Ephesians 2:19-22
Explores the concept of believers as part of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Discusses offering sacrifices of praise and doing good as part of our spiritual service.Chosen and Precious
As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight (1 Peter 2:4). Believers are chosen by God and precious to Him, just as Christ is.

Living Stones
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). We are called to be active participants in God's spiritual building, contributing to His kingdom.

Holy Priesthood
To be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Our lives are to be offerings to God, marked by holiness and service.

Cornerstone of Faith
See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6). Jesus is the foundation of our faith, and our lives must be aligned with Him.

A Royal Priesthood
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9). Our identity in Christ is royal and holy, set apart for His purposes.

Living Honorably
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). Our conduct should reflect Christ, serving as a testimony to those around us.Embrace Your Identity
Recognize and embrace your identity as a chosen and precious child of God, living with purpose and confidence.

Build Community
Engage actively in your local church, contributing to the spiritual house God is building.

Offer Spiritual Sacrifices
Live a life of worship and service, offering your time, talents, and resources to God.

Align with Christ
Ensure that your beliefs and actions are firmly grounded in Jesus, the cornerstone of your faith.

Live as a Witness
Let your conduct be a testimony to others, reflecting the love and holiness of Christ in all you do.1. Jesus Christ
Referred to as the "living Stone" (1 Peter 2:4) and "a chosen and precious cornerstone" (1 Peter 2:6). The Greek term for "stone" is "λίθος" (lithos), emphasizing Christ as the foundational element of faith. He is the one who was rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him.

2. Believers
Described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). The Greek word "λίθοι ζῶντες" (lithoi zōntes) indicates that believers are active participants in the spiritual structure God is building. They are also called a "holy priesthood" and a "chosen people" (1 Peter 2:9), emphasizing their role in offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming God's praises.

3. Unbelievers
Those who reject the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and stumble because they disobey the message (1 Peter 2:7-8). The Greek term "ἀπειθοῦντες" (apeithountes) refers to those who are disobedient or unbelieving, highlighting their rejection of the gospel.

4. Gentiles
Mentioned in the context of believers living among them (1 Peter 2:12). The Greek term "ἔθνη" (ethnē) refers to non-Jewish peoples, indicating the broader audience and mission field for the early Christian community.

5. Servants
Addressed specifically in 1 Peter 2:18, where they are instructed to submit to their masters with respect. The Greek word "οἰκέται" (oiketai) refers to household servants or slaves, reflecting the social structure of the time and the call for Christian conduct within it.1. Spiritual House
"You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house..." (1 Peter 2:5).
This metaphorical place refers to the community of believers being built together as a dwelling for God. The Greek word for "house" (οἶκος, oikos) emphasizes the idea of a household or family, indicating the unity and collective identity of the church.

2. Holy Priesthood
"...to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5).
This concept refers to the role of believers as priests who offer spiritual sacrifices. The Greek term for "priesthood" (ἱεράτευμα, hierateuma) signifies a sacred office, highlighting the sanctified service of Christians.

3. Cornerstone
"See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone..." (1 Peter 2:6).
The cornerstone is a metaphor for Christ, the foundation of the church. The term "Zion" refers to the city of God, symbolizing the spiritual kingdom where Christ is the foundational stone.

4. Chosen Race, Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession..." (1 Peter 2:9).
These terms describe the identity and calling of believers. The Greek word for "nation" (ἔθνος, ethnos) indicates a distinct group set apart for God's purposes.

5. Darkness and Light
"...that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9).
This contrast between darkness and light represents the transformation from a state of sin to one of salvation and enlightenment in Christ.

6. People of God
"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God..." (1 Peter 2:10).
This phrase signifies the new identity and belonging of believers as God's own people, echoing the covenant relationship found in the Hebrew Scriptures.1. Laying Aside Sinful Behaviors
Peter urges believers to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander" (1 Peter 2:1). The Greek word for "rid" (ἀποτίθημι, apotithēmi) implies a decisive action of putting away or casting off these negative behaviors.

