Scripture Study
Holistic Holiness Found in Communion and Sacred Struggles
Reflections on 1 Peter Chapter 2
The second chapter of 1 Peter begins with a continuation of the theme of holiness and living an obedient life to which we were called. It tells us to remove anything that hinders this holiness.
A Holy Communion
It’s interesting that in Peter’s list in 1 Peter 2:1, the priority is the relationships we have with one another. Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander are all about how we view or interact with others. Therefore, our holiness is not an individual thing that we obtain through distancing ourselves from others, but it is found in communion with others.
Holiness is obtained through communion with others.
We’re not called to be bendy, yoga-loving monks sat on top of some mountain alone. We’re called to be in community.
This idea is further expanded upon in verses 4–10. Each believer is a spiritual stone that is being formed to create a temple. The foundation stone of that temple is Jesus. What is also interesting is how a temple is where God’s presence that dwells on earth.
We have often been told about how God dwells within us. Often we consider it an individual idea, but there seem to be quite a few verses that explore the idea of a community of believers being his dwelling place.
I imagine that it is a bit of both: we are individually chosen as stones for a wider body, which then creates a dwelling place for the manifest presence of God in the world. Verses 9 and 10 use a variety of images that have a group and community aspect to them.
Submission to Suffering
Peter then tells us to live under the authority and rule of unkind masters. First, he discusses the emperor, who would have been Nero. Nero oppressed and killed Christians, so it was not something that was easy.
Then, again, the topic of slavery comes up. This is because slavery was widespread during the writing of the New Testament, in the Roman Empire.
Here, Peter acknowledges the injustice of it, but also asks the slaves to patiently endure.
We are to take our model from Jesus, who suffered the greatest injustice of history without retaliation. The key is to trust God as the one who is just. Therefore, it is through remembering Christ’s sufferings that we, too, are able to endure sufferings.
This is not just being passive, but we are called to suffer by doing good. Through Jesus, our sufferings become sacred as they can be offered as “commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:20, NIV)
Reflections
Here are some questions to prompt thought. Feel free to write your responses in the comments.
- How does our communion with other Christians become a place where God’s presence dwells in the world? (See John 13:35.)
- How can you make this a practical reality in your life?
- Is God asking you to submit to suffering or to patiently endure in areas of your life?
- Do you avoid doing good due to fear of suffering?
- How do Christ’s sufferings encourage you?
Justin Marsh is a missionary who has served in Asia for over six years. He is the country leader of a team of missionaries and has just completed an MA that looks at missional practice. Whilst his team works within a range of contexts across the country, Justin’s focus is the Muslim minority groups. He is the owner of the publication, THE CO-MISSION.
