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1 Peter 2:11-4
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

III. The Christian in a Hostile World

Christian Examples. 11 [a]Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners[b] to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.(A) 12 Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Christian Citizens.[c] 13 Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme(B) 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the approval of those who do good. 15 For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God.(C) 17 Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king.(D)

Christian Slaves. 18 [d]Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse.(E) 19 For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace. 20 But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered[e] for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.(F)

22 “He committed no sin,(G)
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[f]

23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.(H) 24 He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.(I) 25 For you had gone astray like sheep,(J) but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.[g]

Chapter 3

Christian Spouses. 1 [h]Likewise, you wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives’ conduct 2 when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior.(K) 3 Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes,(L) 4 but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; 6 thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him “lord.” You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.

7 (M)Likewise, you husbands should live with your wives in understanding, showing honor to the weaker female sex, since we are joint heirs of the gift of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.[i]

Christian Conduct.[j] 8 Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. 9 Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.(N) 10 For:

“Whoever would love life(O)
    and see good days
must keep the tongue from evil
    and the lips from speaking deceit,
11 must turn from evil and do good,
    seek peace and follow after it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears turned to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

Christian Suffering.[k] 13 Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,(P) 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered[l] for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.(Q) 19 In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison,[m] 20 who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.(R) 21 This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God[n] for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(S) 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.(T)

Chapter 4

Christian Restraint.[o] 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude (for whoever suffers in the flesh has broken with sin), 2 so as not to spend what remains of one’s life in the flesh on human desires, but on the will of God. 3 For the time that has passed is sufficient for doing what the Gentiles like to do: living in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and wanton idolatry.(U) 4 They are surprised that you do not plunge into the same swamp of profligacy, and they vilify you; 5 but they will give an account to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.(V) 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead[p] that, though condemned in the flesh in human estimation, they might live in the spirit in the estimation of God.

Christian Charity.[q] 7 The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. 8 (W)Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.[r] 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.(X) 10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.(Y) 11 Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,(Z) to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.[s]

IV. Advice to the Persecuted

Trial of Persecution.[t]

Footnotes

  1. 2:11–3:12 After explaining the doctrinal basis for the Christian community, the author makes practical applications in terms of the virtues that should prevail in all the social relationships of the members of the community: good example to Gentile neighbors (1 Pt 2:11–12); respect for human authority (1 Pt 2:13–17); obedience, patience, and endurance of hardship in domestic relations (1 Pt 2:18–25); Christian behavior of husbands and wives (1 Pt 3:1–7); mutual charity (1 Pt 3:8–12).
  2. 2:11 Aliens and sojourners: no longer signifying absence from one’s native land (Gn 23:4), this image denotes rather their estrangement from the world during their earthly pilgrimage (see also 1 Pt 1:1, 17).
  3. 2:13–17 True Christian freedom is the result of being servants of God (2 Pt 2:16; see note on 1 Pt 2:18–23). It includes reverence for God, esteem for every individual, and committed love for fellow Christians (1 Pt 2:17). Although persecution may threaten, subjection to human government is urged (1 Pt 2:13, 17) and concern for the impact of Christians’ conduct on those who are not Christians (1 Pt 2:12, 15).
  4. 2:18–21 Most of the labor in the commercial cities of first-century Asia Minor was performed by a working class of slaves. The sense of freedom contained in the gospel undoubtedly caused great tension among Christian slaves: witness the special advice given concerning them here and in 1 Cor 7:21–24; Eph 6:5–8; Col 3:22–25; Phlm. The point made here does not have so much to do with the institution of slavery, which the author does not challenge, but with the nonviolent reaction (1 Pt 2:20) of slaves to unjust treatment. Their patient suffering is compared to that of Jesus (1 Pt 2:21), which won righteousness for all humanity.
  5. 2:21 Suffered: some ancient manuscripts and versions read “died” (cf. 1 Pt 3:18).
  6. 2:22–25 After the quotation of Is 53:9b, the passage describes Jesus’ passion with phrases concerning the Suffering Servant from Is 53:4–12, perhaps as employed in an early Christian confession of faith; cf. 1 Pt 1:18–21 and 1 Pt 3:18–22.
  7. 2:25 The shepherd and guardian of your souls: the familiar shepherd and flock figures express the care, vigilance, and love of God for his people in the Old Testament (Ps 23; Is 40:11; Jer 23:4–5; Ez 34:11–16) and of Jesus for all humanity in the New Testament (Mt 18:10–14; Lk 15:4–7; Jn 10:1–16; Hb 13:20).
  8. 3:1–6 The typical marital virtues of women of the ancient world, obedience, reverence, and chastity (1 Pt 3:1–2), are outlined here by the author, who gives them an entirely new motivation: Christian wives are to be virtuous so that they may be instrumental in the conversion of their husbands. In imitation of holy women in the past (1 Pt 3:5) they are to cultivate the interior life (1 Pt 3:4) instead of excessive concern with their appearance (1 Pt 3:3).
  9. 3:7 Husbands who do not respect their wives will have as little success in prayer as those who, according to Paul, have no love: their prayers will be “a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1). Consideration for others is shown as a prerequisite for effective prayer also in Mt 5:23–24; 1 Cor 11:20–22; Jas 4:3. After all, whatever the social position of women in the world and in the family, they are equal recipients of the gift of God’s salvation. Paul is very clear on this point, too (see 1 Cor 11:11–12; Gal 3:28).
  10. 3:8–12 For the proper ordering of Christian life in its various aspects as described in 1 Pt 2:11–3:9, there is promised the blessing expressed in Ps 34:13–17. In the Old Testament this refers to longevity and prosperity; here, it also refers to eternal life.
  11. 3:13–22 This exposition, centering on 1 Pt 3:17, runs as follows: by his suffering and death Christ the righteous one saved the unrighteous (1 Pt 3:18); by his resurrection he received new life in the spirit, which he communicates to believers through the baptismal bath that cleanses their consciences from sin. As Noah’s family was saved through water, so Christians are saved through the waters of baptism (1 Pt 3:19–22). Hence they need not share the fear of sinners; they should rather rejoice in suffering because of their hope in Christ. Thus their innocence disappoints their accusers (1 Pt 3:13–16; cf. Mt 10:28; Rom 8:35–39).
  12. 3:18 Suffered: very many ancient manuscripts and versions read “died.” Put to death in the flesh: affirms that Jesus truly died as a human being. Brought to life in the spirit: that is, in the new and transformed existence freed from the limitations and weaknesses of natural human life (cf. 1 Cor 15:45).
  13. 3:19 The spirits in prison: it is not clear just who these spirits are. They may be the spirits of the sinners who died in the flood, or angelic powers, hostile to God, who have been overcome by Christ (cf. 1 Pt 3:22; Gn 6:4; Enoch 6–36, especially 21:6; 2 Enoch 7:1–5).
  14. 3:21 Appeal to God: this could also be translated “pledge,” that is, a promise on the part of Christians to live with a good conscience before God, or a pledge from God of forgiveness and therefore a good conscience for us.
  15. 4:1–6 Willingness to suffer with Christ equips the Christian with the power to conquer sin (1 Pt 4:1). Christ is here portrayed as the judge to whom those guilty of pagan vices must render an account (1 Pt 4:5; cf. Jn 5:22–27; Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1).
  16. 4:6 The dead: these may be the sinners of the flood generation who are possibly referred to in 1 Pt 3:19. But many scholars think that there is no connection between these two verses, and that the dead here are Christians who have died since hearing the preaching of the gospel.
  17. 4:7–11 The inner life of the eschatological community is outlined as the end (the parousia of Christ) and the judgment draws near in terms of seriousness, sobriety, prayer, and love expressed through hospitality and the use of one’s gifts for the glory of God and of Christ.
  18. 4:8 Love covers a multitude of sins: a maxim based on Prv 10:12; see also Ps 32:1; Jas 5:20.
  19. 4:11 Some scholars feel that this doxology concludes the part of the homily addressed specifically to the newly baptized, begun in 1 Pt 1:3; others that it concludes a baptismal liturgy. Such doxologies do occur within a New Testament letter, e.g., Rom 9:5. Some propose that 1 Pt 4:11 was an alternate ending, with 1 Pt 4:12–5:14 being read in places where persecution was more pressing. But such doxologies usually do not occur at the end of letters (the only examples are 2 Pt 3:18, Jude 25, and Rom 16:27, the last probably a liturgical insertion).
  20. 4:12–19 The suffering to which the author has already frequently referred is presented in more severe terms. This has led some scholars to see these verses as referring to an actual persecution. Others see the heightening of the language as only a rhetorical device used at the end of the letter to emphasize the suffering motif.
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1 Peter 2:11-4
New International Version

