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Email: <lelgee@voicenet.com>Peter's concluding statement of Chapter One -- "The Word of the LORD lives forever," the word of incorruptible and undying 'seed' which is implanted in every baptized person who accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer of his spirit and life, -- requires his comment; a commandment for instruction of the ecclesia.
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies and all evil speakings.
Wherefore, 3767. Therefore is the most common translation of this particle. It introduces Peter's instruction. The object for the planting of the 'seed' is so that God may gain by its growth, so Peter now declares the way to cultivate godliness. Adam, you may recall, after his creation was placed in the garden of the LORD and commanded in the way by which he should dress and keep it, Genesis 2:15-17.
With the next two verses, Peter begins to instruct his readers concerning the habits of a person "in Christ."
Laying aside, 659. To be putting away from you.
All, 3956. Everything of; without any exceptions. Peter lists our most common daily errors which violate the royal commandments: all malice of thought and speech, all acts of guile, hypocrisies, envies.
Malice, 2549. Knowingly to think, speak or do with ill-will. "Malice aforethought" is forbidden as a manner of conversation.
Guile, 1388. Putting a subtle twist to (words); unright and unwise thinking; a deliberate misleading of another's thoughts is also forbidden.
Hypocrisies, 5272. Literally, to underjudge one's self; to underplay one's own part in a matter. The lack of humility of mind too is forbidden.
Envies, 5355. Destructive jealousies.
Evil speakings, 2636. To speak against. It implies to speak negatively against (something) good; to defame. (This is not the same word as blasphemy.) These five bad habits are to be completely laid aside.
2 As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby:
Newborn, 738. The newborn naturally suckles what is placed in its mouth; the nipple, a fingertip, a baby thumb, etc.
Babes, 1025. The infant just born.
Desire, 1971. The newborn, as many a mother knows, greatly yearns for one thing, its milk; and only thereafter for its other needs.
Sincere, 97. Unadulterated; not dilute or mixed with any of the above five bad habits! The newborn recognizes instantly whenever the milk has changed its taste.
Milk, 1051. Metaphorically, this word stands for the purity of the drink as it comes from its living source. "As pure as mother's milk" has become a proverb.
The Word, 3050. The unadulterated drink from the LORD's cup, the Word of God.
That ye may grow, 837. To increase; to become greater in stature.
Thereby, 846. En. In it, the Word.
Peter apparently is not a devotee of commentaries on the Bible, nor of the traditions of men who try to change the teaching of "the Word" first spoken by God.
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord [is] gracious.
If, 1512. A conjunction, questioning the mind of the Epistle's readers for any practical application of the truth which Peter has just stated. If this great yearning exists in you, he prompts, for a reply.
So be ye have tasted, 1089. To sample a food to determine its flavor and palatability.
That the Lord, 2962. The Lord, here, is the resurrected and glorified Jesus Christ.
Gracious, 5543. Chrestos. Kind, mild, pleasant (to the taste).
Peter continues on, after interjecting the personal comment
. 4 To whom coming [as unto] a living stone disallowed indeed of men but chosen of God [and] precious
This following clause is put by Peter to modify his explanation of the growth of the godly 'seed.'
To, 4314. Pros. With regard to (the object)
Whom, 3739. To the (approached).
Coming to, 4334. The coming toward; approaching near (to the people).
Peter is speaking of the first coming forth of the Son from God. Our translation reads "[...the Lord], regarding whose coming forth [was as]..." It refers to the Lord's first coming, in which the Father, speaking again through His Son, implored the people to hear His Word. He came forth from heaven and called again to them - but they refused again to come to Him.
A living, 2198. The verb, to live.
Stone, 3037. The only seeds which may be spoken of as living stones are those of the fruits which have stony pits which contain a seed of life inside. The Bible use of "stone" varies according to the structure of the teaching. Peter has now switched his metaphor to represent another character of the Lord, of whom it was said, "I recognized that you are a hard man..," and to which Jesus replied, "Wicked and slothful servant, you recognized that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered not; you were obliged therefore to put my money to the money-changers, and coming, I should have received my own with interest..." Thus illustrated is the hardness of the godly Seed of David. Neither the goodness nor the severity of the LORD is to be underestimated.
Disallowed, 593. More often translated as rejected. The Lord, nevertheless, was yet firmly rejected by his own people.
