1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.
Beloved
The term "beloved" (Greek: ἀγαπητοί, agapetoi) is a deeply affectionate address, indicating the close relationship between Peter and his readers. It reflects the love of God for His people and the love that should exist within the Christian community. This word sets the tone for the exhortation, reminding believers of their identity as cherished members of God's family.

I urge you
The Greek word for "urge" (παρακαλῶ, parakalō) carries the sense of a strong appeal or exhortation. It is not merely a suggestion but a heartfelt plea from Peter, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the message. This reflects the pastoral concern Peter has for the spiritual well-being of his readers.

as foreigners and exiles
The phrase "foreigners and exiles" (Greek: παροίκους καὶ παρεπιδήμους, paroikous kai parepidēmous) highlights the temporary and transient nature of the Christian's life on earth. Historically, this reflects the status of early Christians who often faced social and political marginalization. Spiritually, it underscores the believer's true citizenship in heaven, as echoed in Philippians 3:20.

to abstain from the desires of the flesh
The call "to abstain" (Greek: ἀπέχεσθαι, apechesthai) is a command to maintain a distance from sinful desires. "Desires of the flesh" (Greek: σαρκικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν, sarkikōn epithymiōn) refers to the sinful inclinations and passions that are contrary to God's will. This echoes the biblical theme of sanctification, where believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God.

which war against your soul
The imagery of war (Greek: στρατεύονται, strateuontai) conveys the intense and ongoing battle between the sinful nature and the spiritual life of a believer. The "soul" (Greek: ψυχάς, psychas) represents the whole person, emphasizing that these desires threaten one's spiritual health and relationship with God. This metaphor serves as a sobering reminder of the vigilance required in the Christian life to resist temptation and pursue righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers who are facing trials and persecution.

2. Foreigners and Exiles
This term refers to the Christian believers who are living in a world that is not their ultimate home. They are citizens of heaven, living temporarily on earth.

3. Desires of the Flesh
These are the sinful inclinations and temptations that arise from our fallen human nature, which believers are called to resist.

4. War Against Your Soul
This phrase highlights the spiritual battle that believers face, as these fleshly desires can lead them away from their faith and relationship with God.
Teaching Points
Identity as Foreigners and Exiles
Recognize that as Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective should influence how we live and interact with the world around us.

The Battle Against Fleshly Desires
Understand that the desires of the flesh are not just harmless inclinations but are actively warring against our souls. We must be vigilant and intentional in resisting them.

Living a Holy Life
Holiness is not just about avoiding sin but actively pursuing a life that reflects God's character. This involves daily choices and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Community
As exiles, we are not alone. The Christian community is vital for encouragement, accountability, and support in our spiritual journey.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize our spiritual growth over temporary pleasures and challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our identity as "foreigners and exiles" impact the way we live our daily lives?

2. What are some practical ways we can abstain from the desires of the flesh in our current cultural context?

3. How can the Christian community support each other in the battle against fleshly desires?

4. In what ways can we cultivate an eternal perspective in our decision-making and priorities?

5. How do the teachings in Romans 12:2 and Galatians 5:16-17 complement Peter's exhortation in 1 Peter 2:11?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 12:2
This verse speaks about not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of the mind, which aligns with the call to abstain from fleshly desires.

Galatians 5:16-17
Paul discusses the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, emphasizing the need to walk by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh.

