1 Peter 2 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.
Time Period
~AD 62-64
Location
Written from Rome to believers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (provinces in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey)
Audience
Christian communities (both Jewish and Gentile converts) dispersed throughout northern Asia Minor, living as minorities in pagan Roman society
Situation
These believers were experiencing increasing social persecution, slander, and marginalization because of their faith. Peter writes to encourage them in their suffering and instruct them on how to live distinctively as God's people in a hostile environment.
Key Background
The Roman Empire's honor-shame culture meant Christians faced public ridicule and loss of social standing for abandoning traditional religious practices. Peter uses Jewish temple imagery (living stones, royal priesthood, holy nation) to help believers understand their new identity, while also addressing practical issues like submission to governing authorities and how Christian slaves should conduct themselves—both critical concerns in the hierarchical Roman social structure.
So get rid of every kind of every form of jealousy, and all
Like crave so that by it you'll grow up into your —
since you've already that the Lord is
As you come to him — the by people but and in God's sight —
you also, like living stones, are being built into a to be a of offering that are pleasing to God through Jesus, The
Because it says in Scripture: "Look — I'm placing a stone in a chosen and precious and whoever in him will never be to
So for you who trust, there is But for those who don't trust: "The stone the rejected has become the cornerstone,"
and "A stone that makes people a rock that makes them fall." They because they disobey the message — which is exactly what they were for.
But you are a a of a for a who to — so that you can proclaim the of the one who called you out of into his amazing
Once you were not a at all, but now you are God's Once you had not received but now you have received
Dear friends, I urge you — as and in this world — to stay away from the of which against
Live such good lives among the that, even when they accuse you of doing wrong, they'll see your good actions and end up giving to God on the he
to every human authority for the Lord's sake — whether to the as the supreme authority,
or to as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right.
For it is God's will that by doing good you should the of foolish people.
Live as but don't use your freedom as a for evil. Instead, live as God's
Show respect to everyone. Love the of Honor God. Respect the emperor.
Those of you who are submit to your masters with all respect — not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the ones.
For it earns when someone endures the pain of unjust suffering because they're of
After all, what is there if you endure a for doing wrong? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it — that earns God's approval.
This is what you were to, because The also suffered for you, leaving you an so that you would in
"He and no was ever found in what he said."
When they at him, he didn't insult them back. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he to the one who
He himself in his body on the so that we might to and live for what is right. By his you have been
For you were like but now you've returned to the and of your