1 Peter 2:15
For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
the will
G2307
θέλημα
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
5 of 14
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀγαθοποιοῦντας
that with well doing
G15
ἀγαθοποιοῦντας
that with well doing
Strong's:
G15
Word #:
8 of 14
to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.Titus 2:8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.Matthew 7:26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:1 Peter 2:12Having 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.1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.1 Thessalonians 4:3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:Job 2:10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.Proverbs 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.2 Peter 2:12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
Historical Context
Christians faced slanderous accusations (atheism, immorality, disloyalty). Peter's strategy: let conduct disprove lies. This apologetic approach—defending faith through lifestyle, not just arguments—proved effective. Pliny the Younger (Roman governor, c. AD 112) investigated Christians and found them morally exemplary despite accusations. Early church's charity, sexual purity, and integrity attracted converts and eventually won legal toleration.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'good works' in your life currently silence critics of Christianity?
- How can you respond to foolish accusations against your faith with action rather than just arguments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter reveals God's will for Christian conduct: "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (hoti houtōs estin to thelēma tou theou, agathopoiountas phimoun tēn tōn aponōn anthrōpōn agnosia). Good works are God's ordained means to silence false accusations. "Foolish men" (aponōn anthrōpōn) refers to those lacking spiritual understanding who slander Christians. The verb "put to silence" (phimoun) literally means "muzzle"—good conduct silences critics like a muzzle silences an animal.