1 Peter 2:1
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
Rid yourselves
The Greek word used here is "ἀποτίθημι" (apotithēmi), which means to lay aside or cast off. This term suggests a deliberate and conscious action, akin to removing a garment. In the context of Christian living, it implies an intentional rejection of behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the new life in Christ. The imagery of casting off is powerful, indicating that these negative traits are not inherent to our new identity in Christ and must be actively discarded.

therefore
This word connects the exhortation to what has been previously discussed. In the preceding chapter, Peter speaks of the enduring word of God and the call to holiness. "Therefore" serves as a bridge, indicating that because believers are born again through the living and enduring word of God, they must now live in a manner that reflects this transformation. It is a call to action based on the theological truths previously established.

of all malice
"Malice" translates from the Greek "κακία" (kakia), which refers to wickedness or ill-will. It encompasses a desire to harm others or to see them suffer. In the Christian context, malice is antithetical to the love and compassion that believers are called to exhibit. The use of "all" emphasizes the totality of the rejection; no form of malice is acceptable in the life of a believer.

deceit
The Greek word "δόλος" (dolos) means trickery or cunning. Deceit involves misleading others through falsehoods or half-truths. In a historical context, deceit was often used in trade and politics, but Peter calls Christians to a higher standard of honesty and integrity. Deceit undermines trust and community, which are foundational to the body of Christ.

hypocrisy
Derived from the Greek "ὑπόκρισις" (hypokrisis), this term originally referred to acting or playing a part. In a spiritual sense, hypocrisy is pretending to be something one is not, particularly in terms of righteousness or piety. Jesus frequently condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and Peter echoes this sentiment, urging believers to be genuine in their faith and actions.

envy
The Greek "φθόνος" (phthonos) denotes a feeling of discontent or covetousness towards another's advantages, success, or possessions. Envy is destructive, leading to resentment and division within the community. In the scriptural context, envy is often contrasted with contentment and gratitude, virtues that believers are encouraged to cultivate.

and slander
"Slander" comes from the Greek "καταλαλιά" (katalalia), meaning evil speaking or defamation. It involves speaking ill of others, damaging their reputation. Slander is a serious offense in the Christian community, as it not only harms individuals but also disrupts unity and fellowship. The call to rid oneself of slander is a call to speak truth in love and to build up rather than tear down.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus.

2. Recipients of the Epistle
Early Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, facing persecution and needing encouragement in their faith.

3. Early Christian Communities
The context in which Peter writes, addressing the challenges and moral conduct expected of believers.
Teaching Points
The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God. This involves actively removing sinful behaviors from our lives.

The Importance of Community
Peter's instructions are not just for individual conduct but for the health of the Christian community. Removing malice and deceit fosters unity and love among believers.

Transformation through Christ
The process of ridding ourselves of sin is part of the transformation that occurs when we follow Christ. It is a continual process of sanctification.

Guarding Our Speech
Slander and deceit are specifically mentioned, highlighting the power of words. Believers are called to speak truth and build others up.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
We rely on the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and empower us to live righteously, as we cannot achieve this transformation on our own.
Bible Study Questions
1. What specific behaviors does Peter instruct us to rid ourselves of, and why might these be particularly harmful to a Christian community?

2. How does the call to rid ourselves of these behaviors relate to the broader theme of holiness in 1 Peter?

3. In what ways can we practically "rid ourselves" of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander in our daily lives?

4. How do the teachings in Ephesians 4:31 and Colossians 3:8 reinforce Peter's message in this verse?

5. Reflect on a time when you struggled with one of the behaviors listed in 1 Peter 2:1. How did you overcome it, and what role did your faith play in that process?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 4:31
Paul similarly instructs believers to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, emphasizing the transformation expected in a Christian's life.

James 1:21
James advises believers to rid themselves of moral filth and evil, paralleling Peter's call to purity and holiness.

Colossians 3:8
Paul lists behaviors to discard, such as anger and malice, aligning with Peter's exhortation to rid oneself of sinful behaviors.
A Catalogue of Sins to be AvoidedN. Byfield.1 Peter 2:1-3
A Gracious Experience of GodAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:1-3
A Sermon for Men of TasteC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:1-3
Appetite for Divine Things WantedC. Rogers, LL. D.1 Peter 2:1-3
Appropriate AlimentJ. Halsey.1 Peter 2:1-3
Christian Childhood and its Appropriate NourishmentJ. Leifchild.1 Peter 2:1-3
Christian Experience ExemplifiedEssex Remembrancer1 Peter 2:1-3
Christian GrowthJ. Lillie, D. D.1 Peter 2:1-3
Deep Christian Knowledge to be DesiredJ. Halsey.1 Peter 2:1-3
DesireJ. Trapp.1 Peter 2:1-3
Experience in ReligionN. Caussin.1 Peter 2:1-3
God's Newborn Babes and Their FoodF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 2:1-3
Growth by the WordW. L. Alexander, D. D.1 Peter 2:1-3
GuileJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:1-3
Guile in Small Matters as Well as Great to be AvoidedJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:1-3
HypocrisyJ. Spencer.1 Peter 2:1-3
Hypocrisy IneffectiveC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:1-3
MaliceJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:1-3
Malice Laid AsideJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:1-3
Pernicious and Evil Speaking AbundantW. Arnot.1 Peter 2:1-3
Preservatives Against HypocrisyN. Byfield.1 Peter 2:1-3
RenovationH. Verschoyle.1 Peter 2:1-3
Retaining Infantile IdeasJ. Halsey.1 Peter 2:1-3
Rules Against Evil SpeakingN. Byfield.1 Peter 2:1-3
Soul EvolutionD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 2:1-3
Soul GrowthHomilist1 Peter 2:1-3
Spiritual ChildhoodU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 2:1-3
Spiritual DevelopmentJ. J. S. Bird, B. A.1 Peter 2:1-3
Spiritual Growth to be SoughtJ. Halsey.1 Peter 2:1-3
TastingJ. A. Bengel.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Christian Life in Some of its CharacteristicsC. B. Hulbert.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Experimental TestJ. R. Pentecost.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Hatefulness of EnvyN. Byfield.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Influence of Food on Spiritual GrowthJ. Halsey.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Milk of the WordJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Possession of Christian Life Summoning to Spiritual GrowthC. New 1 Peter 2:1-3
The Simultaneous Outgoing of Evil and Incoming of GoodW. Arnot.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Sincere Milk of the WordJ. Trapp.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Test of TasteC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:1-3
The Venomous DispositionScientific illustrations1 Peter 2:1-3
The Word Compared to MilkJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:1-3
Thinking Aids GrowthJ. Halsey.1 Peter 2:1-3
Newborn Babes and the Higher IsraelR. Finlayson 1 Peter 2:1-10
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Zion
Topics
Aside, Deceit, Deceitfulness, Deceits, Envies, Envy, Envyings, Evil, Evil-speakings, Guile, Hypocrisies, Hypocrisy, Ill-will, Insincerity, Kind, Laying, Malice, Putting, Rid, Slander, Speaking, Speakings, Talk, Tricks, Wherefore, Wickedness, Wrongdoing, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 2:1

     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher
     5346   injury
     5920   pretence
     5951   slander
     6147   deceit, practice
     8737   evil, responses to
     8765   grudge
     8828   spite

1 Peter 2:1-2

     6728   regeneration
     8443   growth
     8733   envy

1 Peter 2:1-3

     6745   sanctification, nature and basis
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8767   hypocrisy
     9313   resurrection, spiritual

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

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