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

11 Dear friends,(A) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,(B) to abstain from sinful desires,(C) which wage war against your soul.(D) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds(E) and glorify God(F) on the day he visits us.

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:(G) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong(H) and to commend those who do right.(I) 15 For it is God’s will(J) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.(K) 16 Live as free people,(L) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;(M) live as God’s slaves.(N) 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,(O) fear God, honor the emperor.(P)

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(Q) not only to those who are good and considerate,(R) but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.(S) 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.(T) 21 To this(U) you were called,(V) because Christ suffered for you,(W) leaving you an example,(X) that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,(Y)
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a](Z)

23 When they hurled their insults at him,(AA) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(AB) Instead, he entrusted himself(AC) to him who judges justly.(AD) 24 “He himself bore our sins”(AE) in his body on the cross,(AF) so that we might die to sins(AG) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”(AH) 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[b](AI) but now you have returned to the Shepherd(AJ) and Overseer of your souls.(AK)

3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves(AL) to your own husbands(AM) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over(AN) without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.(AO) 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self,(AP) the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(AQ) 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God(AR) used to adorn themselves.(AS) They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.(AT) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

7 Husbands,(AU) in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Good

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(AV) be sympathetic, love one another,(AW) be compassionate and humble.(AX) 9 Do not repay evil with evil(AY) or insult with insult.(AZ) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,(BA) because to this(BB) you were called(BC) so that you may inherit a blessing.(BD) 10 For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[c](BE)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(BF) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(BG) “Do not fear their threats[d]; do not be frightened.”[e](BH) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(BI) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(BJ) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(BK) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(BL) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(BM) to suffer for doing good(BN) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once(BO) for sins,(BP) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.(BQ) He was put to death in the body(BR) but made alive in the Spirit.(BS) 19 After being made alive,[f] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits(BT)— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently(BU) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.(BV) In it only a few people, eight in all,(BW) were saved(BX) through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you(BY) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience(BZ) toward God.[g] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(CA) 22 who has gone into heaven(CB) and is at God’s right hand(CC)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.(CD)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(CE) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(CF) 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(CG) but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past(CH) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(CI) 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(CJ) 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(CK) 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(CL) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near.(CM) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(CN) so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply,(CO) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(CP) 9 Offer hospitality(CQ) to one another without grumbling.(CR) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(CS) as faithful(CT) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(CU) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(CV) so that in all things God may be praised(CW) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(CX)

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
  2. 1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:4,5,6 (see Septuagint)
  3. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
  4. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  5. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
  6. 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
  7. 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
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