1. Good conduct in situations of conflict (2:11-12)

Two guiding principles must govern the conduct of God’s people. Negatively, they must abstain from sinful desires. These desires are characteristic of the pagan society from which they have been redeemed and to which they must no longer conform (1:14, 18). Since such desires would involve a rejection of redeeming grace (and militate against their souls), Christians must reject them.

Positively, however, there can be no withdrawal from the world. Rather, Peter calls his readers to maintain good conduct as they interact with non-Christians. Significantly, Peter calls them to do good and to demonstrate Christian grace to those who abuse them. In so doing, at least some non-Christians eventually will be able to glorify God on the final day.

In the sections that follow (2:13-4:11), Peter addresses several situations faced by his readers. In each of them he applies these general principles as he urges his readers to act as God’s people.