In his first epistle written to the “pilgrims of dispersion” (1 Pet 1:1), Peter begins to describe the way that Christians should be as God’s children and also the way we are to conduct ourselves. He says we are “begotten…to a living hope…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled…reserved in heaven for you…kept by the power of God.” (1 Pet 1:3-5) Even though Christians would be tested by “various trials,” the “genuineness of our faith” would lead us to our end goal, “the salvation of your souls.” (1 Pet 1:6-9)
He would then tell Christians to “be holy in all your conduct.” (1 Pet 1:15) This required Christians to change their conduct in a way that would cause others to glorify God. (1 Pet 2:12)
To accomplish this, Peter would lay out four things to do. (1 Pet 2:17) First, “honor all people.” Note Peter says all people, not just the people we like or the people with whom we agree. Peter is literally in the original language telling us to revere and value all people. Certainly a companion text would be Paul’s admonition to do good to “all men.” (Gal 6:10)
Second, Peter says “love the brotherhood.” This aligns so well with the epistles written by the Apostle John as well as the very words of our Lord Jesus. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:34-35) John would then also write, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 Jn 4:7) It was the message John says was “heard from the beginning.” (1 Jn 3:11)
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Last, “honor the King.” Earlier in the chapter, Peter had told Christians to submit themselves to the king, the governors and even to those sent by them. (1 Pet 2:1-2) I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been for the Christians, both Jew and Gentile, to submit themselves to the vile Roman Empire or even the corrupt Jewish government. Yet, as Christians, that is exactly the conduct God required.
Let us consider what Peter taught and all of us bring glory to God with our conduct.
Randy Reagan