2:1  SO BE done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander {and} evil speaking of every kind.

2:2  Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured {and} grow unto [completed] salvation,

2:3  Since you have [already] tasted the goodness {and} kindness of the Lord.

2:4  Come to Him [then, to that] Living Stone which men tried {and} threw away, but which is chosen [and] precious in God's sight.

2:5  [Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable {and} pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

2:6  For thus it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen (honored), precious chief Cornerstone, and he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall never be disappointed {or} put to shame.

2:7  To you then who believe (who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Him) is the preciousness; but for those who disbelieve [it is true], The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the main Cornerstone,

2:8  And, A Stone that will cause stumbling and a Rock that will give [men] offense; they stumble because they disobey {and} disbelieve [God's] Word, as those [who reject Him] were destined (appointed) to do.

2:9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds {and} display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

2:10  Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God's people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied {and} have received mercy.

2:11  Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers {and} exiles [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul.

2:12  Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].

2:13  Be submissive to every human institution {and} authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

2:14  Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.

2:15  For it is God's will {and} intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges {and} ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.

2:16  [Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God.

2:17  Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor.

2:18  [You who are] household servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate {and} reasonable, but also to those who are surly (overbearing, unjust, and crooked).

2:19  For one is regarded favorably (is approved, acceptable, and thankworthy) if, as in the sight of God, he endures the pain of unjust suffering.

2:20  [After all] what kind of glory [is there in it] if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you take it patiently? But if you bear patiently with suffering [which results] when you do right {and} that is undeserved, it is acceptable {and} pleasing to God.

2:21  For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps.

2:22  He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips.

2:23  When He was reviled {and} insulted, He did not revile {or} offer insult in return; [when] He was abused {and} suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but he trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly.

2:24  He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.

2:25  For you were going astray like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian (the Bishop) of your souls.