The appeal for a holy life is enforced by considering the great cost of our redemption and the great hope which is opened before us. Ours must be the girded loins, lest our desires trail after forbidden things, or be sullied by the mud on the road. We must be holy, as God is: and this can be realized only when we allow God, by His Holy Spirit, to pour Himself into our natures.
There is no fear like that which love begets. We do not fear God with the fear of the slave or felon, but with the fear of the love that cannot endure the thought of giving pain to the loving and loved. Who can think of returning to Egypt, when such a Passover lamb has redeemed us! Our redemption was not an after-thought with God. It is part of an eternal plan; let us not get entangled in the meshes of mere earthly ambition. Notice the familiar combination of faith, hope and love, 1 Peter 1:21-22. But these graces are only indigenous in those who have been twice born by the Spirit through the Word. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Peter 1
1Peter praises God for his manifold spiritual graces; 10showing that the salvation in Christ the fulfillment of prophesy; 13and exhorts them accordingly to be holy
Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 1:15
But like as he which called you is holy [αλλα κατα τον καλεσαντα υμας αγιον] This use of κατα kata is a regular Greek idiom (here in contrast with συνσχηματιζομενοι sunschēmatizomenoi). “But according to the holy one calling you or who called you” (first aorist articular participle of καλεω kaleō to call). God is our standard or pattern (κατα kata), not our lusts. [source]
Be ye yourselves also holy [και αυτοι αγιοι γενητητε] First aorist (ingressive) passive imperative of γινομαι ginomai to become with allusion (και kai also) to κατα kata (God as our example), “Do ye also become holy.” For αναστροπη anastrophē (manner of life) see 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1-16; James 3:13; 2 Peter 2:7. Peter uses αναστροπη anastrophē eight times. The original meaning (turning up and down, back and forth) suited the Latin word conversatio (converto), but not our modern “conversation” (talk, not walk). [source]
As he which hath called you is holy [κατὰ τὸν καλέσαντα ὑμᾶς ἅγιον] As of the A. V. is according to, or after the pattern of; and holy is to be taken as a personal name; the which hath called being added for definition, and in order to strengthen the exhortation. Render, therefore, after the pattern of the Holy One who called you. So, nearly, Rev., in margin. A similar construction occurs 2 Peter 2:1: the Lord that bought them. [source]
Conversation [ἀναστροφῇ] A favorite word with Peter; used eight times in the two epistles. From ἀνά , up, and στρέφω , to turn. The process of development in the meaning of the word is interesting. 1. A turning upside down. 2. A turning about or wheeling. 3. Turning about in a place, going back and forth there about one's business; and so, 4, one's mode of life or conduct. This is precisely the idea in the word conversation (Lat., conversare, to turn round ) which was used when the A. V. was made, as the common term for general deportment or behavior, and was, therefore, a correct rendering of ἀναστροφή . So Latimer (“Sermons”): “We are not bound to follow the conversations or doings of the saints.” And Shakspeare, 2Hen. IV., v., 5:“But all are banished till their conversationAppear more wise and modest to the world.”Our later limitation of the meaning to the interchange of talk makes it expedient to change the rendering, as Rev., to manner of living. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 1:15
John 17:11Holy [ἅγιε] See on saints, Acts 26:10; also see on 1 Peter 1:15. Compare 1 John 2:20, and righteous Father ( δίκαιε ), John 17:25. This epithet, now first applied to the Father, contemplates God, the holy One, as the agent of that which Christ desires for His disciples - holiness of heart and life; being kept from this evil world. [source]
Galatians 1:13My manner of life [την εμην αναστροπην] Late word in this sense from Polybius on from αναστρεπομαι anastrephomai In the older writers it meant literally “return” or “turning back.” See note on 1 Peter 1:15. It is absent in this sense in the papyri though the verb is common. [source]
Ephesians 2:3Had our conversation [ἀνεστράφημεν] See on the kindred noun conversation, 1 Peter 1:15. Rev., more simply, lived. [source]
Philippians 3:20Conversation [παλίτευμα] Only here in the New Testament. Rev., citizenship, commonwealth in margin. The rendering conversation, in the sense of manner of life (see on 1 Peter 1:15), has no sufficient warrant; and that πολίτευμα commonwealthis used interchangeably with πολιτεία citizenshipis not beyond question. Commonwealth gives a good and consistent sense. The state of which we are citizens is in heaven. See on Phlippians 1:27. Compare Plato: “That city of which we are the founders, and which exists in idea only; for I do not believe that there is such an one anywhere on earth. In Heaven, I replied, there is laid up the pattern of it methinks, which he who desires may behold, and beholding may settle himself there” (“Republic,” 592). [source]
