Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 2:16

"as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God." — 1 Peter 2:16 (ASV)

Christians are free because the service of God is freedom (cf. Jn 8:32; Romans 6:15; Galatians 5:13)—freedom from bondage to sin, Satan, and selfish desires. Christians are not to misuse their freedom in Christ and invoke “freedom” as a covering for wickedness. Christ himself said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” . In the service of God, who is the source of joy, Christians experience perfect freedom, because Christ frees us from the bondage of sin.