To this point, the second chapter of Peter’s letter has been very encouraging to his readers. That trend will continue with these two verses, encouraging believers to live their lives to bring glory to God.

You can read this for yourself in 1 Peter 2:11-12.

When Peter wrote his letters, as with all the biblical writings, they did not break them down into chapters and verse. It was all one long letter, perhaps with space between the paragraphs, perhaps not. That makes it somewhat difficult to determine the context of a passage at times.

This week’s passage is an example of that dilemma. The NIV, among other translations, places this paragraph as the summary of the preceding passages, seeing it as more encouragement to live as chosen people. However, it may just as easily fit into the coming text about submitting to the governing authorities. It almost makes more sense to approach it this way than otherwise. In the remainder of this chapter, Peter addresses how to live in relation to the government, how slaves are to relate to their masters, and how husbands and wives are to relate to one another. In all of these cases, the emphasis is drawn to Christians relating to non-Christians.

In light of that, this passage takes on a whole new depth, as Peter asks his readers to abstain from sinful desires and allow the light of God to shine through their lives. In fact, his opening phrase, “Dear friends,” almost seem to indicate a change in focus in his writing, suggesting that this is a new thought.

Peter states again that believers are aliens and strangers in this world. We do not belong here; we are just passing through on our way to our eternal home. His description is reminiscent of Genesis 23:4, where Abraham describes himself in the same manner, while living among the Hittites. Peter’s point here is clear. We are strangers and exiles upon this earth. Our citizenship is elsewhere.