1 Peter 2:15

1 Peter 2:15 ‘For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.'

‘For such is the will of God' -Peter isn't giving his own opinion. The Apostles knew what they were writing (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

‘that by doing right' -In the immediate context, “doing right” is defined as submitting to the civil authorities. ‘Instead of indulging in vehement vindication of their character and conduct, the saints to whom Peter wrote were admonished to make their good deeds the most conspicuous feature of their lives, this being the most effective defense available to them against the false and malicious slanders…..This was the manner in which God wanted them to defend themselves against such attacks; and it is the way he wants us to meet such today.' (Woods pp. 72-73)

‘doing right' -Christians should not ridicule the laws of the land, but should be careful to obey them, including traffic laws, tax laws, building codes, etc….Included in the context is also ‘good deeds' (1 Peter 2:12), which would involve being. generous person and helping those in need (James 1:27). Even pagan cultures admire the person who puts their religious convictions into practice at. very practical level. One of the great tests of any system of thought or belief is, ‘how does it work in the real world?' Christianity works just fine (Matthew 7:12).

‘may' -Despite your best efforts some will not be convinced or silenced.

‘silence the ignorance of foolish men' -‘silence the ignorant talk of foolish men' (Mon). 1. ‘Foolish'-‘senseless, without reflection, acting rashly' (Thayer p. 90); ‘without reason, want of mental sobriety, reckless' (Vine p. 113). 2. Slander against Christianity is nothing but the careless and irrational thoughts of ignorant men. Those who ridicule and attack the Bible, often view themselves as enlightened, but God calls them ignorant. Every atheist is. person living in ignorance. 3. The verse seems to suggest that the ignorance is willful. It doesn't say the ignorance of honest and sincere men. 4. Often people wander about the spiritual condition of people who don't seem to have access to the gospel message. It is assumed by some that their ignorance will be excused. Verses such as this one reveal that ignorance is often. choice (Romans 1:21). God might say, ‘Don't be so naïve', that native in the jungle is not as innocent as you assume him to be. 4. Notice how God doesn't allow Peter to give any credit to the criticisms against Christianity. Peter doesn't say, ‘You know, those unbelievers do have. point, or this criticism against Christianity has some validity.' Brethren, there is nothing wrong with the gospel, there is nothing wrong with the Church. The only imperfections are found when we fail to practice what we preach. But how many people try to ‘fix' these problems are overhauling the Church or the Bible, instead of overhauling the members! 5. Mark this down: Those who work for unscriptural change in the Church often focus on tampering with various Biblical doctrines concerning the Church. In fact, they often assume that the Church isn't growing as it should because of. doctrine that is holding us back. They tell the members, ‘Of course you love the Lord'.