all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1 Peter 2:1). Later, Peter extols community-building virtues such as compassion, tenderness, humility, and hospitality (3:8; 4:9). Our passage, 2:4–10, describes the basis for Christian community. In 1 Peter 2:4–10, the apostle calls his churches a “chosen people, … the people of God,” and imputes to them the status of a new Israel. Throughout, Peter assumes that to come to Christ is to come into this community: “As you come