1 PETER 2

BY THE WOUNDS OF CHRIST, BELIEVERS ARE HEALED

In response to faith in Jesus, followers are called to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Peter urges them to put away their sinful desires and instead conduct themselves in a way that is honorable. Peter wants others to see the believers and notice that they are set apart, so that they may also glorify God.

Quoting Isaiah 28:16-17, Peter reminds the followers that Jesus is the cornerstone of the faith. Peter also reflects on Psalm 118:22, which says that the stone that many rejected has become the cornerstone. Peter draws a parallel between Jesus' suffering and the expected hardships that believers will encounter as they follow in his footsteps.

Encouraging the Christians, Peter writes that they have been chosen as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own people. In this role, they are to share the excellent news of Jesus and share how they have been called from darkness into marvelous light.

Instead of rebelling against the corrupt authorities, Peter teaches the Christians to be good citizens. Peter notes that believers have been set free and liberated, but that their freedom is a calling to love their enemies, not an excuse to sin.

Peter sees suffering as an opportunity to further their mission and live in the example of Christ. Jesus died so that believers would be able to live in righteousness instead of sin. Remembering the suffering Christ experienced during the crucifixion, Peter states that by His wounds, believers have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.