Indeed, 3303. Or, certainly; a word usually not translated but supplied to strengthen the verb's intensity.
Of men, 444. The implication seems to be that men definitely did not prefer to dress and to keep the garden of the LORD, but that they definitely preferred to make things and to build with their own designs instead.
But chosen, 1588. Picked out; but usually translated as elect.
Of God, 2316. Set in apposition to men. With God, the Lord was made like a stone, having life-giving power within himself. See 1 Corinthians 15:45: "The first man, Adam, was made a living breath of life; the last Adam [was made] a life-giving spirit."
Precious, 1784. And, a stone to prize; honorable.
5 Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Ye also, 2532. And yourselves...
As lively, 2198. The same word as living in verse four.
Stones, 3037. Stones having a life within, as in verse four, with the Lord.
Are built, 3618. Are now in the process of construction, but conditionally as per verse three.
A spiritual, 4152 house, 3624. Literally as a house of the Spirit. The 'house' is not one dependent upon the size of the stones but is a dwelling place where the Holy Spirit may peacefully rest. It is sure that the Father has taken consideration as to the size of the house which He builds for His Son, for it is this house which is being built with the chosen 'living stones.' The population of the whole world is culled for "stones" which may prove suitable material for the Father's building.
An holy, 40. Holy; sanctified, men of awe, having the character of angels.
Priesthood, 2406. This word identifies the office of the residents of the prospective "spiritual house."
To offer up, 399. To bear up; to carry up; to transport.
Spiritual, 4152. Belonging to the Spirit.
Sacrifices, 2378. A given covering for evil.
Acceptable, 2144. What is only right to receive.
To God, 2316. God, the LORD of all beings. It cannot be pressed, but here may be a glimpse of what Jesus meant when he said to Nathaniel, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." The angels will pass between the spiritutal house of the Father and the temporal house of the Lord during the millennium, as couriers carrying messages...
By, 1223. Dia; through.
Jesus, 2424 Christ, 5547. Implied is the high priest's judgment against unacceptable sacrifices, and a duty to teach what is good and acceptable to God. This was a function of the priest under the Law of Moses. During the millennial reign of Christ, the spiritual sacrifices of the nations will be judged according to their worth for delivery to the Father.
Jesus Christ is the conduit provided through which the voluntary sacrifices of the spirit are made acceptable to God.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner stone elect precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Peter now presents his second teaching corollary - always based upon the Holy Scriptures; never upon any traditions of men.
Wherefore, 1352. Dio; almost the same as saying, "On this account," or "For this reason." (Not the same wherefore as in verse one)
Also, 2532. Even, after also is the third translation choice for this conjunction. Peter is saying, "For this reason also (verses 4-5), the Holy Scriptures testify to the truth of the Word." And he proceeds to cite the spirit of the Word:
It is contained, 4023. Literally, "It echoes around..." What a great metaphor for the sounding of the Voice!
In the scripture, 1124. Actually, in the Writing of the Prophet, Isaiah 28:16.
Behold, 2400. Akin to the "lo" of the book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Such words are signs, signals, flashing lights, calling for close attention to the words following.
I lay, 5087. To lay into place; to put into a position; to found.
In Sion, 4622. Zion is the hill upon which Jerusalem and the temple were built. It is the highest of the city's hills. In Psalm 132:13 it is recorded that God has chosen the hill of Zion for His dwelling place. Not Mt. Sinai, but Mt. Zion. Read the 37 references.
A chief corner, 204. The head stone which joins two walls, from which all further level measures of the construction are made.
Stone, 3037. As above; rock solid.
Elect, 1588. As above; chosen.
Precious, 1784. As above; honorable. "He will magnify the Law, and make it honorable"
And he that believeth, 4100. To believe; to commit one's trust to.
On, 1909. Upon.
Him shall not be confounded, 2617. To be ashamed; or to have dishonor placed against his name.
7 Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient the stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner
Unto you, 5213. Those among his readers; the pilgrims, sojourners in a strange country....
Therefore, 3767. See under verse one.
Which, 3588. The article, the.
Believe, 4100. The believers who have committed their lives to be built into Christ's house as "living stones" which are a kind of seed.
Precious, 5092. The basis of value upon which a price is fixed.