1 Timothy 3:15Thou oughtest to behave thyself [δεῖ ἀναστρέφεσθαι] The verb ἀναστρέφεσθαι only here in Pastorals. In Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. The reference is not to Timothy's conduct as the A.V. implies but rather to the instructions which he is to give to church members. Rend. how men ought to behave. See on conversation, 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
Hebrews 13:7The end of their conversation [τὴν ἔκβασιν τῆς ἀναστροφῆς] Ἔκβασις only here and 1 Corinthians 10:13(note). It means outcome or issue. See Wisd. 8:8. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, way out. Comp. Wisd. 2:17. Ἁναστροφή is life in intercourse with men. See on 1 Peter 1:15. Conversation, in the older sense of that word, is a good rendering, as it is also a nearly literal rendering of the Greek word. The reference is to the end of their life; what kind of an end they made; possibly, but not necessarily, with an allusion to cases of martyrdom. What, now, was the subject of these teachers' faith which is commended to imitation? It is stated in the next verse. [source]
James 3:13By his good life [εκ της καλης αναστροπης] For this literary Koiné word from αναστρεπομαι anastrephomai (walk, conduct) see Galatians 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητι σοπιας en prautēti sophias). As in James 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29 and Zechariah 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Matthew 21:5. Startling combination. [source]
James 3:13Wise and understanding [σοπος και επιστημων] Σοπος Sophos is used for the practical teacher (James 3:1), επιστημων epistēmōn (old word from επισταμαι epistamai here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In Deuteronomy 1:13,Deuteronomy 1:15; Deuteronomy 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.Let him shew (δειχατω deixatō). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμι deiknumi old verb to show. As about faith in James 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.By his good life For this literary Koiné word from αναστρεπομαι anastrephomai (walk, conduct) see Galatians 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητι σοπιας en prautēti sophias). As in James 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29 and Zechariah 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Matthew 21:5. Startling combination. [source]
1 Peter 2:12Seemly [καλην] Predicate adjective with αναστροπην anastrophēn for which see note on 1 Peter 1:15 and see note on 1 Peter 1:18. The Gentiles are on the watch for slips in moral conduct by the Christians. [source]
2 Peter 3:11What manner of persons [ποταπους] Late qualitative interrogative pronoun for the older ποδαπος podapos as in Matthew 8:27, accusative case with δει υπαρχειν dei huparchein agreeing with υμας humās (you). See 2 Peter 1:8 for υπαρχω huparchō all holy living and godliness “In holy behaviours and pieties” (Alford). Plural of neither word elsewhere in N.T., but a practical plural in πασα αναστροπη pāsa anastrophē in 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Peter 1:15 mean?
Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 1:15
This use of κατα kata is a regular Greek idiom (here in contrast with συνσχηματιζομενοι sunschēmatizomenoi). “But according to the holy one calling you or who called you” (first aorist articular participle of καλεω kaleō to call). God is our standard or pattern (κατα kata), not our lusts. [source]
First aorist (ingressive) passive imperative of γινομαι ginomai to become with allusion (και kai also) to κατα kata (God as our example), “Do ye also become holy.” For αναστροπη anastrophē (manner of life) see 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1-16; James 3:13; 2 Peter 2:7. Peter uses αναστροπη anastrophē eight times. The original meaning (turning up and down, back and forth) suited the Latin word conversatio (converto), but not our modern “conversation” (talk, not walk). [source]
As of the A. V. is according to, or after the pattern of; and holy is to be taken as a personal name; the which hath called being added for definition, and in order to strengthen the exhortation. Render, therefore, after the pattern of the Holy One who called you. So, nearly, Rev., in margin. A similar construction occurs 2 Peter 2:1: the Lord that bought them. [source]
A favorite word with Peter; used eight times in the two epistles. From ἀνά , up, and στρέφω , to turn. The process of development in the meaning of the word is interesting. 1. A turning upside down. 2. A turning about or wheeling. 3. Turning about in a place, going back and forth there about one's business; and so, 4, one's mode of life or conduct. This is precisely the idea in the word conversation (Lat., conversare, to turn round ) which was used when the A. V. was made, as the common term for general deportment or behavior, and was, therefore, a correct rendering of ἀναστροφή . So Latimer (“Sermons”): “We are not bound to follow the conversations or doings of the saints.” And Shakspeare, 2Hen. IV., v., 5:“But all are banished till their conversationAppear more wise and modest to the world.”Our later limitation of the meaning to the interchange of talk makes it expedient to change the rendering, as Rev., to manner of living. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 1:15
