:23. The apostle is writing of the obligation of disciples toward their masters, that they should do it “ as to the Lord.” As free (hτs eleutheroi). Note nominative again connected with hupotagηte in 1 Peter 2:13, not with phimoin in 1 Peter 2:14 (a parenthesis in fact). For this ethical sense of eleutheros see Galatians 4:26. ——————————————————————————– And not using your freedom (kai mη echontes tηn eleutherian). “And not holding your liberty” (present active participle of echτ, with usual negative mη with participle. ——————————————————————————– For a cloke of wickedness (hτs epikalumma tηs kakias). Epikalumma (from epikaluptτ Romans 4:7) is a rare word (Aristotle, LXX) for veil, here only in N.T. and in figurative sense for pretext to do wickedness under, a thing, alas, that sometimes happens. ——————————————————————————– But as bondservants of God (all’ hτs theou douloi). Paul’s proud title. There is no such thing as absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy.

Cf. Romans 6:22 “enslaved to God.”

1 Peter 2:17

1 Peter 2:171 Pe 2:17 πανταςG3956 ALL τιμησατεG5091 [G5657] SHEW HONOUR TO, τηνG3588 THE αδελφοτηταG81 αγαπατεG25 [G5720] τονG3588 LOVE, θεονG2316 GOD φοβεισθεG5399 [G5737] FEAR, τονG3588 THE βασιλεαG935 KING τιματεG5091 [G5720] HONOUR. . Honour: or, Esteem, 1 Peter 5:5, Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, 1 Samuel 15:30, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:7, Philippians 2:3, 1 Timothy 6:1 Love: 1 Peter 1:22, John 13:35, Hebrews 13:1, Zechariah 11:14 Fear: Genesis 20:11, Genesis 22:12, Genesis 42:18, Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 23:17, Proverbs 24:21, Ecclesiastes 8:2, Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:7, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:21 Honour: 1 Samuel 15:30, 1 Chronicles 29:20, Proverbs 24:21 Genesis 9:23 - General Genesis 13:8 - brethren Genesis 13:11 - they Genesis 47:7 - And Jacob Exodus 22:28 - nor curse Leviticus 19:14 - fear 1 Samuel 24:8 - David stooped 2 Samuel 15:3 - there Isaiah 2 Samuel 16:9 - curse 1 Kings 1:23 - he bowed 1 Kings 18:8 - thy lord 1 Kings 18:46 - ran before Job 29:8 - the aged Job 34:18 - General Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear Malachi 1:6 - a servant Mark 12:17 - Render John 15:17 - General 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - and 1 Timothy 5:3 - Honour Titus 3:2 - all men 1 Peter 3:8 - love as brethren 2 Peter 1:7 - brotherly Revelation 16:10 - full1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men. The same command is given by Paul in Romans 13:7, but the connection shows that the honor is to be shown to those only to whom it is due. Love the brother­hood. Th’ s is the whole band of brethren in Christ, and wc should love them all as being in the one body, and not be partial or show favoritism. Fear God.

Not the kind of fear that is like being terrified, for if we love Him as we should it will cast out such fear (1 John 4:18). We should fear God in the sense of reverencing Him and being unwilling to grieve Him. Honor the king. (See 1 Peter 2:13-14) Honour all men (pantas timηsate). Not with the same honour. Constative use of the aorist imperative. ——————————————————————————– Love the brotherhood (tηn adelphotηta agapβte). Present active imperative of agapaτ, keep on doing it. Note the abstract adelphotηs (from adelphos, brother) in the collective sense, rare save in ecclesiastical literature, though in 1Ma 12:10; 4Ma 10:3, and in late papyri. It is a word for all Christians. ——————————————————————————– Fear God (ton theon phobeisthe).

In both senses of reverence and dread, and keep it up (present middle imperative). ——————————————————————————– Honour the king (ton basilea timβte). Keep that up also. A fine motto in this verse.

