1 Peter 2

Crave milk (v. 1-3)
The first few verses provide a conclusion to the prior chapter.  Peter concludes that the people in these churches should crave spiritual milk just as a newborn baby does.  If we consider how a baby craves milk, it involves crying and making a scene.


Cornerstones (v. 4-12)
This chapter emphasizes Christ as the cornerstone.  In its logic, Peter cites three Old Testament passages.

One passage discusses a cornerstone from Zion.  (Isaiah 28:16).  The other two discuss how people will reject the stone or stumble over a stone.  (Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:14, respectively).

A few things come to my mind.

First, Christ said that Peter was the stone on which Jesus will build the church.  (Matthew 16:18). On one hand, Peter is using the same analogy, but is not reminding him the church that Jesus said that he, Peter, was a stone.  Peter does not have to remind them of this at all, because the name Peter, means "stone", Greek from "Petros".  In the opening of the letter Peter reminds the reader that his name is Peter and not Simon.  (1:1)

But in chapter 2, Peter discuses that Christ is the cornerstone, not Peter.  So, Peter punts the importance of a stone from Peter to Jesus.

Second, I am no architect, but I understand the importance of cornerstones.  Walking around NYC, I have seen a number of buildings with engraved cornerstones.  They stand out and are easily visible at eye level.  When I see one, my usual response is to glance at the rest of the building.


Submit to rulers (v. 13-25)
Peter also encourages the people to obey their human governments.  If they are slaves, obey their masters.  We have seen similar advice from Paul written to others.

What is interesting is that this comes after an analogy of the church is a group of strangers and aliens in a foreign land.  (v. 11).  Yet, Peter advises the church to live as normal, obeying citizens.

How to balance it?

The emphasis on living as strangers here is affiliated with moral duties.  (v. 12).  Our lives are a testimony to others to glorify God.  Living as a good citizen is part of it.  Honor the king and obey your masters.

The chapter ends with a discussion on passive resistance.  It reminds the reader that Christ was innocent, yet suffered greatly.  Peter reminds the church that they should expect such treatment and if they suffer for the cause of God, it is commendable.

Taking a step back, why is Peter saying all this?  It sounds like he is writing to churches facing imminent persecution, perhaps martyrdom.  Yet, he encourages them to obey the law, honor the king, and suffer for the cause of God.

What would be a good modern application of this?  Certainly, we should honor our democratically elected officials even if we disagree with them.  That is a low bar.  Some of the rhetoric I hear about Obama from people who claim to know Christ just churns my stomach.

However, I don't think that Peter is even talking about an otherwise peaceful democratic government.  I think Peter has in mind something far more insidious.  A better modern day analogy is the situation of Christianity in places like China, where the government is actively attempting to stamp it out.