Knowing that there are always tares planted among the good seed, Peter provides the other case for judgment:
But unto them which be disobedient, 544. Not fully persuaded of what they hear.
Stone, 3037. As above; rock solid.
Builders, 3618. The craftsmen employed to construct the house. Under the Law of Moses, the Levitical order of priests were assigned this duty to educate the people in the understanding of God's Word. The order of Aaron was the chief of the priests. They all eventually became derelict in teaching the nation, not building but tearing down. The Lord's trial was overseen by the high priest's family.
Disallowed, 593. The Sanhedrim repudiated the claims of the Lord, that he was the One whose right it was to sit upon the throne of Judah to rule over Israel. They also rejected the evidence of his true paternity; thus disallowing the Word of the LORD which had first been spoken in very ancient times. But despite their blasphemies against the Name of God, His purpose remained firm.
The same, 3778. The same "living stone," ..."the (singular) seed" of Abraham.
Is made, 1096. Has come to be.
The head, 2776. The top of a body; the head, which governs all its subordinate parts. In this case, the Lord is (to become) the head of both the nation and of the godly house which the Father is preparing for the Son's dwelling place on Mt. Zion during the millennial period after Israel's restoration as a kingdom. The 'body' of 'the head' is the priestly house of rulers who will share the reign of the dominion with him.
The corner, 1137. The corner; the point where the two 'walls;' (Hebrew: shoulders) join together. Keep this thought in mind, for both the writing of Hosea and of Zechariah, and the writing of John in the prophecy of The Revelation of Jesus Christ speak of this joining together. It is a major event in the construction of the Lord's house.
The Writings of the Old Testament often speak toward the manner of the times when 'the house' is restored to the nation.
8 And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence [even to them] which stumble at the word being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Peter too briefly speaks of the end appointed to the ungodly 'believers' who fail to be occupied in the work of the Master during his absence.
And a stone, 3037. A literal stone. Three hails of brim stones accompany the Lord's apocalypse to the world, according to the prophecy of The Revelation.The hails remove all traces of the ungodly and their works as they smite all the foundations of idolatry.
Of stumbling, 4348. To strike against due to lack of watchfulness.
And a rock, 4073. Not a loose lying rock, but as projecting from a surface which the unwary collides against. An immovable, hard rock.
Of offence, 4625. Causing an offence.
[Even to them] which, 3739. To the unwary, unseeing; blind
Stumble, 4350. Who walk without sure footing...
At the word, 3056. Logos: see under 1 Peter 1:23. The "new" teaching of God as interpreted by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Being disobedient, 544. As under verse seven; not whole hearted in belief of God's Word.
Whereunto, 3739. Toward which.
Also, 2532. Even; and.
They were appointed, 5087. To lay, put into position, as above. Because their work is blame worthy, not because God predestines any man straightaway to destruction. When a man says he will do a thing - "All that the LORD has spoken, we will do," and then reneges upon his word, he makes himself culpable. Such men are appointed for judgment due to malfeasance when "occupying" in their work.
The nation rejected the Lord at his first coming; the LORD did not reject the people; instead, He turned to the nations around Israel to call out from them a people for His name. Thus Peter continues to speak to "the pilgrims scattered abroad" in Asia Minor - the exceptional of the nation who had not rejected their anticipated Messiah.
9 But ye [are] a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
But ye [are] a chosen, 1588. Ones chosen out.
Generation, 1085. Genos: genus, plural genera. "A grouping ranking next above the species and next below the family or subfamily." This word defines exactly where in the family of God His new "little children" - elected worthy individuals - will be placed at the second coming of the Lord. The redeemed are a new creation of people, taken out from the "first man" - out of Adam's form and kind.
A royal, 934. Having the status of a king.
Priesthood, 2406. And in the office of a priest.
An holy, 40. Set apart, as the definition of genus implies.
Nation, 1484. A new genre adopted into the family of God, the Father.
For, 1519 a peculiar 4047. For a possession (of people) in reserve...
People, 2992. A group of people.
That ye should shew forth, 1804. Exaggello: to send forth, in the manner as the angels were sent out from God.
The praises, 703. Usually translated as virtue. In other words, to proclaim the Word as an evangelist should do.
Of Him who hath called, 2564. To call; to invite one to come; the Father called...
