1 Peter 2:9-17

1 Peter 2:9-17

Peter concludes verses 1-8 by pointing out that those who reject Christ are doomed. Beginning in verse 9, he contrasts disciples with the doomed ones. In verse 9 he uses four terms that were originally applied to Israel. Everything that God wanted to accomplish and Israel failed to do is accomplished in the church. The four descriptions of the disciples in this verse give us our identity in the world. Out of this identity, we live our lives on a daily basis. By being these very special people, we are to proclaim the “excellencies” of God. The word excellencies ought to be translated as virtues or moral virtues. In other words, our lives ought to reflect God's moral virtues. This happens because of our realization that while we were once outsiders and did not belong, now we are the people who have mercy and who belong. We live up to our high and noble state by abstaining from the cravings of our fallen nature. The word “abstain” comes from the combination of “away from” and “to have.” The idea is to create distance, lots of distance. Our doing so is a witness to the watching world, and as we do it consistently, even the sinful world, despite persecution, knows that we are innocent. In fact, on the day of visitation, they will glorify God. “Day of visitation” means day of judgment, oversight, or supervision. Perhaps this refers to the return of Christ, or their personal day of death, or the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. In any case our behavior is so excellent, or ought to be, that it will stand up in any court.

To this end, Peter gives us some very practical guidance about how we are to live. Peter is writing this during the reign of Nero, who, of all the leaders, is one of that Christians might dishonor. This was a time of persecution and false accusations against Christians. Peter calls disciples to such noble and righteous behavior that when foolish men make an accusation, others would say in effect, “I know Christians, and Christians would not behave that way.” Sadly, the conduct of many Christians on too many occasions is such that almost any behavior, no matter how bad, can be attributed to so-called Christians. That is why it is incumbent on any follower who takes their discipleship seriously to make sure that their conduct is of the highest moral standards. Peter gives us two pairs of guiding principles. Honor all men and the king, not just the office but the person as well, and in relationship to the family of faith, love the Brotherhood, but reserve reverence for God alone. 

“Lord, give me the wisdom to live a life that even non-believers can see the difference and give You glory. AMEN”