2. Desire for Spiritual Growth
Believers are encouraged to "crave pure spiritual milk" (1 Peter 2:2) to grow in their salvation. The Greek word for "crave" (ἐπιποθέω, epipotheō) suggests an intense longing or desire, akin to a newborn's need for milk.

3. Living Stones and a Spiritual House
Christians are described as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). The imagery here is rooted in the Greek word for "house" (οἶκος, oikos), which can refer to both a physical structure and a household or family, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith.

4. A Chosen People and Royal Priesthood
Believers are identified as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9). The Greek term for "chosen" (ἐκλεκτός, eklektos) signifies being selected or set apart, highlighting the special status of Christians.

5. Proclaiming God's Praises
The purpose of being chosen is to "proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). The Greek word for "proclaim" (ἐξαγγέλλω, exaggellō) means to declare or announce publicly.

6. Living as Aliens and Strangers
Peter advises believers to "abstain from sinful desires" as "aliens and strangers" in the world (1 Peter 2:11). The Greek word for "aliens" (παροικος, paroikos) refers to someone living temporarily in a foreign land, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly life for Christians.

7. Honorable Conduct Among Gentiles
Christians are called to "conduct yourselves with honor among the Gentiles" (1 Peter 2:12). The Greek word for "conduct" (ἀναστροφή, anastrophē) refers to one's way of life or behavior, underscoring the importance of a consistent Christian witness.

8. Submission to Authorities
Believers are instructed to "submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution" (1 Peter 2:13). The Greek term for "submit" (ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) conveys a voluntary yielding or arranging oneself under authority.

9. Enduring Unjust Suffering
Peter speaks of enduring suffering for doing good, stating, "if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God" (1 Peter 2:20). The Greek word for "commendable" (χάρις, charis) can also mean grace or favor, indicating divine approval.

10. Christ as the Example of Suffering
Christ is presented as the ultimate example of suffering, having "suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps" (1 Peter 2:21). The Greek word for "example" (ὑπογραμμός, hypogrammos) refers to a pattern or model to be imitated.1. Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Peter encourages believers to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander" (1 Peter 2:1). The Greek word for "rid" (ἀποτίθημι, apotithēmi) implies a decisive action of laying aside these negative traits, akin to removing old garments.

2. Desire for the Word
Believers are urged to "crave pure spiritual milk" (1 Peter 2:2) to grow in salvation. The Greek word for "crave" (ἐπιποθέω, epipotheō) suggests an intense longing or desire, emphasizing the importance of the Word for spiritual nourishment.

3. Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood
Christians are described as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5). The imagery of "living stones" (λίθοι ζῶντες, lithoi zōntes) highlights the dynamic and communal nature of the Church.

4. Christ as the Cornerstone
Jesus is identified as the "chief cornerstone" (1 Peter 2:6), a reference to Isaiah 28:16. The Greek term for "cornerstone" (ἀκρογωνιαῖος, akrogōniaios) signifies the foundational stone that holds the structure together.

5. A Chosen People and Royal Priesthood
Believers are called a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9). The Greek word for "chosen" (ἐκλεκτός, eklektos) denotes being selected or set apart for a special purpose, reflecting God's sovereign choice.

6. Living Honorably Among the Gentiles
Peter instructs Christians to "conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles" (1 Peter 2:12). The Greek word for "honor" (καλός, kalos) implies a moral beauty or goodness that is evident to others.

7. Submission to Authorities
The text calls for submission "to every human institution" (1 Peter 2:13) for the Lord's sake. The Greek term for "submission" (ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) conveys a voluntary yielding or arranging oneself under authority.

8. Suffering for Doing Good
Peter addresses the commendation of enduring suffering for doing good, stating, "if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God" (1 Peter 2:20). The Greek word for "commendable" (χάρις, charis) can also mean grace or favor, indicating divine approval.