See on saints, Acts 26:10; also see on 1 Peter 1:15. Compare 1 John 2:20, and righteous Father ( δίκαιε ), John 17:25. This epithet, now first applied to the Father, contemplates God, the holy One, as the agent of that which Christ desires for His disciples - holiness of heart and life; being kept from this evil world. [source]
Rev., behaved ourselves. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
Lit. after the manner of Isaac. See Romans 9:7-9, and, for this use of κατὰ , 1 Peter 1:15; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10. [source]
God. Not neuter and referring to the gospel. Calling, in the writings of the apostles, is habitually represented as God's work. See Romans 8:30; Romans 9:11; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 1:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3. [source]
Better, manner of life. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
Late word in this sense from Polybius on from αναστρεπομαι anastrephomai In the older writers it meant literally “return” or “turning back.” See note on 1 Peter 1:15. It is absent in this sense in the papyri though the verb is common. [source]
See on the kindred noun conversation, 1 Peter 1:15. Rev., more simply, lived. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. Rev., citizenship, commonwealth in margin. The rendering conversation, in the sense of manner of life (see on 1 Peter 1:15), has no sufficient warrant; and that πολίτευμα commonwealthis used interchangeably with πολιτεία citizenshipis not beyond question. Commonwealth gives a good and consistent sense. The state of which we are citizens is in heaven. See on Phlippians 1:27. Compare Plato: “That city of which we are the founders, and which exists in idea only; for I do not believe that there is such an one anywhere on earth. In Heaven, I replied, there is laid up the pattern of it methinks, which he who desires may behold, and beholding may settle himself there” (“Republic,” 592). [source]
Comp. Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22; James 3:13. A favorite word with Peter. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
The verb ἀναστρέφεσθαι only here in Pastorals. In Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. The reference is not to Timothy's conduct as the A.V. implies but rather to the instructions which he is to give to church members. Rend. how men ought to behave. See on conversation, 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
Ἔκβασις only here and 1 Corinthians 10:13(note). It means outcome or issue. See Wisd. 8:8. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, way out. Comp. Wisd. 2:17. Ἁναστροφή is life in intercourse with men. See on 1 Peter 1:15. Conversation, in the older sense of that word, is a good rendering, as it is also a nearly literal rendering of the Greek word. The reference is to the end of their life; what kind of an end they made; possibly, but not necessarily, with an allusion to cases of martyrdom. What, now, was the subject of these teachers' faith which is commended to imitation? It is stated in the next verse. [source]
For this literary Koiné word from αναστρεπομαι anastrephomai (walk, conduct) see Galatians 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητι σοπιας en prautēti sophias). As in James 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29 and Zechariah 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Matthew 21:5. Startling combination. [source]
Σοπος Sophos is used for the practical teacher (James 3:1), επιστημων epistēmōn (old word from επισταμαι epistamai here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In Deuteronomy 1:13, Deuteronomy 1:15; Deuteronomy 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.Let him shew (δειχατω deixatō). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμι deiknumi old verb to show. As about faith in James 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.By his good life For this literary Koiné word from αναστρεπομαι anastrephomai (walk, conduct) see Galatians 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητι σοπιας en prautēti sophias). As in James 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29 and Zechariah 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Matthew 21:5. Startling combination. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:15. Rev., behavior. [source]
Rev., behavior. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
Rev., manner of life. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
Predicate adjective with αναστροπην anastrophēn for which see note on 1 Peter 1:15 and see note on 1 Peter 1:18. The Gentiles are on the watch for slips in moral conduct by the Christians. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:15. Rev., living. [source]
Late qualitative interrogative pronoun for the older ποδαπος podapos as in Matthew 8:27, accusative case with δει υπαρχειν dei huparchein agreeing with υμας humās (you). See 2 Peter 1:8 for υπαρχω huparchō all holy living and godliness “In holy behaviours and pieties” (Alford). Plural of neither word elsewhere in N.T., but a practical plural in πασα αναστροπη pāsa anastrophē in 1 Peter 1:15. [source]