The term translated as “urge” is the word used commonly throughout the Bible for “comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3–7). It speaks to a circumstance of disquiet and uncertainty, where the readers need encouragement to process their unpleasant circumstances in such a way as to bring about a comforting outcome. In the present situation, Peter’s readers experience a measure of awkwardness in daily life due to their Christian faith (identity as described in 1 Peter 1:3 – 2:10). Peter would “comfort” them in that discomfort, and does so through the instruction of 1 Peter 2:11–12 (and subsequently through the greater details of 1 Peter 2:13 – 3:7).
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.