1 Peter 2:18-25

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Commendable Conduct Before God (1 Peter 2:18-25)

1. Our last study introduced the importance of submission to human institutions that rule over us - 1 Peter 2:13-17

2. Now in verses 18-25, Peter addresses those who were servants, emphasizing again the principle of submission (READ)

3. In the course of his instructions, Peter mentions conduct that is considered “commendable” before God… a. In the NKJV, the word “commendable” is used twice - 1 Peter 2:19-20b. The NASV translates it as “finds favor”

4. In this study, we shall consider… a. What is commendable conduct before God b. Why it is considered commendable c. How we can be sure to have this commendable conduct before God

[First of all, then…]

I. WHAT IS CONDUCT BEFORE GOD? A. TO SUFFER WHEN FOR DOING GOOD…1. Consider the example given by Peter… a. A servant is trying to serve his master well b. For some reason, however, his master mistreats him c. The servant “finds favor” in God’s sight if he patiently and submissively endures the mistreatment! 2. To put it in other words: a. When you are doing that which is good… b. And despite it you are being mistreated… c. But you endure the unjust treatment patiently… d. Your patient forbearance is commendable in the sight of God! 3. Note carefully: a. It is not simply suffering patiently that is commendable b. But suffering patiently when you did good, and yet are abused for it - 1 Peter 2:20 B. IS THIS ONLY IN A MASTER-SLAVE ?1. No! Consider 1 Peter 3:13-14; 1 Peter 3:17, where Peter speaks to brethren in general 2. In writing to servants, then, Peter is applying a general truth to a specific application 3. It is therefore applicable to any situation where we are told to submit… a. E.g., in our relationship to government - 1 Peter 2:13b. E.g., in a wife’s relationship to her husband - 1 Peter 3:1c. E.g., in our relationship to one another - cf. Ephesians 5:21 [So whenever we do good and suffer for it, to endure that suffering patiently is “commendable conduct before God.”

But that is hard! It is our natural inclination to resist and defend ourselves when we are “in the right” and being mistreated. Indeed, we want to “stand up for our rights.”

To appreciate why patiently enduring suffering while doing good is commendable before God, let’s address the question…]

II. WHY IS THIS CONDUCT BEFORE GOD? A. WE WERE CALLED FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE!1. Consider 1 Peter 2:21-23a. Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus b. Just as He suffered patiently when mistreated without cause, so should we! 2. We have therefore been called to respond to ill treatment with good treatment - cf. 1 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:27-36 B. IN VIEW OF THE GOOD THAT CAN RESULT!1. See what Jesus accomplished by His patient forbearance to mistreatment done to Him! - cf. 1 Peter 2:24-25a. The forgiveness of our sins! b. The restoration of straying sheep back to their Shepherd! 2. By following the example of Jesus, we can have an effect for good also a. Returning good for evil, we are more likely to overcome evil - Romans 12:19-21b. In this way we are more likely to change those who persecute us c. For they are often ashamed when they see how we patiently endure their mistreatment by doing good

[Just as we were moved by the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins, so we might best move others to change their evil ways by patiently doing good even when they mistreat us. That is why we have been called to follow the example of Jesus!

Finally, here are some suggestions to the question…]

III. HOW WE CAN BE SURE TO HAVE THIS CONDUCT? A. “REJOICE” THAT YOU ARE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER…1. So Peter commanded later in this epistle - 1 Peter 4:12-14; cf. also Acts 5:412. Just as Christ did in His sermon on the mount - Matthew 5:10-123. Knowing that we are blessed in the sight of God, and have joined a great group of prophets, apostles, and disciples in suffering for Christ, can help us to have the proper attitude (one of joy, not vengeance) 4. Even if those mistreating us do not know that we are Christians, if our response is governed by Christ’s teachings, we can still have satisfaction in knowing that God is pleased!

B. “RESIST” THE TO …1. When we suffer mistreatment by others, Satan is behind it all

• cf. 1 Peter 5:8-92. He would love to hinder the cause of Christ by having us retaliate just as people in the world would, proving that Christians are no different than sinners of the world

3. Don’t let him win!

C. “RESPOND” TO BY DOING MORE GOOD…1. When mistreated for doing good, just do more good! - cf. 1 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:20-212. For “endure” (1 Peter 2:19) means “to bear from underneath, i.e. (fig.) to undergo hardship”, thus to bear up under pressure 3. There is nothing noble (commendable) about stopping when “the going gets tough”; but when “the tough get going”, and going about doing good, now THAT is commendable!

