1 Peter 2 15

1 Peter 2:15 kjv

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

1 Peter 2:15 nkjv

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men?

1 Peter 2:15 niv

For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

1 Peter 2:15 esv

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

1 Peter 2:15 nlt

It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

1 Peter 2 verses

1 Peter 2 15 Meaning

1 Peter 2:15 declares that it is God's express will for believers to silence the unfounded accusations and moral foolishness of those who do not understand or oppose their faith. This silencing is achieved not through argument or force, but through consistent, excellent conduct in their daily lives. By doing good, Christians demonstrate the truth of their transformed lives, discrediting the ignorance that fuels false judgment.

1 Peter 2 15 Context

1 Peter 2:15 is situated within a broader passage (1 Pet 2:11-17) where Peter instructs believers on their conduct as "sojourners and exiles" in a hostile world. He calls them to abstain from fleshly lusts, maintain honorable conduct among Gentiles, and submit to human authorities (king, governors) for the Lord's sake. This instruction directly addresses the reality that Christians were often slandered, accused of various social evils (like disloyalty to the state, "atheism" for not worshipping Roman gods, or other unsavory practices). Verse 15 provides the divine rationale for such behavior: it is God's will that Christian integrity, demonstrated through good works and respectful submission, would silence the malicious gossip and groundless accusations leveled by those ignorant of their true character and faith. It shows a powerful apologetic not of words, but of deeds.

1 Peter 2 15 Word analysis

• For so: (Houtos gar) - "Thus indeed" or "For in this way." It emphatically points back to the preceding instruction (submission to authorities, abstaining from fleshly lusts, living honorably) and forward to the divine purpose. It introduces a fundamental principle rooted in God's decree.
• is the will: (esti to thelēma) - This is not a suggestion or a preferred option, but God's divine and definitive decree. It expresses the unchangeable purpose and intention of God for His people. Thelēma denotes His determined choice, His fixed desire.
• of God, (tou theou) - Identifies the author of this will as the Sovereign Creator. This makes the command paramount and authoritative for all believers.
• that: (hina) - Introduces the purpose clause. It signifies "in order that" or "so that," pointing to the intended outcome of their good conduct.
• with well doing (agathopoiountas) - The present participle of agathopoieo, meaning "to do good," "to do what is morally right and beneficial." It's not passive goodness, but active, continuous performance of ethical and benevolent acts. This encompasses deeds of integrity, compassion, justice, and righteousness in all areas of life.
• ye may put to silence (phimoun) - From phimoo, meaning "to muzzle," "to put to silence," "to stop one's mouth." It implies a decisive and conclusive silencing, not merely by argument, but by the undeniable evidence of reality. It's a forceful action, not a gentle suggestion. The evidence of Christian life should be so compelling it removes the ground for slander.
• the ignorance (tēn agnōsian) - Not merely lack of factual information, but often moral ignorance or a willful refusal to know and understand the truth about God and His people. It can be characterized by prejudiced judgment or unfounded assumption. It is an unspiritual blindness that misjudges God's truth.
• of foolish men: (aphronōn anthrōpōn) - Aphronōn refers to "senseless," "mindless," "stupid," "lacking wisdom or discernment." This isn't necessarily intellectual deficiency, but a moral and spiritual foolishness that manifests in irrational hostility or slander. Anthrōpōn refers to people, indicating those in the general society who harbor such ill will or prejudice against Christians.

Words-group analysis

• For so is the will of God: This phrase firmly establishes the divine mandate. The "how" (with well-doing) is presented as the "what" of God's sovereign desire for His followers. It roots Christian behavior in ultimate authority and purpose.
• that with well doing ye may put to silence: This highlights the profound impact of actions over words. The ethical conduct of believers becomes an irrefutable defense. It's an apologetic by demonstration, a witness that silences accusations through concrete reality.
• the ignorance of foolish men: This describes the opposition believers face. Their opponents are characterized not by valid reason but by a profound lack of understanding and a moral/spiritual shortsightedness that leads them to unjust judgments and malicious slander. The core problem is not merely lack of information but a disordered disposition.

1 Peter 2 15 Bonus section

The phrase "foolish men" (aphronōn anthrōpōn) connects with Old Testament wisdom literature which frequently contrasts the wise with the fool, depicting the latter not as intellectually deficient but as morally perverse, rejecting God's wisdom and walking in spiritual darkness. Their "ignorance" is often a chosen or habitual state, rather than a mere lack of data. Thus, the challenge is not just to inform, but to counteract the effects of a heart opposed to truth. This verse presents a robust biblical strategy for responding to persecution and slander not by withdrawing or fighting back, but by actively manifesting Christ-like excellence, aligning oneself with the divine will, and allowing God's character to be reflected through their transformed conduct. It's an outworking of loving enemies by doing good to them, in the hope that their hearts might eventually be softened or at least their malicious words rendered ineffective.

1 Peter 2 15 Commentary

1 Peter 2:15 provides a foundational principle for Christian witness in the world. It asserts that God's determined purpose for believers is that their consistently good conduct will serve as the most effective counter-argument against the malicious and ignorant slanders of unbelievers. This isn't about engaging in verbal debates or retaliating against accusations; rather, it’s about living in such a way that the evidence of one's transformed life is undeniable, thereby discrediting the false narratives. The word "silence" (phimoo) is powerful, suggesting a muzzle, rendering accusers utterly speechless, their accusations exposed as baseless by the radiant reality of Christian virtue. This highlights the crucial role of practical ethics and honorable living as a potent form of apologetics, making the Christian faith both attractive and undeniable to observers, even those initially hostile. It embodies a strategy of overcoming evil with good, transforming opposition into observation, and potentially, observation into conviction.

Examples for practical usage:

• A Christian employee diligently performing their work with integrity, even when supervisors or colleagues unjustly criticize them, demonstrates competence that eventually silences complaints.
• A Christian neighbor consistently offering help and showing kindness in the community, despite facing unfounded rumors, can dissolve prejudices through their visible good character.
• In social media discussions, a Christian choosing to respond to attacks or misrepresentations with grace, truth, and a demonstration of Christ-like behavior, rather than engaging in angry debate, can expose the folly of their accusers.