We have an idiom in English that says ‘be on your best behavior’. It means to ‘exhibit proper and polite conduct, often to make a good impression or to follow specific instructions to behave well in a given situation’. Parents say it to their kids (or they used to) all the time, especially when visiting relatives, attending a formal event, etc.

Peter invokes a similar principle in the second half of chapter 2. After encouraging his readers to abstain from the fleshly lusts that could drag them back into the world they left behind, he goes on to implore them to behave themselves in a certain way. He encourages them to behave well even if doing so leads to suffering. After all, Jesus suffered for us; God would have us be like Jesus.

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Posted on: May 4, 2025