What does 1 Peter 2:11 mean?

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 1 Peter 2:11

Explanation

The verse 1 Peter 2:11 implores the recipients of the letter—followers of Christ—to live a life that reflects their status as ‘strangers’ or ‘pilgrims’ in the world. The term ‘strangers and pilgrims’ denotes that believers are temporary residents on Earth and their ultimate citizenship is in heaven. The exhortation to ‘abstain from fleshly lusts’ means avoiding sinful desires and behaviors that are primarily concerned with physical pleasures or selfish gains. These fleshly lusts are described as being at war with the soul, indicating that they present a significant danger to a believer’s spiritual wellbeing and relationship with God.

Historical Context

The first epistle of Peter was likely written between AD 60-65. It was a period of difficulty for early Christians, who faced various forms of persecution and social alienation. The recipients of the letter were predominantly Gentile Christians scattered across Asia Minor. Peter encourages them amidst their suffering and exhorts them to live holy lives in a pagan society that did not share their values. The idea of being ‘strangers and pilgrims’ reflects their experience of feeling out of place in the surrounding culture.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse portrays the tension between the Christian’s identity in Christ and their existence in a world with values often opposed to Christian values. In the Christian tradition, the ‘fleshly lusts’ represent the sinful nature of humanity and the propensity to succumb to temptations that lead away from God. The concept of the soul being at war with such desires suggests a dualistic nature of existence, where the physical body has different needs and wants compared with the spiritual soul.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse may be used to encourage self-discipline and moral living. Believers are called to resist temptations that may lead to immoral actions and thoughts. This discipline might involve setting healthy boundaries, accountability, and seeking spiritual practices that foster a closer connection to God. The idea is to live in the world but not be of it, reflecting Christ’s teachings through one’s lifestyle.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:17: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
• Romans 12:1-2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
• Hebrews 11:13-16: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

Language Study

Key terms in this verse are “strangers and pilgrims” (πάροικοι καὶ παρεπίδημοι), which denote transient residents or foreigners. “Abstain” (ἀπέχεσθαι) carries the sense of holding oneself back from something. “Fleshly lusts” (σαρκικὰς ἐπιθυμίας) refer to desires or cravings oriented towards the sinful nature of humankind.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, the concept of the soul battling with worldly desires is common. For example, in some forms of Platonism, the soul is seen as being trapped in the body and is in conflict with the physical world’s distractions. Various religious systems also encourage forms of asceticism or self-control to achieve spiritual enlightenment or purity.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily addresses the natural world and typically does not provide direct commentary on spiritual or ethical matters, such as concepts of the soul at war with bodily desires. However, neuroscience and psychology do explore the mechanisms of impulse control, temptation, and the effects of various behaviors on wellbeing, which may indirectly relate to practicing self-discipline as this verse suggests.

Commentaries

Various commentators offer insight into 1 Peter 2:11. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the transient nature of our earthly life and the need for spiritual vigilance. John Calvin speaks of the inward battle and necessity of the Holy Spirit’s aid in overcoming fleshly lusts. More contemporary scholars focus on the societal and cultural challenges faced by the first-century church and the call for a distinctly Christian ethic in the face of such challenges.