D. “RELY” ON GOD…1. Suffering patiently when mistreated for doing good does not always bring immediate satisfaction 2. We must therefore trust in God, believing that His will is best 3. So just as Jesus “committed Himself to Him judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23), so should we - 1 Peter 4:194. And if our Christ-like behavior does not change the behavior of those who mistreat us, God will one day do what is right

• cf. Romans 12:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:6

1. Hopefully by following the “four R’s” (rejoice, resist, respond, rely) we can follow in the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

2. If so, then we can be sure to have “commendable conduct before God”!

We have made reference to what Jesus accomplished by suffering for us, how He bore our sins on the tree (1 Peter 2:24). Peter also says Jesus did this “that we, having died to sins might live for righteousness”.

Have you “died to sins”? Do you even know how that it is accomplished? The answer is found in Romans 6:1-8…

1 Peter 2:19

1 Peter 2:191 Pe 2:19 τουτοG5124 γαρG1063 FOR THIS χαριςG5485 “IS” ειG1487 IF διαG1223 FOR SAKE OF συνειδησινG4893 θεουG2316 TOWARDS GOD υποφερειG5297 [G5719] ENDURES τιςG5100 ANYONE λυπαςG3077 GRIEFS, πασχωνG3958 [G5723] αδικωςG95 . . this: 1 Peter 2:20, Luke 6:32 thankworthy: or, thank, Acts 11:23, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Corinthians 8:1,*Gr. for conscience: 1 Peter 3:14-17, Matthew 5:10-12, John 15:21, Romans 13:5, 2 Timothy 1:12 suffering: Job 21:27, Psalms 35:19, Psalms 38:19, Psalms 69:4, Psalms 119:86 Genesis 39:20 - into the prison Exodus 9:16 - deed Luke 6:22 - when men Acts 24:5 - and a mover Acts 24:16 - General Romans 12:12 - patient 1 Corinthians 6:7 - Why Colossians 3:22 - obey 1 Peter 3:16 - a good 1 Peter 4:14 - ye be1 Peter 2:19 To be thankworthy means to be entitled to thanks for some­thing; to be commended for it. An instance of it is when a man is doing what is right and he is persecuted for it. If he has a clear conscience on the matter he will endure the mistreat­ment cheerfully. For this is acceptable (touto gar charis). “For this thing (neuter singular touto, obedience to crooked masters) is grace” (charis is feminine, here “thanks” as in Romans 7:25). “Acceptable” calls for euprosdekton (1 Peter 2:5), which is not the text here. ——————————————————————————– If a man endureth griefs (ei huopherei tis lupas). Condition of first class with ei and present active indicative of hupopherτ, old verb, to bear up under, in N.T. only here, 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 3:11. Note plural of lupη (grief). ——————————————————————————– For conscience toward God (dia suneidηsin theou). Suffering is not a blessing in and of itself, but, if one’s duty to God is involved (Acts 4:20), then one can meet it with gladness of heart. Theou (God) is objective genitive. For suneidηsis (conscience) see notes on Acts 23:1; 1 Corinthians 8:7.

It occurs again in 1 Peter 3:16. ——————————————————————————– Suffering wrongfully (paschτn adikτs). Present active participle of paschτ and the common adverb adikτs, unjustly, here alone in N.T. This is the whole point, made clear already by Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12, where Jesus has also “falsely” (pseudomenoi). See also Luke 6:32-34.