Out of, 1537 darkness 4655. Before God spoke the first time, the earth was shrouded in darkness; it was formless and empty. Man, whose parts were hidden in the deep darkness of the earth, had neither a form nor substance before his creation. As made by the angels Adam was "very good" of form - but after testing by God - found to be not perfect in spirit in the sight of the LORD for His purpose, (due to his earthy-ness) the man was obliged to be reformed according to the Father's will. The place of "darkness" and "vanity" within him had to be changed into a vessel of "light."
Into, 1519.
His marvellous, 2298. A thing of wonder and awe; an unapproachable light!
Light, 5457. A light, which shines or makes things manifest by its glowing, or emissions. A condition which makes things visible to the sight. In O.T. manifestations GOD always appeared in this blinding, brilliant light of His holiness.
10 Which in time past [were] not a people but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Which, 3588. The article, the. Meaning, the people before not chosen by God
In time past, 4218. An indefinite part of speech indicating some past time of ill favor in the sight of God. Peter quotes the prophet as a proof of the specific "time past" in which the people of God received no pity from Him, showing clearly that the time before the children of Israel were called out of Egypt was not the time in question.
Not a people, 2992. "Loammi." Peter refers here to Hosea, of a prophecy concerning a prior apostasy of Israel and Judah. "But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah and will save them by the LORD their God; and will not save them by bow nor by sword nor by battle, by horse nor by horsemen. Then said (He), Call his name Loammi: for you are not My People and I will not be your God," 1:7, 9.
Hosea then declares the appointed end for all the people: "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land/earth: for great shall be the day of Jezreel," vv. 10-11. Several powerful deductions may further be drawn from this text, but Peter does not digress to pursue them.
But now, 3568. Nun: now; the time during the Lord's first appearance and rejection.
The people, 2992. Of God <2316. "Ammi;" per Hosea 2:23.
Which, 3588. As above, the (people).
Had not obtained mercy, 1653. "Loruhamah." The names are Hebrew.
But now, 3568. Nun: now; Peter emphasizes the present time in which the apostles of the Lord ministered the Word of God to the people - until they too were rejected and killed.
Have obtained mercy, 1653. "Ruhamah." She will become "Pitied." She is given "a new name..." See Hosea 2:14-23. In Hosea, the first "woman" was Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, ("double embrace"). Hosea describes this "woman" as "a wife of whoredoms."
Readers should not overlook the implication of the words of Hosea 3:1-5, wherein the prophet was commanded to seek out a second woman, one to "love" - whom he purchased for the half price of a slave, etc., and who was forbidden to become an harlot. Now, reconsider what is the true identity of "the woman" of Revelation 12:6 - in the light which both Peter and Hosea shed upon the two names.
11 Dearly beloved I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul;
Dearly beloved, 27. Ah, Agapetos, the first "love" chosen by the LORD.
I beseech, 3870. To beseech; to speak comfortably to. "Comfort, comfort ye, My People..." See all the references to comfort, 5162 in Isaiah's prophecy.
[You] strangers, 3941. Ones who dwell near; as neighbors.
And pilgrims, 3927. As defined in 1 Peter 1:1; cf. And, in the expectation of a citizenship together with Christ and the angels in the kingdom of God.
Abstain, 567. To hold one's self away from...
From fleshly, 4559. Carnal; inherent in the flesh.
Lusts, 1939. Passions; strong desires; greed.
Which, 3748. They which are.
War, 4754. To be in active service.
Against, 2596. Kata; against
Soul, 5590. Psyche; the life of the body. Sin, finding a hold in the body of flesh, works through the evil spirit to destroy the life of the body by bringing back the body again to its dusty elements - i.e., causing death.
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers they may by [your] good works which they shall behold glorify God in the day of visitation.
Having, 2192. Echo; the verb, to have. Not to be confused with 4023!
Your, 5216.
Conversation, 391. Habits; manners in life, speech, conduct, behavior, deportment.
Honest, 2570. Kalos; usually translated as good, but to be distinguished from 18, agathos, which is translated as the good which describes only God, the Father. Honesty is only one of the characteristics of the goodness of God.
Among, 1722. Living with...
The Gentiles, 1484. The people of the nations.
So that wherein, 3739. See verse eight.
They speak against, 2635. See verse two, 2636.
Evildoers, 2555. As, literally doing evil.
