There are two types of evil described in Scripture that are often not distinguished in many English translations. The first kind of evil (κακός) expresses someone who is doing wrong, doing that which lacks in character. The second form of evil (πονηρός) is the person spreading their erroneous ways to others. These expect and encourage others to participate in their wicked ways; hence, they are malignantly evil. A doer of wrong (κακοποιός) describes the character of a person who is known to do things in an untruthful, deceptive, or corrupt manner; a willingness to do things in a way they know is not correct to gain or to take advantage for themselves. In contrast to this type of evil is the concept of doing what is proper, which produces beneficial works rather than causing harm and calamity.
When the Jews sought to have Pilate put Jesus to death, they delivered Him over to Pilate as one who is a doer of wrong. However, Pilate found nothing in Jesus’ actions to indicate this; therefore, he told them to take Jesus and judge Him by their laws. However, the Romans did not allow the Jews to put someone to death; therefore, they required Pilate’s assistance to crucify Jesus, John 18:30-31. By continuing to hold Jesus, and ultimately fulfilling the desires of the Jews, both Pilate and the Jewish leaders are the ones who are actually doers of wrong, for they knew that Jesus had done no wickedness, yet still had Him put to death.
When it comes to the behavior of Christians, we are to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against our emotions (soul) while having a proper conduct among those who are not saved. When they speak against us, as though we are the ones who do wrong because we refuse to participate in their corrupt lifestyle, we will be justified by our proper works, 1 Peter 2:11-12.
Governments, and those in positions of authority, are set up for the purpose of punishing those who do wrong and praising the ones who are involved in beneficial works. In seeking opportunities to do good, we are to submit, for the benefit, to every creation of men on account of the Lord and not use our freedom as a cloak to do wrong, 1 Peter 2:13-14. In doing good, we are to muzzle the ignorance of foolish men, for there are many in positions of government that usurp authority to do wicked things and enrich themselves; therefore, our actions should expose them, for we are to shine as luminaries among this crooked and perverse generation through our good conduct in Christ, 1 Peter 2:15. However, if we are going to suffer, let us suffer for doing good, never for doing wrong, for we are to have no part in the wickedness of this world, 1 Peter 3:17.
When it comes to being persecuted for doing good and refusing to participate in the malignant evil ways of the unsaved, rather than being discouraged, we are to set apart Christ as the Master of our lives and always be ready to give a verbal defense for the hope that we have, 1 Peter 3:14-15. With objectivity of mind and respect, we are to maintain a good conscience so that when we are reviled for our good conduct in Christ as though we are the ones doing wrong, those who accuse us will be put to shame, 1 Peter 3:16. Since as a Christian, we are not of this world, and therefore, the world is indifferent to us, we will be persecuted for doing good when it does not line up with what those of the world desire. Therefore, let none of us suffer for being a murderer, thieves, a doer of wrong, or busybodies; rather, let us do good. And when we suffer as Christians, let us not be ashamed, but rather, show a proper opinion of who God is through our proper conduct, 1 Peter 4:14-16.