1 Peter 2:20

1 Peter 2:201 Pe 2:20 ποιονG4169 γαρG1063 FOR WHAT κλεοςG2811 GLORY “IS IT”, ειG1487 IF αμαρτανοντεςG264 [G5723] SINNING καιG2532 AND κολαφιζομενοιG2852 [G5746] BEING υπομενειτεG5278 [G5692] YE ENDURE IT? αλλG235 BUT ειG1487 IF αγαθοποιουντεςG15 [G5723] DOING GOOD καιG2532 AND πασχοντεςG3958 [G5723] υπομενειτεG5278 [G5692] YE ENDURE “IT”, τουτοG5124 THIS “IS” χαριςG5485 παραG3844 WITH θεωG2316 GOD. . For: 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 4:14-16, Matthew 5:47 buffeted: Matthew 26:67, Mark 14:65, 1 Corinthians 4:11 when: 1 Peter 2:19 this: Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 12:1, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 5:10, Philippians 4:18 acceptable: or, thank, 1 Peter 2:19, Luke 6:32 Genesis 39:14 - he came Deuteronomy 25:2 - General 1 Samuel 25:21 - he hath requited Psalms 89:51 - footsteps Psalms 119:22 - for I have Psalms 119:78 - without Ecclesiastes 7:8 - the patient Matthew 5:39 - whosoever Matthew 5:46 - if Luke 6:22 - when men Luke 23:34 - Father John 18:23 - If Romans 12:12 - patient Romans 14:18 - Isaiah 1 Timothy 2:3 - this 2 Timothy 1:9 - called 2 Timothy 3:12 - shall Hebrews 12:28 - we may 1 Peter 3:9 - rendering 1 Peter 4:15 - suffer 3 John 1:6 - do well1 Peter 2:20 To be buffeted means to be treated roughly for one’ s wrong doing. If that is done to a man who is guilty he has no room to complain. He should take it patiently on the ground that “ it was coming to him.’’ On the other hand, if a man is mis­treated for doing what is right it should be regarded as a persecution. Christians are taught to endure persecutions, and hence if such a person is patient under the mistreatment he will be deserving of commendation. For what glory (poion gar kleos). Qualitative interrogative (what kind of glory). “What price glory?” Kleos is old word from kleτ (kaleτ, to call), report, praise, glory, here only in N.T. ——————————————————————————– If ye shall take it patiently (ei hupomeneite). First-class condition with ei and future active indicative of hupomenτ, for which see James 1:12. Same condition also in next sentence (all’ ei, etc.). ——————————————————————————– When ye sin (hamartanontes). Present active participle of hamartanτ (continued repetition). ——————————————————————————– And are buffeted for it (kai kolaphizomenoi). Present passive participle of kolaphizτ, late word (from kolaphos fist), only in N.T. (cf.

Matthew 26:67) and ecclesiastical writers. Repeated action again. No posing as a martyr allowed here. Christians do sometimes deserve persecution, as Jesus implied (Matthew 5:10-12). ——————————————————————————– When ye do well (agathopoiountes). Present active participle of agathopoieτ as in 1 Peter 2:15. ——————————————————————————– And suffer for it (kai paschontes). Present active participle of paschτ (1 Peter 2:19).

No “for it” in the Greek here or in the previous sentence. ——————————————————————————– This is acceptable with God (touto charis para theτi). “This thing (neuter) is thanks (1 Peter 2:19) by the side of (para) God (as God looks at it).”

1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 2:211 Pe 2:21 ειςG1519 τουτοG5124 γαρG1063 FOR TO THIS εκληθητεG2564 [G5681] YE WERE CALLED; οτιG3754 BECAUSE καιG2532 ALSO χριστοςG5547 CHRIST, επαθενG3958 [G5627] υπερG5228 FOR ημωνG2257 US, ημινG2254 US υπολιμπανωνG5277 [G5723] LEAVING υπογραμμονG5261 A MODEL ιναG2443 THAT επακολουθησητεG1872 [G5661] YE SHOULD FOLLOW AFTER τοιςG3588 ιχνεσινG2487 αυτουG846 IN HIS STEPS; . even: Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:23-25, Luke 14:26, Luke 14:27, John 16:33, Acts 9:16, Acts 14:22, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:2, 2 Timothy 3:12 because: 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:1, Luke 24:26, Acts 17:3, Hebrews 2:10 for us: Some read, for you. 1 Peter 1:20 leaving: Psalms 85:13, John 13:15, Romans 8:29, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:2, Philippians 2:5, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:16, Revelation 12:11 Deuteronomy 21:4 - shall strike 1 Samuel 25:21 - Surely Psalms 89:51 - footsteps Psalms 119:47 - I will delight Proverbs 26:4 - General Proverbs 27:18 - shall be Ecclesiastes 7:8 - the patient Daniel 9:26 - Messiah Matthew 3:15 - for Matthew 11:29 - for Matthew 12:15 - great Matthew 26:52 - Put Mark 6:46 - General Luke 2:51 - and was Luke 9:56 - And Luke 10:37 - Go Luke 22:51 - And he John 5:41 - General John 10:4 - he goeth Acts 1:1 - of Acts 8:32 - and like Acts 26:25 - I am not Romans 1:6 - the called Romans 4:12 - in the steps Romans 12:14 - General 2 Corinthians 12:18 - in the same steps Colossians 3:13 - even 1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - God 2 Thessalonians 3:9 - to make 2 Timothy 1:9 - called 1 Peter 3:9 - called 1 Peter 5:9 - the same 2 Peter 1:3 - called1 Peter 2:21 Hereunto were ye called. The disciples of Christ are called upon to endure sufferings for His sake. (See Acts 14:22; Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12.) Jesus does not require his followers to bear any burden that is greater than He carried himself, hence He set an ex­ample by going through the severest of sufferings. Now the disciples are called upon to follow his steps in that they cheerfully accept the trials that are forced upon them for His sake. For hereunto were ye called (eis touto gar eklηthηte). First aorist indicative of kaleτ, to call. They were called to suffer without flinching (Hort), if need be. ——————————————————————————– Because (hoti). The fact that Christ suffered (epathen) lifts their suffering to a new plane. ——————————————————————————– Leaving you an example (humin hupolimpanτn hupogrammon). Present active participle of the late Ionic verb hupolimpanτ (in the papyri) for the common hupoleipτ, to leave behind (under), here only in N.T. Hupogrammos is also a late and rare word (from hupographτ, to write under), a writing-copy for one to imitate, in 2Ma 2:28; Philo, Clement of Rome, here only in N.T.

