1 Peter 2:16

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Peter 2:16

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God."The meaning of this verse is that Christian freedom must show itself, not in license, but in willing obedience to constituted authorities."[44] It has been supposed by some that a few Christians might actually have vaunted a freedom contrary to these words, claiming to be above the state and speaking contemptuously of human governments. Such an attitude of course would have further antagonized and aroused... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Peter 2:16

1 Peter 2:16. As free— The Gentiles, by becoming Christians, were freed from the bondage of sin; they were likewise free from subjection to the Mosaic law: they were become the Lord's people, and freemen. Such privileges might possibly have exalted their minds, so as to have made them look upon it as an indignity to obey Heathen magistrates. St. Peter, therefore, recommends a due subjection to the Heathen emperor, and such as ruled under him; notwithstanding they were the Lord's people and... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 2:16

16. As free—as "the Lord's freemen," connected with :-, doing well as being free. "Well-doing" (1 Peter 2:15) is the natural fruit of being freemen of Christ, made free by "the truth" from the bondage of sin. Duty is enforced on us to guard against licentiousness, but the way in which it is to be fulfilled, is by love and the holy instincts of Christian liberty. We are given principles, not details. not using—Greek, "not as having your liberty for a veil (cloak) of badness, but as the servants... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 2:13-17

1. Respect for everyone 2:13-17Peter continued to give directions concerning how the Christian should conduct himself or herself when dealing with the state since his readers faced suffering from this source. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 2:16

Christians are free in the sense of being under no obligations to God to gain His acceptance. He has accepted us because of what Jesus Christ did for us. Also we are free from the tyranny of Satan. We are no longer his slaves. We should not use this freedom to sin but to refrain from sinning."Liberty misused is like a mighty river flooding its banks and bringing terrible destruction upon all in its path. Liberty used as service is like a mighty river flowing within its banks bringing life and... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - 1 Peter 2:16

2:16 malice, (o-12) In the Greek there are articles before 'liberty' and 'malice,' thus emphasizing the contrast. 'that thing liberty as cloak of that thing malice.' read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 2:1-25

New Life According to the Ancient Promise, and after the Example of ChristB (iii). 1 Peter 2:1-10. St. Peter considers that the Christian is the continuation of the Jewish Church. Christ’s coming has been a time of reformation (Hebrews 9:10), but there has been no break with the past. After setting forth the doctrine of salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9), he went on to show that it was the fulfilment of the doctrine of the prophets (1 Peter 1:10-12). Now, after writing about the new life of Christians... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Peter 2:1-25

(13-4: 6) EXHORTATION TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE.—It is the only charm against persecution. It is like Christ to suffer with a good conscience; and He had His reward for it, in bringing us, and even the spirits of men who had died impenitent, to God thereby. It is the very meaning of the baptism by which He saves us. To feel its beauty and safety, we have but to consider the ugliness and danger of our former life. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Peter 2:11-25

PRUDENTIAL RULES OF CONDUCT IN VIEW OF THE HOSTILE ATTITUDE OF THE HEATHEN.—As slanders against the Christian name are rife, and bringing practical persecution on the Church, they are exhorted to extreme care about their conduct, especially in regard (1) to purity, and (2) to due subordination, whether as subjects to the officers of state, or as slaves to their masters, or as wives to their husbands (1 Peter 2:11 to 1 Peter 3:12.) read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Peter 2:16

(16) As free.—This points at once to what was the gist of the accusation. The Christian took up a position of complete independence within, and professed himself in a certain sense to be above the laws, by virtue of being a member of Christ’s kingdom. This position of independence the heathen state resented, and looked upon the Christian Church as a dangerous organisation. Here, therefore, St. Peter both insists upon, and defines that independent position. “This the Apostle adds,” says... read more

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