1 Peter 2

1 Peter 2, part of the epistle of 1 Peter, written around AD 62–64 by the apostle Peter, likely from Rome, to Christians in Asia Minor facing persecution, urges believers to grow in faith, live as God’s chosen people, and submit to authorities despite suffering. Peter emphasizes Christ’s example as the cornerstone and suffering servant, calling Christians to holy conduct and good deeds that glorify God in a hostile world.
Key Sections
Spiritual Growth (2:1–3): Put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, craving pure spiritual milk like newborn infants to grow into salvation, having tasted the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 34:8).
God’s Chosen People (2:4–10): Christ, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God, is the cornerstone. Believers, as living stones, form a spiritual house and holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices. Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:22 affirm Christ’s role, while Isaiah 8:14 calls Him a stumbling stone for unbelievers. Believers are a chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s people, per Exodus 19:5–6, called from darkness to proclaim His excellencies, once not a people, now receiving mercy (Hosea 2:23).
Submission and Good Deeds (2:11–17): As sojourners, abstain from fleshly passions warring against the soul. Live honorably among Gentiles, silencing ignorance with good deeds, seen to glorify God. Submit to every human authority—emperor and governors—for the Lord’s sake, as they punish evil and praise good. Live as free, serving God, honoring all, loving brothers, fearing God, honoring the emperor.
Servants’ Submission (2:18–20): Servants, submit to masters, even unjust ones, with respect. Suffering unjustly for doing good is commendable before God, enduring with patience.
Christ’s Example in Suffering (2:21–25): Christ’s suffering is our example; He committed no sin, didn’t revile when reviled, but entrusted Himself to God, per Isaiah 53:7–9. His wounds healed us, straying sheep now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of souls.
Cross-References
Spiritual Milk: 
Hebrews 5:12–13: Milk for infants.

1 Corinthians 3:2: Fed with milk.

Psalm 34:8: Taste God’s goodness.
Christ as Cornerstone: 
Isaiah 28:16: Precious cornerstone.

Psalm 118:22: Rejected stone.

Ephesians 2:20–21: Christ cornerstone.
Chosen People: 
Exodus 19:5–6: Priestly nation.

Revelation 1:6: Kingdom, priests.

Deuteronomy 7:6: Chosen people.
Good Deeds: 
Matthew 5:16: Let light shine.

Titus 2:7–8: Good works.

Philippians 2:15: Blameless in world.
Submission to Authority: 
Romans 13:1–7: Obey rulers.

Titus 3:1: Subject to authorities.

Matthew 22:21: Render to Caesar.
Suffering Unjustly: 
Matthew 5:10–11: Blessed in persecution.

James 5:10–11: Endure suffering.

Colossians 3:23–25: Serve as to Lord.
Christ’s Suffering: 
Isaiah 53:4–7: Bore our sins.

Hebrews 2:9–10: Suffered for all.

John 19:36–37: No deceit found.
Theological Meaning
Growth in Faith: Craving God’s word nurtures salvation’s maturity (2:2; Colossians 3:16).

Christ as Cornerstone: He anchors God’s people, causing stumbling for rejecters (2:6–8; Romans 9:33).

Holy Identity: Believers, God’s priesthood and nation, proclaim His glory (2:9; Revelation 5:10).

Witness Through Conduct: Good deeds silence critics, glorifying God (2:12; Titus 2:14).

Submission’s Purpose: Honoring authorities reflects faith, even in oppression (2:13–17; Romans 12:18).

Suffering’s Value: Unjust suffering, like Christ’s, is redemptive, healing through His sacrifice (2:21–24; Romans 8:17).
Questions and Answers
What is “pure spiritual milk” (2:2)?
God’s word, nourishing faith for growth in salvation (2:2; 2 Timothy 3:15–16).

Why call Christ a cornerstone (2:6)?
He’s the foundation of God’s people, chosen by God, per Isaiah 28:16 (2:6; Ephesians 2:20).

Who stumbles over Christ (2:8)?
Unbelievers rejecting Him, as foretold in Isaiah 8:14 (2:8; John 3:19–20).

What are believers’ titles (2:9)?
Chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s people, proclaiming His excellencies (2:9; Exodus 19:6).

Why submit to authorities (2:13–14)?
For the Lord’s sake, to honor God and silence critics (2:13–15; Romans 13:4).

How is Christ our example (2:21)?
He suffered unjustly without sin, entrusting Himself to God, healing us (2:21–24; Philippians 2:5–8).

How does this apply today?
Grow in faith, live holy, submit, and suffer well, glorifying God (2:12; Colossians 3:17).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written to Christians in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1), facing Nero’s persecution (4:12). Peter, likely in Rome (5:13), addresses scattered believers enduring social hostility (2:12). Roman rule (2:13–17) and slavery (2:18) shaped their challenges.

Cultural Questions: “Spiritual milk” (2:2) uses Greco-Roman nurturing imagery, relatable in families (Hebrews 5:13). “Cornerstone” (2:6) evokes Jewish temple language, vivid for synagogue readers (Psalm 118:22). “Priesthood” (2:9) reflects Jewish identity, bold in diaspora (Leviticus 21:6). “Sojourners” (2:11) uses Jewish exile terms, resonant for persecuted Christians (Psalm 39:12). “Gentiles” (2:12) refers to non-believers, common in Roman provinces (1 Corinthians 5:1). “Servants” (2:18) addresses Roman slavery, widespread in Asia Minor (Ephesians 6:5–6).

Application: 1 Peter 2 calls believers to grow in faith, live as God’s holy people, and endure suffering with Christ’s example. It challenges sin, rebellion, and despair, urging good deeds and submission to glorify God in a hostile world (Romans 12:1–2; Ephesians 4:1–2).