1 Peter 2:2  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”
Paul touches on this in his letter to the Corinthians and chides them because they were not growing, still only feeding on the milk of the word.  Everyone starts with milk, but you have to keep studying to grow properly.

6  “…he that believeth on him shall not be confounded”
Christ accepts us as we are.  Actually it would be better to say He accepts us in our current state.  We can come to Him just as we are, but He doesn’t intend to let us stay that way.  He takes us, removes the sin, and begins to mold us to His image.  He is who He says He is.  We don’t have to worry about being tricked by some false figure.

7-8  “…the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner…And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence”
To those who trust in Him, He is the foundation on which we can build our lives.  But to those who refuse to accept Him, He’s a stumbling block, something in the way of them living life for themselves.  And eventually, they will be crushed by Him.  So sad that they pass up the best for the worst.

12  “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles…”
Some debate over whether the letter is written to Jews dispersed from Jerusalem or to Gentiles being scattered by persecution from Rome.  If Jews, then the reference to Gentiles would be direct.  If to Gentiles, Peter would be referring to unbelieving Gentiles.  Saved Gentiles should stand out from the others by their Christ-like conduct.

12  “…against you as evildoers…by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation”
Checked the commentary on this as I found it interesting.  Their take was that although the heathen may speak against the Christian as an evildoer because they don’t act as the heathen and could be accused of disobedience to all legal authority, at some point the heathen would see by the Christian’s good works that there must be something to following Christ and would then glorify God.  This is probably the idea Peter was going for if in fact he was writing to those who were being persecuted by the Roman government.  I was just struck by the words “as evildoers.”  Reminded me of the prophet Daniel.  His opponents could find nothing against him except as it related to his worship of God.  The only evil thing they could find was his faithfulness.  I think this would bring great glory to God at the judgment if the worst thing that could be said about me was that I was faithful to Him.  Those bringing the accusation wouldn’t have to glorify God, the deeds themselves would do it.

13-16  This section sounds a lot like what Paul has written in his epistles.  Can’t know for sure, but Peter may be using Paul’s phrasing here.  He mentions Paul in 2 Peter, so we know he read Paul’s letters.  Since both Peter and Paul are apostles of Christ, they would certainly both have the same ideas and teachings as they had the same source.  I just found the phrasing used in these verses interesting.

20,23  “…when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God…but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”
Why would suffering patiently for doing good be commendable to God?  Is God some sadistic overseer who gets delight in watching us suffer for no good reason?  Hardly.  Peter gives the reason, but he gets a little wordy here.  Kind of like Paul.  He says “because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”  That sounds like there is some value to suffering just because Christ suffered.  I don’t think that is the case.  From my own experience, I believe the answer is when he says “but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”  That is the example Christ has for us.  He committed Himself to God and to whatever God allowed to happen to Him.  When we do the same, we aren’t just being like Christ, we are showing our faith in God, knowing that all things are in His hands.  We can be patient in our suffering with the assurance that God will work all things to His glory.  It is the true mark of servanthood; not just in our service, but in our submission and trust in Him and our patient endurance of whatever He sends our way, knowing we belong to Him.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!