They may by [your] good, 2570. Honesty in all dealings. The epithet, 'Honest to God!' comes from the old traditional understanding of what God requires of men; likewise the saying, 'For goodness sake!'.
Works, 2041. Ergon, works: business; employments; your occupation. This is the type of work to which Jesus referred when he said, 'Occupy until I come...' Make a practical application of his instructions to your life.
Which they shall behold, 2029. To look upon; to see.
Glorify, 1392. To opine; to praise; to honor.
God, 2316. God, the Father (as the article in the Greek indicates).
In (the) day, 2250. Of a day as when the believer is put to a public test to determine whether he will be obedient to God, or to men..; or, whenever God shall deem that a further testing of works is required.
Visitation, 1984. The day of investigation, of inspection. Peter is not only writing concerning the present living habits of all the pilgrims and sojourners who claimed the name of Jesus Christ, but he is also thinking about "the wrath to come" which Paul speaks about in some detail in all his Writings. Citing Paul, Peter devotes a chapter of his second letter - 2 Peter 3 - to some particulars concerning "the wrath to come."
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king as supreme;
Submit yourselves, 5293. To place (yourself) in subjection under.
Every, 3956. Everything of; without any exceptions.
Ordinance, 2937. Ktisis; (thing of) creation; a building, an establishment.
Of man, 442. ...Of men. Peter speaks to those in the five different provinces of Asia Minor.
For the sake, 1223. Dia; on account of.
Lord, 2962. The Greek reads, the Lord. He submitted completely to both Jewish and to Roman law, as well as to his Father's will. For the (sake of the) Master who purchased them with his own blood, and will yet redeem their life, when to the end, they remain faithful to his calling of them.
This principle of subjection to the established governing order is expresssed in the Law of Moses as, "You shall not revile the elohim, nor curse the ruler of thy people," per Exodus 33:28. Also, "the powers to be are ordained of God..."
This commandment by Peter seems opposed to the BASF, Doctrines To Be Rejected, No. 35. How can we be taught of God to be righteous judges (elohim) of men when we are also taught by menthat not to "submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" even on a trial basis, is acceptable for any believer in the Name of Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 would seem to indicate that the wisdom to make good judgments is required for us to learn in this life. Theoretical knowledge is not the knowledge which the Bible speaks of; true Bible knowledge is the experience - under adversity - which should produce a good and honest understanding of the truth. Job understood through the things which he suffered under his Adversary's power with God.
It be to the king, 935. The king, or leader, of the community in which the pilgrim resides.
As supreme, 5242. Who holds (authority) over the community; thus, is the lord whom must be legally (ethically) obeyed.
14 Or unto governors as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well.
Unto governors, 2232. An official, lesser in rank than the king, apparently as delegated by the higher authority of Rome.
As unto them that are sent, 3992. Those sent as representative of the king.
By him. The higher authority; the ruling Caesar.
For the punishment, 1557. Vengeance. See Luke 18:7-8.
Of evildoers, 2555. As above, v. 12. (But what is sometimes considered evil by the nations is not evil in the sight of God and is over-ruled by the heavenly Father, Who is the first One to obey). In "the day of wrath" God's vengeance against all recalcitrant evildoers is the Second Death.
And for the praise, 1868. Commendation, approbation.
Of them that do well, 17. Who do good in works. See 18 above in v. 12. Honest habits, good works, and well-doing are all of the same thing - obedience to God.
15 For so is the will of God that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
So, 3779. Such; that.
Is the will, 2307. The counsel; what is determined shall be done.
Of God, 2316. As sent by the Lord who oversees "the works" of men when they are put to the test, by temptation from within themselves (i.e., by the diabolos; the double mind of the evil spirit which now resides in the flesh).
That with well doing, 15. See 17 above.
Ye may put to silence, 5392. Muzzle.
The ignorance, 56. The lack of knowledge in.
Of foolish, 878. No understanding. A fool lacks both understanding and experience.
Men, 444. Men of, literally, the lack of knowledge in understanding. Where there is no practical exercise of their senses experienced by men, they cannot rightly testify of something in which they have not done. Thus the Lord recommended, "Occupy until I come..." The pragmatism which the Lord commends to his servants is not the pragmatism of the world; but is a godly occupation in the spirit of holy works.