Clement of Alex. (Strom. V. 8. 49) uses it of the copy-head at the top of a child’s exercise book for the child to imitate, including all the letters of the alphabet. The papyri give many examples of hupographη and hupographτ in the sense of copying a letter. ——————————————————————————– That ye should follow his steps (hina epakolouthηsηte tois ichnesin autou). Purpose clause with hina and first aorist active subjunctive of epakoloutheτ, old verb, to follow closely upon, with the associative-instrumental (1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Timothy 5:24) or the locative here. Ichnos is old word (from hikτ, to go), tracks, footprints, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 12:18; Romans 4:12. Peter does not mean that Christ suffered only as an example (1 Peter 1:18), but he did leave us his example for our copying (1 John 2:6).

1 Peter 2:22

1 Peter 2:221 Pe 2:22 οςG3739 WHO αμαρτιανG266 SIN ουκG3756 εποιησενG4160 [G5656] DID NO, ουδεG3761 NEITHER ευρεθηG2147 [G5681] WAS FOUND δολοςG1388 GUILE ενG1722 IN τωG3588 στοματιG4750 αυτουG846 HIS MOUTH; . did: Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:4, Matthew 27:19, Matthew 27:23, Matthew 27:24, Luke 23:41, Luke 23:47, John 8:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 9:28, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 3:5 guile: John 1:47, Revelation 14:5 Leviticus 2:4 - the oven Leviticus 4:32 - a lamb Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Leviticus 6:17 - baken Leviticus 22:19 - General Numbers 19:2 - no blemish Job 31:30 - have Psalms 34:13 - speaking Psalms 35:20 - quiet Psalms 35:24 - Judge Psalms 64:4 - the perfect Psalms 69:4 - hate Isaiah 42:4 - shall not Matthew 27:39 - reviled John 14:30 - and John 18:38 - I find John 19:4 - that ye Acts 22:14 - that Acts 28:19 - not 2 Corinthians 10:1 - by 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - God 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - none Hebrews 9:14 - without James 5:6 - and he 1 Peter 1:19 - with 1 Peter 2:1 - guile 1 Peter 3:10 - speak 1 Peter 2:22 Jesus did no sin in the conduct of his own body, neither was any guile (deceitful language) found in his mouth. If Jesus who was sinless had to suffer persecution, surely His imperfect followers should expect to endure such treatment. Who did no sin (hos hamartian ouk epoiηsen). Quotation from Isaiah 53:9. He has already expressed the sinlessness of Christ in 1 Peter 1:19. The next clause is a combination of Isa 53:9; Zephaniah 3:13. For “guile” (dolos) see 1 Peter 2:1. ——————————————————————————– Was found (heurethη). First aorist passive indicative of heuriskτ. Christ’s guilelessness stood the test of scrutiny (Vincent), as Peter knew (Matthew 26:60; John 18:38; John 19:4; John 19:6).

