1 Peter 2:16

ὡς ἐλεύθεροι, the contrast with τῆς κακίας supports the connection of ἐ, in thought with ἀγαθοποιοῦντας, which explains the nature of the self-subjection required. Christians are free (Matthew 17:26 f. q.v.; John 8:36; Galatians 2:4) and therefore must submit to authority. Peter generalises summarily St. Paul's argument in Galatians 5:13, which refers to internal relations. καὶ μὴ … ἐλευθερίαν, and not having your freedom as a cloak of your malice. For ἐπ. cf. Menander (apud Stobaeum Florileg.) πλοῦτος δὲ πολλῶν ἐπικάλυμμʼ ἐστιν κακῶν. The verb is used in Ps. cited Romans 4:7 = כפר; and this sense may perhaps be contemplated here; early Christians regarded their freedom as constituting a propitiation for future as for past sins.