Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Peter 1:14

ὡς τέκνα ὑπακοῆς. The form of the expression is a Hebraism (cf. sons of Belial), but (as in the parallel passage, Ephesians 2:2, τοῖς υἱοῖς τῆς�) the phrase is used by St Peter to mean more than merely “obedient children.” “Children of obedience” are those who belong to obedience as a child to its mother. The impulses and principles which mould their lives are derived from it, and they are the representatives or exponents of it to others. To have been “begotten again” by God (1 Peter 1:3) demands the character of obedience on the part of His covenant children. They must ever listen to His voice and follow His guidance, striving to be like their Father.

μὴ συνσχηματιζόμενοι. The word is a late and rare one, and only occurs again in Romans 12:2 (where it is contrasted with μεταμορφοῦσθαι). σχῆμα denotes the outward changeable fashion in contrast with μορφή, the permanent and, essential form; cf. Philippians 3:21. So here conduct which is ruled by capricious desires has no consistent inner principle or fixed pattern (μορφή), but is unstable and at the mercy of transient outward circumstances, “the fashion (σχῆμα) of this world which passeth away” (1 Corinthians 7:31).

ἐν τῇ�. In St Peter’s speech, Acts 3:17, ἀγνοία is used to describe the condition of the Jews in rejecting and crucifying Christ, but it is much more commonly used of the heathen world, cf. Acts 17:30; Ephesians 4:18. So here St Peter is probably contrasting the present condition of his readers with their former condition as heathen when they had no knowledge of God on which to model their lives.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Peter 1:14

Old Testament

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