1 Peter 2:23

1 Peter 2:231 Pe 2:23 οςG3739 WHO, λοιδορουμενοςG3058 [G5746] BEING RAILED AT, ουκG3756 αντελοιδορειG486 [G5707] RAILED NOT IN RETURN; " WHEN " πασχωνG3958 [G5723] ουκG3756 ηπειλειG546 [G5707] NOT; παρεδιδουG3860 [G5707] δεG1161 BUT GAVE " HIMSELF " OVER τωG3588 TO HIM WHO κρινοντιG2919 [G5723] JUDGES δικαιωςG1346 ; . when he was: Psalms 38:12-14, Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 14:60, Mark 14:61, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 22:64, Luke 22:65, Luke 23:9, Luke 23:34-39, John 8:48, John 8:49, John 19:9-11, Acts 8:32-35, Hebrews 12:3 threatened: Acts 4:29, Acts 9:1, Ephesians 6:9 but: 1 Peter 4:19, Psalms 10:14, Psalms 31:5, Psalms 37:5, Luke 23:46, Acts 7:59, 2 Timothy 1:12 himself: or, his cause judgeth: Genesis 18:25, Psalms 7:11, Psalms 96:13, Acts 17:31, Romans 2:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 19:11 1 Samuel 24:12 - Lord judge 2 Samuel 16:10 - What have 1 Chronicles 12:17 - God Job 5:8 - unto God Job 9:15 - my judge Job 31:30 - have Psalms 9:4 - right Psalms 35:20 - quiet Psalms 38:13 - General Psalms 40:17 - the Lord Psalms 43:1 - Judge Psalms 64:4 - the perfect Psalms 69:13 - my prayer Psalms 69:19 - my reproach Psalms 119:43 - for I have Proverbs 11:12 - a man Proverbs 20:22 - wait Isaiah 42:2 - General Jeremiah 11:20 - revealed Jeremiah 20:12 - for Lamentations 3:59 - judge Matthew 5:11 - when Matthew 5:22 - Whosoever Matthew 5:44 - General Matthew 26:63 - Jesus Matthew 27:12 - General Luke 22:63 - mocked John 9:28 - they John 18:38 - I find Acts 28:19 - not 1 Corinthians 4:12 - being reviled 2 Corinthians 10:1 - by 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - none Hebrews 12:2 - despising Hebrews 12:23 - God James 5:6 - and he1 Peter 2:23 Reviled not again. When vile and disrespectful things were said to Jesus, he did not “ answer back” but bore it meekly (Matthew 27:39; Hebrews 12:3). Even while Jesus was on the cross he did not make any remarks about the cruelty of his enemies but rather prayed for them (Luke 23:34). Committed himself. Jesus con­fided in the mercy and wisdom of his Father and left the case in His hands (Luke 23:46). When he was reviled (loidoroumenos). Present passive participle of loidoreτ, old verb (from loidoros, reviler, 1 Corinthians 5:11) as in John 9:28. ——————————————————————————– Reviled not again (ouk anteloidorei). Imperfect active (for repeated incidents) of antiloidoreτ, late and rare compound (Plutarch, Lucian, one papyrus example with compound following the simplex verb as here, Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary), here only in N.T. Idiomatic use of anti (in turn, return, back). ——————————————————————————– Threatened not (ouk ηpeilei). Imperfect again (repeated acts) of apeileτ, old compound (from apeilη, threat, Acts 9:1), in N.T. only here and Acts 4:17. ——————————————————————————– But committed himself (paredidou de). Imperfect active again (kept on committing himself) of paradidτmi, to hand over, usually of one to a judge, but here not of another (as the Sanhedrin), but himself (supply heauton), for Jesus uses this very idea in Luke 23:46 as he dies. Jesus thus handed himself and his cause over to the Father who judges righteously (tτi krinonti dikaiτs, dative of present active articular participle of krinτ).

