so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about not living for the flesh, but about actively choosing God's will instead, a powerful redirect of energy. Notice how "the rest of the time in the flesh" frames our remaining life as a finite opportunity, urging us not to waste it on fleeting desires. It's a call to intentionality, to pivot from what we want to what God wants with the time we have left.
so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is urging believers to stop living according to their old sinful desires, because their time on earth is short and judgment is near. He’s just reminded them that Christ suffered for sins, so those who have suffered with him have finished with sin. Therefore, the rest of their lives should be dedicated to doing what God wants, not to pleasing themselves.
We all have desires, but Peter flips the script on what our desires should be focused on. What if our remaining time isn't about chasing what we want?
Peter uses the phrase 'the rest of the time in the flesh' to point to the remainder of our earthly lives. It's a stark reminder that our time here is finite. He contrasts two ways of living those remaining days:
When Peter says 'the will of God,' what does that really mean for our daily decisions? It's more than just a vague idea; it's the blueprint for a life truly lived.
The 'will of God' isn't about a secret code we have to crack or a rigid set of rules designed to make us miserable. Instead, it's rooted in God's character and His redemptive plan revealed in Christ.
Discovering God's Will
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Living for God's will means trusting that His plan is far better than our own, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort.
Understand the original words
thelēma · Greek Noun
The sovereign purpose, desire, and decree of God for His creation and His people; it is the ultimate standard for moral conduct and life direction for the believer.
Written during a time of intense persecution under Nero, this verse calls believers to radically reorient their lives away from fleeting human desires towards God's enduring will, a message of urgent hope and steadfastness for those facing suffering.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus's death and resurrection mark the beginning of the New Covenant and the foundation of the Christian faith.
c. AD 33 onwards
Early Church Growth in Jerusalem
The first followers of Jesus form a community in Jerusalem, experiencing persecution but growing in number and boldness.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, establishing churches among both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire, spreading the Gospel.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians, intensifying pressure on believers.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Peter's Ministry in Rome
Tradition holds that Peter was in Rome during this period, ministering to the scattered churches under immense Roman pressure and persecution.
c. AD 67
Martyrdom of Peter
According to tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution, likely by crucifixion.
This passage echoes 1 Peter 4:2 by directly warning believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, urging them instead to obey God's will.
Galatians 5:16Paul here contrasts walking by the Spirit with gratifying the desires of the flesh, directly aligning with Peter's call to live for God's will rather than human passions.
1 John 2:16This verse unpacks the 'human passions' Peter mentions, highlighting the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride in one's possessions as things that do not come from the Father.
Colossians 3:2Peter's call to focus on God's will finds resonance here, as believers are instructed to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things.
This verse isn't just about not living for the flesh, but about actively choosing God's will instead, a powerful redirect of energy. Notice how "the rest of the time in the flesh" frames our remaining life as a finite opportunity, urging us not to waste it on fleeting desires. It's a call to intentionality, to pivot from what we want to what God wants with the time we have left.
Peter is urging believers to stop living according to their old sinful desires, because their time on earth is short and judgment is near. He’s just reminded them that Christ suffered for sins, so those who have suffered with him have finished with sin. Therefore, the rest of their lives should be dedicated to doing what God wants, not to pleasing themselves.
Peter is urging believers to stop living according to their old sinful desires, because their time on earth is short and judgment is near. He’s just reminded them that Christ suffered for sins, so those who have suffered with him have finished with sin. Therefore, the rest of their lives should be dedicated to doing what God wants, not to pleasing themselves.
"so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God." — This verse isn't just about not living for the flesh, but about actively choosing God's will instead, a powerful redirect of energy. Notice how "the rest of the time in the flesh" frames our remain…
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Last reviewed October 2026