| Geneva Study Bible {19} For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (19) He declares the first argument more amply, showing that Christian liberty does among all things least or not at all consist in this, that is, to cast off the bridle of laws (as at that time some altogether unskilful in the kingdom of God reported) but rather in this, that living holy lives according to the will of God, we should reveal to all men, that the gospel is not a cloak for sin and wickedness, seeing we are free of this sort, that yet we are still the servants of God, and not of sin. People's New Testament 2:15 That with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. It is God's will that thus you may silence the charge that you are seditious persons. Wesley's Notes 2:15 The ignorance - Of them who blame you, because they do not know you: a strong motive to pity them. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 15. Ground of his directing them to submit themselves (1Pe 2:13). put to silence-literally, "to muzzle," "to stop the mouth." ignorance-spiritual not having "the knowledge of God," and therefore ignorant of the children of God, and misconstruing their acts; influenced by mere appearances, and ever ready to open their mouths, rather than their eyes and ears. Their ignorance should move the believer's pity, not his anger. They judge of things which they are incapable of judging through unbelief (compare 1Pe 2:12). Maintain such a walk that they shall have no charge against you, except touching your faith; and so their minds shall be favorably disposed towards Christianity. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:13-17 A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but they must remember that they are servants of God. | 