1 Peter 2:24

1 Peter 2:241 Pe 2:24 οςG3739 ταςG3588 WHO αμαρτιαςG266 ημωνG2257 OUR SINS αυτοςG846 HIMSELF ανηνεγκενG399 [G5656] BORE ενG1722 IN τωG3588 σωματιG4983 αυτουG846 HIS BODY επιG1909 ON τοG3588 THE ξυλονG3586 TREE, ιναG2443 THAT, ταιςG3588 αμαρτιαιςG266 TO SINS " WE " απογενομενοιG581 [G5637] τηG3588 BEING DEAD, δικαιοσυνηG1343 TO ζησωμενG2198 [G5661] WE MAY LIVE; ουG3739 τωG3588 μωλωπιG3468 αυτουG846 BY WHOSE BRUISE ιαθητεG2390 [G5681] YE WERE HEALED. . his own self: Exodus 28:38, Leviticus 16:22, Leviticus 22:9, Numbers 18:22, Psalms 38:4, Isaiah 53:4-6, Isaiah 53:11, Matthew 8:17, John 1:29, Hebrews 9:28 on: or, to the tree: Deuteronomy 21:22, Deuteronomy 21:23, Acts 5:30, Acts 10:39, Acts 13:29, Galatians 3:13 being: 1 Peter 4:1, 1 Peter 4:2, Romans 6:2, Romans 6:7, Romans 6:11, Romans 7:6, *marg. Colossians 2:20, Colossians 3:3, *Gr: 2 Corinthians 6:17, Hebrews 7:26 live: Matthew 5:20, Luke 1:74, Luke 1:75, Acts 10:35, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:16, Romans 6:22, Ephesians 5:9, Philippians 1:11, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 3:7 by: Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 53:6, Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1 healed: Psalms 147:3, Malachi 4:2, Luke 4:18, Revelation 22:2 Genesis 22:6 - laid it Genesis 22:9 - bound Leviticus 3:8 - he shall Leviticus 3:13 - lay his hand Leviticus 4:32 - a lamb Leviticus 4:34 - the horns of the altar Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Leviticus 5:1 - bear Leviticus 7:18 - bear Leviticus 9:3 - Take ye Leviticus 10:17 - to bear Leviticus 16:17 - no man Leviticus 17:16 - General Leviticus 22:16 - General Numbers 7:15 - General Numbers 15:31 - his iniquity Numbers 18:1 - shall bear Numbers 28:30 - General Deuteronomy 25:2 - General Judges 14:14 - Out of the eater 2 Samuel 24:17 - let thine Psalms 69:4 - then I Psalms 88:7 - Thy wrath Isaiah 53:10 - when thou shalt make his soul Jeremiah 30:13 - hast Jeremiah 30:17 - For I Ezekiel 4:4 - thou shalt bear Ezekiel 18:20 - bear Ezekiel 45:17 - he shall prepare Daniel 9:26 - Messiah Zechariah 13:7 - smite Matthew 20:28 - and to Matthew 26:38 - My Mark 15:24 - crucified Luke 16:22 - the rich Luke 22:19 - given Luke 23:33 - they crucified John 10:11 - giveth John 10:15 - and I John 11:51 - that Jesus John 12:32 - if Acts 16:22 - the magistrates Romans 4:8 - to whom Romans 4:25 - Who was Romans 6:13 - alive Romans 7:4 - the body Romans 8:3 - condemned 1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth 1 Corinthians 15:3 - Christ Galatians 1:4 - gave Galatians 2:16 - we have Galatians 2:19 - dead Galatians 6:2 - Bear Ephesians 1:7 - whom Philippians 2:8 - the death 1 Thessalonians 5:10 - died 1 Timothy 2:6 - gave Hebrews 9:14 - offered Hebrews 9:26 - he appeared Hebrews 12:2 - endured 1 Peter 2:21 - because 1 John 3:5 - to 1 John 3:16 - perceive 1 John 4:10 - and sent 1 Peter 2:24 Bare our sins. Jesus never sinned and hence none were literally attached to Him at any time. But something had to be done and some one had to “ take the blame” in order to satisfy the vengence of a just God. No mere man was good enough and no angel was human enough to accomplish the purpose, hence the Son was called upon to make the sacrifice. Thayer’ s first definition of the original for tree is “ that which is made of wood … a gibbet, a cross.” When Jesus died on the tree of the cross He became a perfect sacrifice that pro­vided for the remission of sins for all who will accept it on the Lord’ s terms.

