A Wrongdoer (κακοποιός)
There are two types of evil described in Scripture that are often not distinguished in many English translations. The first kind of evil, represented by the Greek term κακός, refers to someone who acts wrongly, behaving in a way that lacks character. The second form of evil (πονηρός) involves a person spreading their erroneous ways to others, expecting and encouraging others to participate in their wickedness; hence, such individuals are malignantly evil. A wrongdoer (κακοποιός) is a person whose character is marked by untruthfulness, deception, or corruption—a willingness to act improperly to gain an 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 presented Him as if He were a wrongdoer. Pilate found nothing in Jesus’ actions to indicate wrongdoing. He therefore told them to take Jesus and judge Him according to their own laws. However, the Romans did not allow the Jews to put anyone to death; thus, 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 became wrongdoers themselves, for they knew that Jesus had done no wickedness, yet they still had Him put to death.
Regarding the behavior of Christians, we are to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against our souls, maintaining proper conduct among those who are not saved. When they speak against us as though we are the ones doing wrong—simply 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 established to punish those who do wrong and praise those involved in beneficial works. In seeking opportunities to do good, we are to submit, for the benefit of all, to every institution of man on account of the Lord, not using our freedom as a cloak to do wrong (1 Peter 2:13-14). In doing good, we are to silence the ignorance of foolish men. For there are many in positions of government who usurp authority to do wicked things and enrich themselves. Therefore, our actions should expose them. 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 to suffer, let it be for acts of goodness, never for doing wrong, for we are to have no part in the wickedness of this world (1 Peter 3:17).
When we are 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 Christians, 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 align with what the world desires. Therefore, let none of us suffer for being murderers, thieves, doers of wrong, or busybodies; rather, let us do good. And when we suffer as Christians, let us not be ashamed. Instead, let us show a proper opinion of who God is through our good conduct (1 Peter 4:14-16).