1 Peter 2:12 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Having your conversation honest,— The word Καλην does not signify barely being honest, or doing justice between man and man; but good, virtuous, or amiable; and refers to men's whole behaviour. These Christians lived among the Gentiles, or in heathen countries, and were more narrowly watched and observed, because of their differencein matters of religion. Many were the calumnies which the Heathens raised against the Christians. St. Peter, therefore, for this reason among many others of infinite importance, exhorted them to behave well, that they might give no ground for the enemy to reproach them, and at the same time might recommend their holy religion by their exemplary and holy lives. The Jews did not behave well among the Gentiles, but were almost every where detested; the Christians were hitherto commonly reputed a sect of the Jews: There was, therefore, great reason to exhort the Christians to distinguishthemselves; that their lives, upon the most narrow scrutiny, might appear to be formed by other rules, and might turn the detraction of their enemies into esteem and praise. By the day of visitation, some understand that signal time, when God designed to visit the nation of the Jews for their many and great sins,—particularly for murdering our Lord, and persecuting his disciples; and when, the Jews perishing with such an exemplary destruction, the persevering Christians should escape in so remarkable a manner, as to lead attentive Heathens to glorifyGodfordeliveringpersonswhoselivesupona careful examination were found so very much to excel. But others, with more propriety, understand it of that season in which the gospel was preached among them; whereby they were visited with the offers of pardon and salvation.