And to purify Himself a special people.

Cleanse with the font of divine baptism and the fulfillment of His divine and purifying commandments. The special (εούο), that is, His, is a metaphorical expression taken from the servants who revolve around the property and possessions of their master, just as a person is called chosen, singled out, who has nothing in common with other people.

Zealous for good deeds.

That is, the people who ardently strive for virtue and show zeal for all good deeds and ardent imitation. Deliverance is His work alone, and to be zealous in works is also ours.

Say this, exhort and rebuke with all authority.

First speak and exhort, that is, teach with more gentle speech; and then rebuke, and not simply, but with all authority, that is, insistently and authoritatively. Since they were rude, he proposes severity against them. There are vices which need no severity, but only exhortation and persuasion, such as that money should be utterly despised. But there are also those that need strictness, such as adultery, theft, predation, and sorcery.

So that no one will neglect you.

That is: let no one despise you, who rebuke you in good time and severely; for whoever rebukes severely, but not in time, is despised the more.

CHAPTER THREE

Remind them to obey and submit to their superiors and authorities, to be ready for every good deed.

Everywhere the apostle desires believers to obey the authorities. And He shows how to obey, namely, if they are ready for every good work. From this it is clear that whoever is ready for evil does not obey the authorities. Or let them be ready to incline to good, and not to wickedness, or anything else harmful to the soul.

Not to slander anyone, not to be quarrelsome, but quiet.

Though he who does evil - do not slander, that is, do not reproach. Our lips must be clean from reproach. Justly or falsely, it is not for us to judge. Look at what danger there can be.

And to show all meekness to all men.