1 Peter 2

Peter calls Jesus “a living stone” (1 Peter 2:4), but he doesn’t bother to explain what he means. One theory is that Peter is comparing Jesus to lifeless stone idols, pretend gods. Or perhaps he’s thinking more about an important construction block, perfectly fitted for its designated spot as the cornerstone—the starting spot for a monumental building. What do you think Peter had in mind?

Peter says we’re “a community of priests” (1 Peter 2:5). Moses quoted God as saying that about the Jewish people: “You’ll become a nation of priests . . . , which will make you holy in my eyes” (Exodus 19:6). Jewish Peter’s quote would have made more sense to the first Christians, who were Jews. What do you think he wanted to communicate to non-Jewish Christians?

It might confuse people to hear that Jesus is “the stone that trips them, the rock that takes them down” (1 Peter 2:8). What do you think Peter is trying to say?

Peter says, “Honor God by obeying your leaders in this world. I’m talking about the king, who’s the boss of the land. I’m also talking about officials the king sends out to punish people who do what’s wrong” (1 Peter 2:13-14). So, how do we justify protesting a corrupt leader and trying to remove that person from office?

LIFE APPLICATION. Peter says, “Now that you’ve kicked evil out of your life—I’m talking about lies, hypocrisy, jealousy, and bad-mouthing others—grow up” (1 Peter 2:1-2). Do you think he’s overstating the situation? Do we ever get rid of evil completely? Why or why not?

LIFE APPLICATION. Peter says, “You should be feeding your spirit. Drink the pure milk of salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). How do we do this?

LIFE APPLICATION. How do you silence a fool? Peter’s answer: “Do what’s good. This can shut the mouths of ignorant people who’ve been saying bad things about you” (1 Peter 2:15). When have you seen this strategy work for yourself or someone else?

LIFE APPLICATION. Peter told slaves to “obey their masters and show them respect. I’m not talking about only the kind and good-hearted masters. I’m talking about the cruel ones too” (1 Peter 2:18). So did Paul: “Slaves, do what your slave masters tell you to do. Shake with fear about it. What you do for your masters, do with all the sincerity you can muster. Treat their request as though it’s coming from the Messiah. Don’t put on a fake show for them by giving them your best only when they’re watching. Give them your best all the time. Work as though you’re slaves of the Messiah, doing what God wants you to do” (Ephesians 6:5-6).

This advice to slaves is particularly troubling in our culture that sees slavery as thoroughly selfish and absolutely unjustifiable. So how can we justify cutting Peter and Paul some slack and allowing Paul to get by with telling slaves to work for their masters as though they are working for Jesus, the Master (Ephesians 6:5-6)?