16 As free and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness but as the servants of God.
As free, 1658. See Matthew 17:26; John 8:32-36; Acts 22:28; Romans 5:12-18; 6:18-22; 8:22; 1 Corinthians 7:21-22: Galatians 3:28; 4:26-31; 5:1. Free from what? Free from our earthen bond to the oppression of the ever-present indwelling evil spirit, because our new citizenship - promised, but subject to a long probation and held in reserve until the resurrection - will come as a reward to us at the Lord's return from heaven...
Not using, 2192. Echo: to have.
Liberty, 1657. The freedom of Christ's name.
For a cloke, 1942. As an overcoat!
Of maliciousness, 2549. See under v. 1. Evil activity.
But, 235. Except, use the freedom as should all the good servants of God - in a godly way; neither deliberately giving or deliberately taking offence within the liberty given unto us! Although, it is impossible that offences will not come where none are expected.
As, 5613 the servants, 1401. As a loyal servant, who shares the royal majesties of the LORD's house.
Of God, 2316. The servants of God are composed of the angels, the living creatures, and the elders of His council, the Lord, Jesus Christ and those whom are called to partake of the Father's glory.
17 Honor all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Honor, 5091. Honor. Be impartial; not discriminating against, but hearing them out without prejudice.
All, 3956. Everything of; without any exceptions. Submit to superior authorities as the servants of God do submit unto Him.
Love, 25. Agapao; the love of Christ - the deep love of God for His creation - the love which constrains all our works performed for His holy name's sake.
The brotherhood, 81. Brethren. This is the second commandment.
Fear God, 5399. Phobeo: phobia, be in a dreadful awe of God. This is the first commandment.
Honor, 5091 the king, 935. See under v. 13. The chief authority of the land is to be regarded as you would regard other men, but with respect to custom for his office. Every country of the Roman empire was ruled by a king. The five provinces of Asia Minor also no doubt were each ruled by a lesser "king." Local laws, too, may have varied from country to country. Peter's instructions appear to take these variables into consideration.
18 Servants [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward.
Servants, 3610. Oiketes; not doulos. This Greek word refers to the domestic workers; an employee who receives wages for housework. This servant might be a slave who is hired out by his own master for wages, but whether such practice was common in Peter's time is not known. Slaves were not well-treated even by their own masters in those early days.
Subject, 5293. Be subordinate; to defer to, to be not presumptuous.
To [your] masters, 1203. The Greek is despotes; from which comes despot. A despot - good or bad - is the absolute master who is to be obeyed. The title in the New Testament is used of God, the Father, and to refer to human masters.
With all, 3956. In everything attentive; without any exceptions.
Fear, 5401. Phobos; to have a phobia toward; an apprehension.
Not, 3756 only, 3440. Ou: the absolute negative plus monon: only; or, alone.
To the good, 18.
And gentle, 1933.
But, 235 also, 2532. The same regard that is shown to the good and gentle master is expected to be shown to bad masters.
To the froward, 4646. Skolios: crooked. Not that this type of master is a deliberate and calculating, deceitful fellow but is one that cannot be trusted to make consistent decisions, or to otherwise act in an even-handed manner. Naturally a worker would be wise to have apprehension in his regard toward this type of crooked master.
In this statement Peter touches upon a point which many seem to completely miss - that God Who is wholly good and gentle toward His servants is nevertheless to be feared for the sake of His name and position of strength of powers. Thus is the contrast between the goodness and the severity of God.
19 For this [is] thankworthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully.
For this, 5124. This matter of obedience to the Master.
Thankworthy, 5485. Charis is mostly translated as grace. The servant's good, fearful reaction toward his master is a favorable attribute. Even a bad master will be thankful, maybe even pleased that this servant causes him no troubles! The attribute certainly delights the father who is well-pleased with his son.
If, 1488. Yes, but only when the condition as stated hereafter is applicable.
A man, 5100. A certain person, either male or female
For conscience, 4893. Suneidesis: to know together with God in one's own mind and spirit. The definition seems to imply that both the spirit of a man and the spirit of the "earnest" (which indwells a person from the time of baptism) must agree in the matter. Paul's letters to the churches further define his position regarding a weak conscience versus a strong, and good conscience of things.
Toward God, 2316. The LORD God. The religion of Jesus Christ is a matter of a good strong conscience toward the Heavenly Father. The Lord repeated His Father's first commandment toward men: Love God; obey His word. These two "words" epitomize the entire Gospel message: Love God; do what He has commanded.
