A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Peter 2

Putting away therefore (αποθεμενο ουν). Second aorist middle participle of αποτιθημ, old and common verb, in metaphorical sense either to cleanse defilements (3:21; James 1:21) or to put off clothing (Romans 13:12; Colossians 3:5ff.; Ephesians 4:22). Either sense suits here. Therefore (ουν) because of the new birth (1:23) and the new life demanded.

Wickedness (κακιαν). This old word, from κακος (evil), in the ancients meant vice of any kind and note πασαν (all) here.

Guile (δολον). Old word (from δελω, to catch with bait), deceit.

Hypocrisies (υποκρισεις). Singular (υποκρισιν) in the best MSS. See 1:22 (ανυποκριτον) and Mr 7:6f. for Christ's denunciation of hypocrites which the disciples did not understand, including Peter (Matthew 15:16ff.).

Envies (φθονους). Genuine here, not φονους (murders), as B has it. For the word see Mt 27:18.

Evil speakings (καταλαλιας). Late word (from καταλαλος, defamer, Romans 1:30), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 12:20. "Backbitings." For verb see 2:12.

As newborn babes (ως αρτιγεννητα βρεφη). Βρεφος, old word, originally unborn child (Luke 1:41–44), then infant (Luke 2:12), here figuratively, like νηπιο. Αρτιγεννητα is a late and rare compound (Lucian, imperial inscription) from αρτ and γενναω, with evident allusion to αναγεγεννημενο in 1:23, probably meaning that they were recent converts, possibly slight proof that the Epistle written before Romans by Paul (Kuhl).

Long for (επιποθησατε). First aorist (constative) active imperative of επιποθεω, old verb for intense yearning .

The spiritual milk which is without guile (το λογικον αδολον γαλα). Γαλα is old word for milk as in 1 Corinthians 9:7 and as metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:2. Αδολος is an old compound (here alone in N.T.) adjective (alpha privative and δολος deceit), unadulterated milk which, alas, is so hard to get. Λογικον is an old adjective in -ικος, from λογος (reason, speech), in N.T. only here and Ro 12:1, used here with allusion to λογου (1:23) and ρημα (1:25), "the sincere milk of the word" ("the milk belonging to the word," either the milk which is the word or the milk contained in the word, that is Christ). So Bigg holds. But in Ro 12:1 Paul uses λογικον in the sense of "rational" or "spiritual," and that idea is possible here as Hort holds. In the Pelagia legend (Usener) we have the phrase των λογικων προβατων του Χριστου (the spiritual or rational sheep of Christ).

That ye may grow thereby (ινα εν αυτω αυξηθητε). Purpose clause with ινα and the first aorist passive subjunctive of αυξανω, old and common verb to grow. See this same metaphor in Col 2:19; Ephesians 4:15. Peter uses the word of God as the food for growth, especially for babes in Christ, not emphasizing the distinction from solid food (βρωμα) made in 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:13. Salvation (σωτηριαν) here is final salvation.

If ye have tasted (ε εγευσασθε). Condition of first class with ε and first aorist middle indicative of γευω in figurative sense as in Heb 6:4f. "A taste excites the appetite" (Bengel).

Gracious (χρηστος). Quotation from Ps 34:8. The Hebrew for the LXX χρηστος is simply tobh (good). Plato used the word for food also, and Peter carries out the metaphor in γαλα (milk) as in Lu 5:39.

Unto whom (προς ον). The Lord, carrying on the imagery and language of the Psalm.

Coming (προσερχομενο). Present middle participle masculine plural of προσερχομα (προσελθατε in the Psalm) agreeing with the subject of οικοδομεισθε.

A living stone (λιθον ζωντα). Accusative case in apposition with ον (whom, the Lord Christ). There is apparent an intentional contradiction between "living" and "stone." Cf. "living hope" in 1:3 and "living word" in 1:23.

Rejected indeed of men (υπο ανθρωπων μεν αποδεδοκιμασμενον). Perfect passive participle of αποδοκιμαζω, old verb to repudiate after test (Luke 9:22), in the accusative case agreeing with λιθον.

But with God (παρα δε θεω). "By the side of God," as he looks at it, in contrast with the rejection "by men" (υπο ανθρωπων).

Elect (εκλεκτον). From Isa 28:6 as in εντιμον (precious, for which see Lu 7:2) rather than δοκιμον (proved) expected after αποδεδοκιμασμενον as meaning far more in God's sight, "a pre-eminence of position with" (Hort).

Ye also as living stones (κα αυτο ως λιθο ζωντες). Peter applies the metaphor about Christ as the living stone to the readers, "ye yourselves also."

Are built up a spiritual house (οικοδομεισθε οικος πνευματικος). Present passive indicative second person plural of οικοδομεω, the very verb used by Jesus to Peter in Mt 16:18 (οικοδομησω) of building his church on the rock. If the metaphor of a house of living stones seems "violent" (Vincent), it should be remembered that Jesus employed the figure of a house of believers. Peter just carried it a bit farther and Paul uses a temple for believers in one place (1 Corinthians 3:16) and for the kingdom of God in general (Ephesians 2:22), as does the author of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:6). This "spiritual house" includes believers in the five Roman provinces of 1:1 and shows clearly how Peter understood the metaphor of Christ in Mt 16:18 to be not a local church, but the church general (the kingdom of Christ).

To be a holy priesthood (εις ιερατευμα αγιον). Late word (from ιερατευω, to serve as priest, Luke 1:8 alone in N.T.), in LXX (Exodus 19:6), in N.T. only here and verse 9, either the office of priest (Hort) or an order or body of priests. At any rate, Peter has the same idea of Rev 1:6 (ιερεις, priests) that all believers are priests (Hebrews 4:16) and can approach God directly.

To offer up (ανενεγκα). First aorist active infinitive (of purpose here) of αναφερω, the usual word for offering sacrifices (Hebrews 7:27). Only these are "spiritual" (πνευματικας) as pictured also in Heb 13:15f.

Acceptable (ευπροσδεκτους). Late (Plutarch) double compound verbal adjective (ευ, προσ, δεχομα) as in 2 Corinthians 6:2.