The term “exile” had already appeared in our translation in 1 Peter 1:1. Behind the word “exile” in the present verse is a different word, this one meaning sojourning as a stranger (in contrast to the earlier term, meaning “scattered,” displaced). In Acts 13:17 we find the same word translated here as “exile” to describe Israel’s time in Egypt, though in that passage the word is translated as “stay.” The present term assumes your neighbours see you regularly and thus see that you are different (i.e., born again in contrast to themselves yet in the womb; see 1 Peter 1:3). The duration of your sojourning is, of course, for as long as God keeps you in this world.
17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,