But the majority of Christians still insist upon creeds, upon rules of conduct for the churches; upon religious law; upon external forms of government, of AB's etc., none of which can shape the holy spirit which is required to be in a man. Many pious Christians do not understand the purpose nor the power of prayer as mediated through Jesus Christ.
Endure, 5297. If he carries himself under the fear.., being patient (see 5278 below).
Grief, 3077. Sorrows, pains, annoyances, afflictions.
Suffering, 3958. To experience such things through the sensible faculties of the body and mind. In the flesh, (but with the Lord unlike other men, without making any error or doing any sin).
Wrongfully, 95. Unjustly, undeserved, without fault before the throne of glory....
Herein the true humility of the spirit is exemplified. No one was more grieved or wronged than the Lord Jesus Christ, who is leading us through a similar maze of trials and tribulations in order to prove us worthy of his Father's glory. Shouldn't we have the same godly apprehension toward our earthly authorities, then, also?
20 For what glory [is it] if when ye be buffeted for your faults ye shall take it patiently? but if when ye do well and suffer [for it] ye take it patiently this [is] acceptable with God.
For what, 4169. For, what kind of (reaction).
Glory, 2811. A thing said, a report.
If, 1487. See v. 19.
When ye be buffeted, 2852. If when being physically mistreated. Being punished for some errors.
For your faults, 264. Hamartano; a sin; to be faulty. A fault is the human weakness; the breach in man's creation. Peter uses the word in its most true sense! A fault in the earth is a weakness in the earth's crust; an unstable area. This is the same earth from which Adam was made.
Ye shall take it patiently, 5278. To endure without an adverse act or word. So what if your master even tortures you and you act in an exemplary manner? If you survive, is he going to reward you with good things?
But if, 1487. See v. 19.
When ye do well, 15. See v. 14, 17, and 18 above.
And suffer, 3958. See v. 19.
Ye take it patiently, 5278. As above.
This, 5124. See v. 19.
Acceptable, 5485. Thankworthy as in v. 19. "...He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him," Hebrews 11:6.
With God, 2316. With God, the Father.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps:
For even hereunto, 5124. See v. 19.
Were ye called, 2564. To call; to invite.
Because, 3754. The conjunction; that.
Christ, 5547. The "anointed" one of God, of holy spirit without measure.
Also, 2532. Kai. Even, and, also, indeed, but are the usual translations of this conjunction.
Suffered, 3958. See v. 19.
For us leaving, 5277. To leave behind.
Example, 5261. A written copy; thus, an example that is set. The Just One left behind him also the eye-witness of the apostles who saw his works, and their writings of his exemplary works.
That ye should follow, 1872. To be obliged to follow in the steps of one walking before.
His steps, 2487. Literally, in his footprints. Walk as he did walk. The Lord was himself a living, working model of holiness and obedience to God.
It is the reconformed mind and the reformed conduct of the body and spirit which must meet God's standard of holiness. One's personal physical characteristics - his personality - remain uniquely his own identity. And furthermore, God will assign him his station for the lifetime of eternity and his "new name." He will receive his full anointing of the holy spirit when the rewards are distributed in the resurrection of the dead in Christ! God makes the changes necessary - when the two conditions are met - for His own eternal purpose.
22 Who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, 3739. Christ, the "anointed" one of God.
Did, 4160. Who did no sin, nor made any error.
No, 3756. The absolute negative again; not. He did not sin... He had a pure heart and clean hands...
Sin, 266. As in v. 20, 264. This is the noun.
Neither, 3761.
Was guile, 1388. Subtilty, deceit, craft. This was the Serpent's error from the beginning... He was a murderer, as is he who hates his brother without a cause.
Found, 2147. To find; the verb. The Lord was a plain spoken man; "hard" and "austere" are words used to describe him.
In his mouth, 4750. The main facial orifice. There is no other man than the Christ, no other man dead or alive, who can lay claim to this truth. Many longstanding traditions of men are composed with the element of guile however scholarly the subtle idea is presented. Keep this thought in mind as we go further through this study of Peter's epistles, for Peter finds it necessary to write a second letter to address the knowledge of good, and how to avoid the knowledge of evil.