Philippians 3:20
This verse reminds believers of their heavenly citizenship, reinforcing the idea of being foreigners and exiles on earth.
The Jewish RebellionsCharles Kingsley1 Peter 2:11
A Fight for LifeChristopher Love.1 Peter 2:11-12
Abstaining from Fleshly LustsAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:11-12
Beautiful BehaviourJ. Muller.1 Peter 2:11-12
Christians are to Live Godly, Even Among the WickedJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:11-12
Christians in the WorldR. Finlayson 1 Peter 2:11, 12
Christians MalignedAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:11-12
Conversion the Day of VisitationJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:11-12
Destroyed by LustA Dead Man's Diary.1 Peter 2:11-12
Destructive Nature of Fleshly LustsF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 2:11-12
Distinctive LustsH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 2:11-12
Employed Away from HomeW. Arnot.1 Peter 2:11-12
Fleshly LustsW. Harness, M. A.1 Peter 2:11-12
Fleshly Lusts are the Soul's AdversariesW. Arnot.1 Peter 2:11-12
How God is Glorified by UsN. Byfield.1 Peter 2:11-12
Inward LustsJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:11-12
Looking for One Thing and Finding AnotherJ. Trapp.1 Peter 2:11-12
The Church in Relation to the WorldT. Davies, M. A.1 Peter 2:11-12
The Demand for a Life Becoming the Christian NameC. New 1 Peter 2:11, 12
The Ministry of Good WorksG. Everard, M. A.1 Peter 2:11-12
The PassionsJ. Saurin.1 Peter 2:11-12
The Plea Against Disorderly PassionsHomilist1 Peter 2:11-12
The Power of a Consistent Walk1 Peter 2:11-12
The Stranger HereT. B. Paget, M. A.1 Peter 2:11-12
The Threefold Plea Against Disorderly PassionsU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 2:11, 12
The Transgressions of ChristiansW. Barrow, D. D.1 Peter 2:11-12
The Wicked Speak Ill of God's ChildrenJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:11-12
The Witness of a Pure LifeW. Arnot.1 Peter 2:11-12
Trite RevengeToplady.1 Peter 2:11-12
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Zion
Topics
Abstain, Aliens, Beg, Beloved, Beseech, Cravings, Dear, Dearly, Desires, Entreat, Exhort, Exiles, Flesh, Fleshly, Foreigners, Friends, Heart, Indulge, Loved, Lower, Lust, Lusts, Natures, Ones, Passions, Pilgrims, Request, Sinful, Sojourners, Soul, Strange, Strangers, Urge, Wage, War, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 2:11

     4027   world, fallen
     5020   human nature
     5427   nomads
     5542   society, positive
     5773   abstinence, discipline
     5832   desire
     6029   sin, forgiveness
     6030   sin, avoidance
     6109   alienation
     6166   flesh, sinful nature
     7545   outsiders
     8204   chastity
     8211   commitment, to world
     8341   separation
     8349   spiritual growth, means of
     8415   encouragement, examples
     8451   mortification
     8475   self-denial
     8482   spiritual warfare
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies
     8485   spiritual warfare, conflict
     8777   lust
     8821   self-indulgence

1 Peter 2:9-11

     7923   fellowship, in gospel
     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

1 Peter 2:9-12

     6627   conversion, nature of
     6746   sanctification, means and results
     8271   holiness, purpose

1 Peter 2:11-12

     8660   magnifying God

Library
Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The Jewish Rebellions
1 PETER ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. I think that you will understand the text, and indeed the whole of St. Peter's first Epistle, better, if I explain to you somewhat the state of the Eastern countries of the world in St. Peter's time. The Romans, a short time before St. Peter was born, had conquered all the nations round them, and brought them under law and regular government. St. Peter now tells those
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Christ the Exemplar
'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.'--1 Peter ii. 21. These words are a very striking illustration of the way in which the Gospel brings Christ's principles to bear upon morals and duty. The Apostle is doing nothing more than exhorting a handful of slaves to the full and complete and patient acceptance of their hard lot, and in order to teach a very homely and lowly lesson to the squalid minds of a few captives,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Transcriber's Note:
List of corrections and amendments made: Ephesians: Page 36: added closing quote after "the event of our inheritance" (line 3) 102: "gentle words ot" to "to" 154: "it" added in "what it is to hear" 263: [Preached on Whitsunday] was a footnote. 286: (R.V.) to (R.V.). for consistency with other references. 286: "please to understand" to "do" 287: "we shoud be entitled" to "should" 391: added -- and changed Ephes. to Eph. for consistency with other headings 391: added colon after "Mark its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Spiritual Sacrifices
'... Spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter ii. 5. In this verse Peter piles up his metaphors in a fine profusion, perfectly careless of oratorical elegance or propriety. He gathers together three symbols, drawn from ancient sacrificial worship, and applies them all to Christian people. In the one breath they are 'temples,' in the next 'priests,' in the third 'sacrifices.' All the three are needed to body out the whole truth of the relationship of the perfect universal
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Mirrors of God
... That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness ...'--1 Peter ii. 9. The Revised Version, instead of 'praises,' reads excellencies--and even that is but a feeble translation of the remarkable word here employed. For it is that usually rendered 'virtues'; and by the word, of course, when applied to God, we mean the radiant excellencies and glories of His character, of which our earthly qualities, designated by the same name, are but as shadows. It is, indeed,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
'To Whom coming, as unto a living stone ... ye also, as living stones, are built up.'--1 Peter ii. 4, 5. I wonder whether Peter, when he wrote these words, was thinking about what Jesus Christ said to him long ago, up there at Caesarea Philippi. He had heard from Christ's lips, 'Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church.' He had understood very little of what it meant then. He is an old man now, years of experience and sorrow and work have taught him the meaning of the words, and he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ Precious to Believers
This remark is uttered by way of introduction, it may seem egotistical, but that I cannot help. I must give glory to God in the midst of the great congregation, and pay my vows to the Lord now in the midst of all his saints, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. My text states a positive fact, namely, that Christ is precious to believers. This shall be the first part of our discourse; then in the second we will try to answer the question, why is Jesus Christ so precious to his believing people? And
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Coming to Christ
"To whom coming."--1 Peter 2:4. IN THESE three words you have, first of all, a blessed person mentioned, under the pronoun "whom"--"To whom coming." In the way of salvation we come alone to Jesus Christ. All comings to baptism, comings to confirmation, comings to sacrament are all null and void unless we come to Jesus Christ. That which saves the soul is not coming to a human priest, nor even attending the assemblies of God's saints; it is coming to Jesus Christ, the great exalted Saviour, once slain,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."--1 PETER ii. 5. There is a manifest reference in the fourth verse to the personage alluded to in Psalm cxviii. 22, 23: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." And this passage is applied by Christ to himself in Matthew xxi. 42: "Jesus saith unto them, Did
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

