1 Peter 2

1. Wherefore. That is, in view of our redemption by Christ, and regeneration by the Spirit, as set forth in ch. i. The figure “newborn babes” carries on the thought of “begotten again” (23).

2 desire the sincere milk of the word. The word translated “sincere” means “unadulterated,” and “the word” itself is described as “spiritual” or reasonable (λογικόν). The words might be paraphrased, “Desire the unadulterated milk suited to your spiritual being.”

4 a living stone. Christ, the corner-stone, unlike others, has life in Himself, and imparts it to others (John v. 25, 26); so that all the stones of the building become instinct with His life, forming a spiritual temple. The reference here is peculiarly appropriate from the apostle Peter: see Matt. xvi. 18.

chosen of God [and] precious. R.V., “with God elect, precious” (or “held in honour,” as ver. 6).

5 ye also, as lively stones, are built up, etc. Or, “Be ye too, as living stones, built up,” etc.

a holy priesthood. Or “for (i.e., to be) a holy priesthood.” In virtue of their union with Christ, the true High Priest (Heb. iv. 14), the faithful (see ver. 9) are constituted a kingdom of priests unto God (Rev. i. 6).

6. Behold I lay in Sion, etc. See notes on Isa. xxviii. 16, here quoted freely.

precious. Rather, “held in honour.”

shall not be confounded. Rather, “shall not be put to shame”; ep. Joel ii. 26, 27; Rom. ix. 33.

7. Unto you, therefore, etc. Perhaps the most accurate rendering is, “To you then is the honour as believers.” “The believer shall not be put to shame”: on the contrary, he shall be “held in honour” (ver. 6), like his Lord; whom unbelievers, in their disobedience, will find to be a stone of stumbling, etc.; i.e., the occasion of their fall and ruin; see notes on Psa. cxviii. 22; Matt. xxi. 42-44.

the head of the corner. That is, “chief,” in the foundation of the building.

8 whereunto. i.e., to the result of disobedience.

9 a chosen generation. Or, as R.V., “an elect race.” The verse enumerates the privileges of believers in a series of Old Testament phrases, applying to Christians the terms describing the special honour of God’s ancient people. See Exod. xix. 6; Deut. vii. 6; Isa. xliii. 21.

a peculiar people. Lit., “a people for a possession”; whom God has made His own special property.

praises. Lit., “virtues,” or “excellences” (R.V.): the Divine perfections, which God’s people are to imitate in their own lives.

10 which in time past were not a people. See note on Rom. ix. 25; and Hos. i. 9, 6; “Lo-ammi” and “Lo-ruhamah.”

11 fleshly lusts. “Fleshly lusts” are the evil desires of our depraved nature (ep. Gal. v. 19-21; Eph. ii. 3), which, like well-armed enemies, attack our higher powers, and too often bring the judgement, imagination, and conscience under their destructive influence. “Soul” here includes the “soul and spirit” of 1 Thess. v. 23. There is a suggestion of this verse in Tennyson’s poem “To the Queen” with which he concludes The Idylls of the King:

“… accept this old imperfect tale.

New-old, and shadowing Sense at war with Soul.”

12 having your conversation honest. Rather, “having your behaviour honourable.”

whereas they speak against you, etc. Heathen, in their ignorant hatred (15), imputed to the early Christians the most unseemly conduct and crimes against society and the State.

which they shall behold. Inspecting them as eyewitnesses. The Greek verb means “looking closely at.”

the day of visitation. This means probably the time of God’s merciful visitation in the gospel: ep. Luke xix. 44.

13 every ordinance of man. The human institutions here referred to are especially those connected with civil government. On this precept and its limitation, see Acts iv. 19; v. 29; Rom. xiii. 1-7, and notes.

14 governors. Referring specially to Roman governors sent by the emperor into the provinces, such as “Pontus, Galatia,” etc. (i. 1).

for the punishment of evildoers, etc. This is the design of civil government, though all rulers may not fulfil it.

15 the ignorance of foolish men. See ver. 12, and Acts xvii. 5, etc.

16 as free, etc. Respecting Christian freedom and its abuse, see note on Gal. v. 13.

maliciousness. This means wickedness of any kind.

18. Servants. Rather, “domestics.” The word here used, denoting household servants generally, is not that which is usually employed in the New Testament for servants or slaves.

troward. That is, perverse or unjust.

19. For this is thankworthy, etc. Lit., “grace” or “a grace,” the fruit of the Divine Spirit in the heart.

conscience. Rather, consciousness or sense of God’s presence.

20 acceptable. Rather, “a grace,” as in ver. 19.

21 hereunto. To patient endurance of injuries.

22-25. Who did no sin, etc. In this description Peter quotes or alludes to Isa. liii. 4-7, 9, 11, 12; on which see notes.

23 committed [Himself] to Him that judgeth righteously. Or, “committed His cause,” etc.; see R.V. marg. Condemned as He was, at man’s tribunal, by an unjust sentence, He committed His cause to God: cp. John xii. 31; xvi. 11.

24 on the tree. Lit., “up to the tree.” The cross was the altar on which Christ “offered up” Himself a sacrifice for “our sins.”

dead to sins. Cp. Rom. vi. 2-8; Gal. ii. 19, and notes.

25 the Shepherd and Bishop (Guardian) of your souls. Perhaps alluding to Ezek. xxxiv. 11.