The tongue, which is the chief member of the mouth, is never tamed by anyone. It is a poisonous dart which uses words to kill. Read James 3:5-10. The entire chapter is a warning against teachers who prattle on about things of which they know nothing. Those who have "itching ears" love such teachers who teach "the truth" with foolish jesting, jibes and other provocative, sensual means, and who teach not by example, nor according "as the truth is in Jesus."
23 Who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:
Who, 3739. Christ, the "anointed" one of God.
When he was reviled, 3058. The root word comes from mischief; loidoros. When his detractors made mischief against him, he sought no way for retaliation.
Reviled not again, 486. He did not retort, or give an answer.
When he suffered, 3958. When he experienced such things through the sensible faculties of the body and mind and in his flesh...
Hethreatened not, 546. He made himself neither a threat or a menace toward those adversaries.
But committed, 3860. To deliver to a power of restraint. In the Lord's case it was to his Father to whom he yielded the decisions for his works. Peter devotes more space later to the method of the Lord's commitment to his Father. His lesson bears repeating
To him that judgeth, 2919. Krino: to judge.
Righteously, 1346. With a just determination; as is right. The God of all the earth is just. See Deuteronomy 32:3-4, the Song of Moses.
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we being dead to sins should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Who, 3739. Christ, the "anointed" one of God.
His own self, 846. Autos: himself. This is the only time own rightly appears in this verse.
Bare, 399. To carry to; to offer up; to be led to the altar as a voluntary sacrifice as required by God, as Abel obediently did. Paul said, "I die daily..."
Our sins, 266. See under v. 22.
In his [own] body, 4983. The body, living or dead, having all its parts together.
On, 1909. Epi; upon. As the serpent of brass was hung upon the tree, per Numbers 21:7-9, for the view of sinners; and as a visual reminder that all rebels against God are worthy of the same criminal's death.
The tree, 3586. Xulon; the stake of wood upon which the Lord was crucified by the soldiers. In figure, it was the tree of life...
That, 2443 we being dead, 581. Being dead; i.e., redeemed from the biting of the serpent's progeny, might live by faith in the Word of the LORD as expressed by the account in Numbers 21.
Sins, 266. See under v. 22. I.e., no longer having a life in the way of errors.
Should live, 2198. Zao: to have a life.
Unto righteousness, 1343. ...So that we should live a life of rightness...
By whose, 3739. By Christ, the obedient "anointed" one of God.
Stripes, 3468. Only used once in the N.T. Bruises or wounds which disfigure the body. Spots. The word bruise first appears in Genesis 3:15. When Eden's serpent beguiled, then bruised the woman's good conscience toward God's commandment, that Deceiver introduced Death into the world.
Healed, 2390. Iaomai: defined as to heal or to make whole. But the bruising and sufferings of the Christ, Isaiah 53:10, brought healing to the whole world through the righteousness of one man
By revealing the way to God, the Christ taught the only way in which the sins and errors of the world may be alleviated; which is to be instructed in righteousness while being disciplined for errors committed until the right way is made clear. No disciple can travel in this way without his textbook, the Bible. [On the obverse, an iatric disease is one caused by a malpracticing doctor.]
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
For ye were as sheep, 4263. Although they yet are "strangers scattered abroad" Peter describes them as once being straying sheep.
Going astray, 4105. Planao: to be deceived; to be in error; out of bounds. From the time when Zedekiah was dethroned until the time when Messiah appeared, the children of Israel and the house of Judah were left by God, to permited to stray without any leaders...
But are now, 3568. Now, at this time, when Peter writes to them.
Returned, 1994. To be turned over; converted, turned around.
Unto the Shepherd, 4166. The shepherd; him appointed as having the full charge over the flock.
And Bishop, 1985. A "bishop" quite literally is an overseer (of a thing or work). He looks over, and either approves or disapproves a course of action and dictates the right way for instruction and correction of works.
Your, 5216. Souls, 5590. Psyche; equally translated as soul and/or as life. King James' men were not unanimous in their opinions concerning a man's life or soul. The word refers primarily to the breath of life which a man expires at his death. This same breath of life was inspired by the LORD God into Adam - (breathed into Adam) - who then became a living soul, according to the King James translators, per Genesis 2:7. Scripture affirms that the last man, in contrast, became a life-giving spirit - rather than an enigmatic "immortal soul."