That the Grace of God Doth not Join Itself to those who Mind Earthly Things
"My Son, precious is My grace, it suffereth not itself to be joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations. Therefore thou oughtest to cast away all things which hinder grace, if thou longest to receive the inpouring thereof. Seek a secret place for thyself, love to dwell alone with thyself, desire the conversation of no one; but rather pour out thy devout prayer to God, that thou mayest possess a contrite mind and a pure conscience. Count the whole world as nought; seek to be alone
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You...
"For hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow in his steps." It was Friday morning and the Rev. Henry Maxwell was trying to finish his Sunday morning sermon. He had been interrupted several times and was growing nervous as the morning wore away, and the sermon grew very slowly toward a satisfactory finish. "Mary," he called to his wife, as he went upstairs after the last interruption, "if any one comes after this, I wish you would
Charles M. Sheldon—In His Steps

Defective Learning.
"He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded."--1 Peter ii. 6. St. Paul declares that faith is the gift of God (Ephes. ii. 8). His words, "And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," refer to the word "faith." A new generation of youthful expositors confidently assert that these words refer to "by grace are ye saved." The majority of them are evidently ignorant of the history of the exegesis of the text. They only know that the pronoun "that" in the clause "and that not of yourselves"
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
Valerian, who had treated the Christians so cruelly, came to a miserable end. He led his army into Persia, where he was defeated and taken prisoner. He was kept for some time in captivity; and we are told that he used to be led forth, loaded with chains, but with the purple robes of an emperor thrown over him, that the Persians might mock at his misfortunes. And when he had died from the effects of shame and grief, it is said that his skin was stuffed with straw, and was kept in a temple, as a remembrance
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer
GOD'S PEACE OBTAINED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Phil. 4:6, 7. When we make our requests known unto God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we are assured of receiving His peace through Christ Jesus. When we enter into the sacred Presence of the Prince of Peace, we enter into the place of perfect peace. The house of prayer is the sanctuary
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

The First Wall.
Let us, in the first place, attack the first wall. It has been devised, that the Pope, bishops, priests and monks are called the Spiritual Estate; Princes, lords, artificers and peasants, are the Temporal Estate; which is a very fine, hypocritical device. But let no one be made afraid by it; and that for this reason: That all Christians are truly of the Spiritual Estate, and there is no difference among them, save of office alone. As St. Paul says (1 Cor. xii.), we are all one body, though each member
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
1. Brief recapitulation. Why the subject of primacy not yet mentioned. Represented by Papists as the bond of ecclesiastical unity. Setting out with this axiom, they begin to debate about their hierarchy. 2. Question stated. An attempted proof from the office of High Priest among the Jews. Two answers. 3. Arguments for primacy from the New Testament. Two answers. 4. Another answer. The keys given to the other apostles as well as to Peter. Other two arguments answered by passages of Cyprian and Augustine.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Links
1 Peter 2:11 NIV
1 Peter 2:11 NLT
1 Peter 2:11 ESV
1 Peter 2:11 NASB
1 Peter 2:11 KJV

1 Peter 2:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Peter 2:10
Top of Page
Top of Page