1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Having {G2192} your {G5216} conversation {G391} honest {G2570} among {G1722} the Gentiles {G1484}: that {G2443}, whereas {G1722}{G3739} they speak against {G2635} you {G5216} as {G5613} evildoers {G2555}, they may {G1392} by {G1537} your good {G2570} works {G2041}, which they shall behold {G2029}, glorify {G1392} God {G2316} in {G1722} the day {G2250} of visitation {G1984}.

but to live such good lives among the pagans that even though they now speak against you as evil-doers, they will, as a result of seeing your good actions, give glory to God on the Day of his coming.

Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Commentary

1 Peter 2:12 (KJV): "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."

Context of the Verse

This verse is part of Peter's exhortation to believers living as "strangers and pilgrims" (1 Peter 2:11) in a hostile world. Writing to scattered Christians in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1), Peter encourages them to live out their new identity as God's chosen people (1 Peter 2:9) through exemplary conduct. They were often slandered and accused as evildoers by the pagan society (Gentiles) around them, making their behavior a crucial aspect of their witness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Exemplary Christian Conduct: The term "conversation" in KJV refers to one's entire lifestyle or conduct (Greek: anastrophē). "Honest" means honorable, good, or beautiful (Greek: kalēn). Believers are called to live a morally upright and attractive life, even amidst opposition. This emphasis on blameless conduct is a powerful testimony.
  • Overcoming Slander Through Good Works: Despite being falsely accused as "evildoers," Christians are to refute these charges not primarily with words, but with visible "good works." Their actions become a silent, yet powerful, defense against misrepresentation, aligning with Jesus' teaching to let your light shine.
  • Glorifying God: The ultimate purpose of the believer's good conduct is not self-vindication or personal praise, but that observers, including those who previously slandered them, might "glorify God." This highlights the missional aspect of Christian living.
  • The "Day of Visitation": This phrase (Greek: hemera episkopēs) can be interpreted in several ways:
    • A day of divine judgment or reckoning, when God intervenes in human affairs.
    • A day of divine favor or salvation, when God's grace is extended.
    • The day of Christ's return, when all truth will be revealed.
    In this context, it suggests a future moment when God's truth and goodness, demonstrated through the lives of believers, will become undeniable to onlookers, leading them to acknowledge and praise God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "conversation" might be confusing to modern readers. It does not refer merely to speech but to one's entire manner of living, daily behavior, and moral conduct. The Greek word anastrophē literally means "a turning up and down," implying the whole course of one's life. Similarly, "honest" is from kalēn, meaning intrinsically good, noble, and beautiful, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's standards.

Practical Application

1 Peter 2:12 remains profoundly relevant today. In a world often critical of faith, the way Christians live their lives among non-believers is a powerful, silent sermon. Our integrity, kindness, diligence, and ethical conduct in workplaces, communities, and public spaces can challenge misconceptions about Christianity and draw others towards God. This verse reminds us that our actions are not just personal choices; they have eternal implications, serving as a witness that can lead others to glorify God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 3:16 (38 votes)

    ¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  • Matthew 5:16 (36 votes)

    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  • Titus 2:7 (32 votes)

    In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

  • Titus 2:8 (32 votes)

    Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

  • Philippians 2:15 (30 votes)

    That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

  • Philippians 2:16 (30 votes)

    Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:21 (23 votes)

    Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.