16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Peter 2
Commentary on 1 Peter 2 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 2
The general exhortation to holiness is continued, and enforced by several reasons taken from the foundation on which Christians are built, Jesus Christ, and from their spiritual blessings and privileges in him. The means of obtaining it, the word of God, is recommended, and all contrary qualities are condemned (v. 1-12). Particular directions are given how subjects ought to obey the magistrates, and servants their masters, patiently suffering in well doing, in imitation of Christ (v. 13-25).
1Pe 2:1-3
The holy apostle has been recommending mutual charity, and setting forth the excellences of the word of God, calling it an incorruptible seed, and saying that it liveth and abideth for ever. He pursues his discourse, and very properly comes in with this necessary advice, Wherefore laying aside all malice, etc. These are such sins as both destroy charity and hinder the efficacy of the word, and consequently they prevent our regeneration.
1Pe 2:4-12
1Pe 2:13-25
The general rule of a Christian conversation is this, it must be honest, which it cannot be if there be not a conscientious discharge of all relative duties. The apostle here particularly treats of these distinctly.