Those terms require that man become dead to sins which denotes that he separate himself from a life of sin, then follow up with a life of righteouness. Stripes is from molops which Thayer defines, “ a bruise, wale, wound which trickles with blood.” Since it is the blood of Christ that brings salvation from sin, we can understand why Peter says by whose stripes ye were healed. Who his own self (hos autos). Intensive pronoun with the relative referring to Christ (note relatives also in 1 Peter 2:22-23). ——————————————————————————– Bare our sins (anηnegken tas hamartias hηmτn). Second aorist active indicative of anapherτ, common verb of bringing sacrifice to the altar. Combination here of Isa 53:12; Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus is the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28). For Christ’s body (sτma) as the offering see 1 Corinthians 11:24. “Here St.

Peter puts the Cross in the place of the altar” (Bigg). ——————————————————————————– Upon the tree (epi to xulon). Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23). ——————————————————————————– Having died unto sins (tais hamartiais apogenomenoi). Second aorist middle participle of apoginomai, old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T. ——————————————————————————– That we might live unto righteousness (hina tηi dikaiosunηi zηsτmen). Purpose clause with hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of zaτ with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20).

Peter’s idea here is like that of Paul in Romans 6:1-23, especially verses Romans 6:2; Romans 6:10-11). ——————————————————————————– By whose stripes ye were healed (hou tτi mτlτpi iathηte). From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of iaomai, common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of mτlτps, rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter’s word is effective.

1 Peter 2:25

1 Peter 2:251 Pe 2:25 ητεG2258 [G5713] γαρG1063 FOR YE WERE ωςG5613 AS προβαταG4263 SHEEP πλανωμεναG4105 [G5746] GOING ASTRAY, αλλG235 BUT επεστραφητεG1994 [G5648] ARE νυνG3568 NOW επιG1909 TO τονG3588 THE ποιμεναG4166 καιG2532 AND επισκοπονG1985 τωνG3588 ψυχωνG5590 υμωνG5216 OF YOUR SOULS. . ye: Psalms 119:176, Isaiah 53:6, Jeremiah 23:2, Ezekiel 34:6, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4-6 the Shepherd: 1 Peter 5:4, Psalms 23:1-3, Psalms 80:1, Son 1:7, Son 1:8, Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:11-16, Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 34:24, Ezekiel 37:24, Zechariah 13:7, John 10:11-16, Hebrews 13:20 Bishop: Hebrews 3:1, Acts 20:28,*Gr. Numbers 4:16 - the oversight Numbers 27:17 - as sheep Deuteronomy 22:1 - Thou shalt 2 Samuel 24:17 - let thine Psalms 95:7 - people Psalms 100:3 - we are his Jeremiah 50:6 - people Jeremiah 50:17 - a scattered Matthew 10:6 - lost Luke 15:6 - for John 10:2 - the shepherd John 10:16 - one shepherd John 21:15 - Feed John 21:16 - my sheep Acts 3:19 - be Acts 26:18 - and to Romans 3:12 - They are Ephesians 5:9 - goodness Philippians 1:1 - the bishops 1 Timothy 3:1 - the office 1 Peter 2:25 As sheep going astray. All mankind went astray from God and were lost in the wilderness of sin. Continuing the language belonging to the business of a shepherd and the flock, the apostle represents these disciples as the wandering sheep who heard the voice of the Shepherd and returned to him. Jesus is not only a shepherd in that He attends to the feeding, but also is their Bishop in that he inspects and governs them. For ye were going astray like sheep (ηte gar hτs probata planτmenoi). Brought from Isaiah 53:6, but changed to periphrastic imperfect indicative with ηte and present middle participle of planaτ, to wander away. Recall the words of Jesus in Luke 15:4-7. ——————————————————————————– But are now returned (alla epestraphηte). Second aorist passive indicative of epistrephτ, old verb, to turn, to return (Matthew 10:13). ——————————————————————————– Unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (epi ton poimena kai episkopon tτn psuchτn humτn). Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, and see also Hebrews 13:20). Here alone is Christ called our “Bishop” (overseer).

See both ideas combined in Ezekiel 34:11. Philo calls God Episcopos. Jesus is also Apostolos Hebrews 3:1) and he deserves all other titles of dignity that we can give him.