Keys of Truth: 1 Peter (Chapter 2)

Chapter summary:
The Christian's quest for maturity calls for cleansing from sin and an eager desire to "grow up in your salvation" (2:1-3). We are "living stones" in a spiritual temple God is constructing on the foundation of Jesus (vv. 4-8). As God's chosen people, called out of darkness to glorify the Lord, we are to live as aliens in this world, such clear examples of heaven's citizens that even the hostile will see our good deeds and when Jesus returns be forced to admit our deeds were good (vv. 9-12).

One way we exhibit our heavenly citizenship is to obey earthly laws, submitting to rulers and doing good (vv. 13-17). Similarly slaves are to submit even to harsh masters, for Jesus subjected Himself to injustice and we are to follow His example (vv. 18-23). Having been redeemed by Jesus we renounce sin and commit ourselves to live for righteousness (vv. 24-25).

The believer’s personal application: Enduring injustice isn't weakness; it is strength.

Textual Insight

"Pure spiritual milk" (2:2):
Most believe the "spiritual milk" is the Word of God (cf. Heb. 5:11-14). Peter reminds us that as we turn from evil, we will develop a hunger for spiritual truth.

"The living Stone" (2:4):
The "stone" here is a gem of great value, a symbol in the O.T. and Jewish thought of the Messiah. "Living" reminds us of the Resurrection, which demonstrated "with power" that Jesus is "the Son of God" (Rom. 1:4).

“Believers as a temple” (2:5):
The New Testament teaches the living personality of the believer replaces the cold stone of the temple as the focal point of God's presence (1 Cor. 3:16). In calling the church a "holy temple" Peter reminds us that God is now present in the world in us—and that together we are to display His beauty in holy lives.

“A holy and royal priesthood” (2:5, 9):
The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words notes that "Our identity [as priests] enables us to 'declare the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light.' While some take this as mediating Christ to the world, it is more likely that the reference is to worship. We as a holy priesthood are to offer 'spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 2:5). The other three references—and in Revelation—have a similar emphasis (Rev. 1:5; 5:10; 20:6). With direct access to God through Jesus, we who are God's priestly kingdom are freed to worship Him continually."

“Submission” (2:13, 18):
Submission is subjecting or subordinating oneself to someone or something else. Christians are called on to submit voluntarily to every authority instituted among men (Rom. 13:1). This includes accepting one's role in society, without making judgments about the validity of an institution such as slavery. That is, believers commit themselves to doing what is deemed right according to the norms of one's own culture, assuming of course that what society calls "right" does not require a direct violation of God's commands.

“Christ's example” (2:20-22):
Our natural response to injustice is to fight it, rebelling angrily. This passage deals with "Situational submission" (i.e., submission that is mandated by the society in which one lives). In this case we are to do what is right and if, like Christ, we are treated unjustly anyway, we are to submit.

“An example of meekness” (2:21-25):
Meekness is a gentle attitude, shown in patience untainted by malice despite provocation. When we suffer for doing good, we commit our cause to God as Judge and trust Him to bring good out of injustice. He did this for Jesus. He will do it for us.