# Overview 1 Peter Chapter 2 continues the apostle #Peter's exhortation to believers, encouraging them to grow in their spiritual lives by laying aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Instead, they are to long for the pure milk of the word, that by it, they may grow in respect to salvation, highlighting their new identity in #Christ as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. Peter draws on Old Testament imagery, referencing #Isaiah, #Psalms, and #Hosea, to emphasize the honor of being chosen by #God, a cornerstone in #Zion, precious and sure. Those who believe in this cornerstone will not be put to shame, whereas those who reject it will stumble over it. The chapter transitions to the practical outworking of this identity, urging believers to live honorably among the #Gentiles, submitting to every human authority for the Lord's sake, whether to the emperor or governors. Peter reminds them to live as free people, but not to use their freedom as a cover for evil, instead showing proper respect to everyone, loving the family of believers, fearing God, and honoring the emperor. Furthermore, Peter addresses servants, encouraging them to endure suffering unjustly, following the example of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who suffered for them, leaving an example to follow in His steps. Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, for by His wounds we have been healed, echoing the prophecy of #Isaiah. ## Theological Insights 1 Peter 2 provides profound theological insights into the identity and mission of believers as well as the nature of #Christ and His work. ### The Identity of Believers 1 Peter 2:4-10 emphasizes the believers' identity as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. This passage draws from Old Testament imagery, particularly the #Temple and the priesthood, to describe the church. Believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, which aligns with the imagery found in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:19-22]] where believers are part of God’s household. The concept of believers as a "royal priesthood" echoes the covenant language of [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19|Exodus 19:5-6]], where Israel was called a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This highlights the continuity between God’s people in the #OldTestament and the church in the #NewTestament, underlining the call to holiness and service. ### The Cornerstone In 1 Peter 2:6-8, #Christ is identified as the cornerstone, a reference to [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 28|Isaiah 28:16]] and [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 118|Psalm 118:22]]. The cornerstone is essential for the foundation and alignment of a building, symbolizing Christ as the foundation of the church. His rejection by humans and choice by God reflect the paradox of the gospel message, which is a stumbling block to some, as also mentioned in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 1|1 Corinthians 1:23]]. ### The Calling to Holiness and Submission 1 Peter 2:11-12 and 2:13-25 discuss the ethical implications of the believers' identity. Peter urges believers to live as aliens and strangers, abstaining from sinful desires and living such good lives that even skeptics may witness their good deeds and glorify God. This call to a holy lifestyle mirrors the broader biblical theme of being set apart for God. Moreover, the chapter emphasizes submission to authority (2:13-17) and to masters (2:18-25), reflecting the teaching of Jesus on serving others and loving enemies as in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5:44]]. The call to endure suffering unjustly as Christ did (2:21-23) points to the example of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]' own life and suffering, reinforcing His role as a model for believers. ### Christ's Suffering and Redemption 1 Peter 2:24-25 poignantly addresses the redemptive work of Christ, who "bore our sins" in His body on the cross. This is a clear echo of the #suffering servant passage in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53]], where the servant bears the iniquities of many. This highlights the substitutionary atonement, where Christ’s suffering and death bring healing and righteousness to believers, aligning with the salvation message throughout the #NewTestament. Overall, 1 Peter 2 integrates rich theological themes that encourage believers to understand their identity in Christ, live holy lives, and follow Christ’s example of suffering and submission as part of their spiritual calling. ## Thematic Connections ### Spiritual Growth and Maturity In 1 Peter 2, the theme of spiritual growth and maturity is highlighted, encouraging believers to crave pure spiritual milk to grow up in their salvation. This echoes principles found in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 5|Hebrews 5:12-14]], where the need for moving from milk to solid food represents maturity in understanding and living out the faith. It also aligns with [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 3|1 Corinthians 3:2]], where Paul addresses similar concerns about spiritual immaturity. ### The Living Stone and Spiritual House Peter introduces the metaphor of #Christ as the "living stone," rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him, which connects to [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 28|Isaiah 28:16]] and [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 118|Psalm 118:22]], where the cornerstone imagery is prominent. Believers are also described as living stones being built into a spiritual house, resonating with [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:19-22]], where the church is depicted as God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ### Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation The designation of believers as a "royal priesthood" and "holy nation" in 1 Peter 2:9 draws heavily from the identity of Israel in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19|Exodus 19:5-6]], where they are called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, as believers in Christ are now seen as the spiritual Israel, called to declare the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light. ### Suffering and Submission Peter addresses themes of suffering and submission, particularly in relation to unjust treatment, which are central to the Christian experience. This is mirrored in the teachings of Jesus, such as in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5:10-12]], where He speaks about the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Peter's call for submission to authorities and masters, even when unjust, resonates with [[Romans/Romans Chapter 13|Romans 13:1-7]], where Paul instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities as they are instituted by God. ### Christ as the Model for Suffering Christ's example of suffering, as described in 1 Peter 2:21-24, provides a powerful model for believers. This theme is directly connected to [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53]], which portrays the Suffering Servant who bears the sins of many and is vindicated by God. Christ's patient endurance of suffering, without retaliation, serves as a pattern for believers to follow in their own trials, fulfilling the call to live as He did (see also [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2|Philippians 2:5-8]]). ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Living Stone and the Cornerstone In [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2]], #Peter refers to Jesus as the "living stone," a cornerstone chosen by God, yet rejected by men. This imagery fulfills the prophecy found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 28|Isaiah 28:16]], where God speaks of a precious cornerstone laid in Zion. Jesus, as the cornerstone, becomes the foundation of the spiritual house, the church, which believers are being built into. This fulfillment underscores the divine selection and establishment of Jesus as the essential foundation for faith and salvation. ### A Royal Priesthood #Peter’s declaration of believers as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" in [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2]] fulfills the promises given to #Israel in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19|Exodus 19:5-6]]. In these verses, God calls Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Through Christ, this calling is extended to all believers, who are now invited to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This fulfillment highlights the continuity of God’s covenant relationship with His people, now expanded through Jesus. ### The Stone of Stumbling The concept of Jesus as a "stone of stumbling" and a "rock of offense" fulfills the prophecy in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 8|Isaiah 8:14]]. In [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2]], Peter references this prophecy to illustrate how Jesus, while chosen by God, becomes a stumbling block to those who do not believe. This fulfillment serves to explain the division Jesus causes between those who accept Him and those who reject Him, emphasizing the prophetic nature of His role in salvation history. ### The People of God Peter’s assertion that believers are now the people of God fulfills the prophecy from [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 2|Hosea 2:23]], where God promises to call those who were not His people "My people." In [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2]], this fulfillment signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through faith in Christ. It underscores the transformative work of Jesus in creating a new identity and belonging for all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. ### The Shepherd and Overseer Peter’s description of Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" in [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2]] reflects the fulfillment of prophetic imagery found in passages such as [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 34|Ezekiel 34:23-24]], where God promises to set over His people one shepherd, a servant like David. This fulfillment emphasizes Jesus’ role as the divine Shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for His flock, fulfilling God’s promise to provide leadership and care for His people through Christ. ## Verses - **1 Peter 2:1** - "So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech." - **1 Peter 2:2** - "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment" - **1 Peter 2:3** - "now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness." - **1 Peter 2:4** - "You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor." - See [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 28]] for reference to the cornerstone. - **1 Peter 2:5** - "And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." - Compare with [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12]] for the concept of spiritual sacrifices. - **1 Peter 2:6** - "As the Scriptures say, 'I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.'" - Reference to [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 28]]. - **1 Peter 2:7** - "Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'" - Also referenced in [[Psalm/Psalm 118]]. - **1 Peter 2:8** - "And, 'He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them." - See [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 8]]. - **1 Peter 2:9** - "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." - Compare with [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7]]. - **1 Peter 2:10** - "Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy." - See [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 1]] and [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 2]]. - **1 Peter 2:11** - "Dear friends, I warn you as 'temporary residents and foreigners' to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls." - **1 Peter 2:12** - "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." - **1 Peter 2:13** - "For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state," - See [[Romans/Romans Chapter 13]] for similar teachings on submission to authority. - **1 Peter 2:14** - "or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right." - **1 Peter 2:15** - "It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you." - **1 Peter 2:16** - "For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." - **1 Peter 2:17** - "Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king." - **1 Peter 2:18** - "You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel." - **1 Peter 2:19** - "For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment." - **1 Peter 2:20** - "Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you." - **1 Peter 2:21** - "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." - Compare with [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2]]. - **1 Peter 2:22** - "He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone." - Reference to [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53]]. - **1 Peter 2:23** - "He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." - **1 Peter 2:24** - "He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." - See [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53]] for the prophecy of this. - **1 Peter 2:25** - "Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls." - Compare with [[Psalm/Psalm 23]] and [[John/John Chapter 10]] for the imagery of the Shepherd.