9. Christ's Example in Suffering
Jesus is presented as the ultimate example of suffering, having "committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). The Greek word for "deceit" (δόλος, dolos) refers to guile or trickery, underscoring Christ's purity and integrity.1. Spiritual Growth and Maturity
1 Peter 2:2 encourages believers to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." The Greek word for "crave" (ἐπιποθέω, epipotheō) implies an intense longing, emphasizing the importance of desiring spiritual nourishment for growth.

2. The Living Stone and a Chosen People
Verses 4-5 describe Jesus as the "living Stone—rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight." Believers are also described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. The Greek term for "living" (ζῶν, zōn) highlights the active and dynamic nature of this spiritual reality.

3. The Priesthood of Believers
In 1 Peter 2:9, Christians are called "a royal priesthood." The Greek word for "priesthood" (ἱεράτευμα, hierateuma) signifies a collective group with the privilege and responsibility to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim God’s excellencies.

4. Holiness and Conduct
Verse 11 urges believers to "abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul." The Greek word for "abstain" (ἀπέχω, apechō) suggests a deliberate and conscious effort to avoid sin, reflecting a call to holiness in conduct.

5. Submission to Authority
1 Peter 2:13-14 instructs believers to "submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution." The Greek term for "submit" (ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) conveys a voluntary and respectful yielding to authority, underscoring the theme of submission as a testimony to faith.

6. Suffering for Doing Good
Verses 19-20 discuss enduring suffering for doing good, stating, "if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." The Greek word for "commendable" (χάρις, charis) can also mean "grace," indicating that enduring unjust suffering is seen as an act of grace.

7. Christ’s Example in Suffering
1 Peter 2:21-23 highlights Christ’s example, stating, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." The Greek word for "example" (ὑπογραμμός, hypogrammos) refers to a pattern or model to be followed, emphasizing Christ’s role as the ultimate example in suffering righteously.1. 1 Peter 2:13–14: How can we reconcile the instruction to submit to all human authorities with moral responsibility and examples of civil disobedience elsewhere in the Bible?

2. 1 Peter 2:18: Why does the text appear to condone slavery by telling slaves to submit to their masters, and how is that consistent with a just God?

3. 1 Peter 2:4–5: How can the metaphor of believers as “living stones” be validated scientifically, historically, or archeologically?

4. 1 Peter 2:24: Does “by his wounds you have been healed” imply guaranteed physical healing, and how do we account for illnesses that remain unhealed?

5. 1 Peter 2:8: Does applying Isaiah’s prophecy here conflict with the prophet’s original context or meaning?

1. What does it mean to crave pure spiritual milk? How can you apply this in your daily life?

2. In what ways are believers like "living stones"?

3. How does the metaphor of a "spiritual house" influence your understanding of community within the church?

4. How does recognizing Christ as the cornerstone affect your personal faith journey?

5. Discuss the paradox of freedom and slavery presented in this chapter.

6. How does the call for submission to authority resonate with the notion of personal freedom?

7. How can suffering for righteousness be seen as a blessing rather than a curse?

8. Why is it significant that Christ is described as both the cornerstone and the stumbling block?

9. How can believers live out their identity as a chosen race and a royal priesthood in the modern world?

10. How can you use your freedom in Christ as an opportunity for service rather than for evil?

11. What are practical ways to keep your conduct honorable among unbelievers?

12. How might abstaining from worldly desires lead to spiritual growth?

13. How can we apply the principle of submitting to human institutions in today's complex socio-political environment?

14. How does Christ's example inform our response to unjust suffering?

15. How can the church better serve as a beacon of God's love in our communities?

16. How does the identity of being "God's special possession" influence your daily actions and decisions?

17. How can the teachings of 1 Peter 2 help you in dealing with conflict or injustice?

18. How does the promise of God's "marvelous light" help you persevere in times of darkness?

19. In what ways can believers proclaim the excellencies of God in a largely secular society?

20. How can we model a life of servitude after Jesus in our modern, individualistic world?