Mark Dunagan Commentaries
1 Peter 2 - Introduction
Outline 1 Peter 2:1-10:
Things To Put Away: 1 Peter 2:1-3
A Living Stone In. Spiritual House: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Introductory Comments:
‘In this chapter we continue the apostle's discussion of the requirements of holiness….most of all it means being clothed with the likeness of Jesus Himself, and following in His steps. Because it was of great importance in the first century for the disciples of Christ, by their holy and virtuous behavior, to confute the accusations of their adversaries (who charged them with every conceivable crime)..Next Peter tells both Jews and Gentiles that by their believing on Christ, being built up into. temple and nation for the worship of God, all the honors formerly appropriated to the Jews, as the visible church and people of God, now belong to them.' (Oberst pp. 89-90)
Outline of 1 Peter 2:11-25:
I. Conduct Before Unbelievers: 1 Peter 2:11-12
II. Submission To Civil Authorities: 1 Peter 2:13-17
III. The Obligations Of Servants: 1 Peter 2:18-20
How To Handle Suffering: 1 Peter 2:21-25
Introductory Comments:
We could call this section, ‘Christians keep God at the center of every relationship'. ‘Having discussed their privileges as the elect of God, our author turns to discussing the place of these Christians in the world. If they are so exalted, should they even recognize societal institutions? And if, despite their best efforts to live peacefully, they are attacked, how should they deal with society?' (Davids p. 94) God has already commanded these Christians to be holy (1 Peter 1:14-16). Now Peter tells them how they can be holy while at the same time living among unbelievers. POINTS TO NOTE: 1. Holiness can exist in less than ideal circumstances. Faithfulness is dependent upon one's love for God, and not surrounding external factors. We can never excuse ourselves from serving God on the basis of hardship (1 Peter 2:20). 2. This section reveals: A. Becoming. Christian doesn't excuse you from obeying the laws of the land or paying your taxes. B. Even worldly people in positions of authority are to be respected for the office they hold. C. The purpose of Christianity isn't to reform or replace human institutions. The goal of Christianity isn't to become the civil authority in the land or to create. nation of Christians-only.