Ed Urzi

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21 NLT).

Our journey through this passage now ends with a brief look at Jesus’ role in setting an example for His followers. 1 Peter 2:21 presents that role in a manner that is easily accessible, even to young children.

When a small child first learns to write the letters of the alphabet, he or she often will begin with a pencil and a sheet of tracing paper. As the child places the tracing paper over the alphabet and begins to reproduce the shape of each letter, he or she effectively learns the art of writing. This, in fact, is precisely what the word “example” means in the original language of this passage. ₍₁₎

One commentator offers some additional insight into this analogy…

“Just as a child slowly, with painstaking effort and close application, follows the shape of the letters of his teacher and thus learns to write, so saints should with like painstaking effort and by close application, endeavor to be like the Lord Jesus in their own personal lives. Or, as a small child endeavors to walk in the footprints made by his father’s feet in the snow, so we are to follow in the path which our Lord took.” ₍₂₎

Peter learned this truth directly from Jesus Himself in a rather painful manner…

“And [Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men'” (Mark 8:31-33 and following).

Through the use of the phrase, “Get behind me Satan,” Jesus revealed to Peter that he had inadvertently played into the hands of his spiritual adversary. In this instance, Peter had deviated from God’s agenda- and much like the devil before him, Peter sought to persuade Jesus to follow a plan that served a different objective. That led to a painful rebuke, and Peter made certain to ensure that his readers understood the gravity of that message.

(1) See G5261 hupogrammos https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5261/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [1 Peter 2:21] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

In the midst of life’s challenges, it is reassuring to know that Jesus faced many difficult confrontations over the course of His earthly life. His example serves to encourage us whenever we encounter the injustices of life as well. Paul the Apostle also touched upon this subject in his Biblical letter to the Galatian churches…

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

The Scriptures openly acknowledge our need to emulate Jesus’ example in periods of adversity. In fact, these references appear repeatedly throughout the New Testament Scriptures as evidenced below…

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).

“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” (Matthew 10:24-25 NLT).

“…We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

“…no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this” (1 Thessalonians 3:3).

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:16-18).

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3).

It is also helpful to remember that patient endurance is a quality exhibited by God Himself who “…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). While this virtue may not come naturally to us, God can help us develop this characteristic as we depend upon Him to navigate the trials we experience in life.

“For what credit is there if you sin and are punished, and you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God” (1 Peter 2:20)

In comparison to some other Biblical subjects, suffering is not a topic that tends to elicit widespread enthusiasm. Nevertheless, virtually everyone faces some degree of suffering at various points in life. Therefore, we would do well to consider the counsel given to us in the passage quoted above.

While it is natural to avoid unnecessary suffering, there may be occasions in life where we are compelled to endure suffering in order to honor God or fulfill His will for our lives. Jesus serves as our example in this regard, for He “…endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy he knew would follow his suffering; and he is now seated at the right hand of God’s throne” (Hebrews 12:2 Phillips).

This characteristic quality is one that finds favor with God according to our text from 1 Peter 2:20. Of course, it is often difficult to endure suffering in light of our natural desire to retaliate against those who make us suffer. But as 1 Thessalonians 5:15 reminds us, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else” (NIV).

Jesus also encouraged His followers to embrace that mindset in a well-known portion of Scripture from the Gospel of Matthew…

“But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too” (Matthew 5:44-45 TLB).

Finally, this passage stresses the importance of patient endurance in the midst of adversity. For instance, it is relatively easy to engage in discussions on secondary aspects of the Christian faith or exchange our views regarding prophetic events that are yet to come. However, it is much more challenging to display patient endurance in those areas where we must suffer to do what is right.

One commentary challenges us on this subject with a thought-provoking observation: “In parts of Christendom today, great emphasis is placed upon so-called miracles, such as speaking in tongues, healing the sick, and similar sensational acts. But there is a greater miracle than all of these in the age in which we live: A child of God suffering patiently and thanking God in the midst of the trial!” ₍₁₎

(1) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad Thomas Nelson Publishers p.1991

“For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20).

A piñata is a festive container that traces its origin back to the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Today, piñatas serve as a popular fixture at children’s birthday celebrations throughout Latin America. Piñatas are typically crafted from light cardboard or paper-like materials that take the form of an animal or brightly colored character. Assorted treats are placed inside and the piñata is suspended in mid-air.

Children then gather around the piñata as they eagerly take turns swinging a stick at the colorful figure until it bursts open to spill the treats hidden inside. This offers great fun for small children, and not surprisingly, this celebratory pastime has spread to other areas of the world.

While this fun activity may not seem relevant to our text from 1 Peter 2:20, it actually serves as a fitting analogy for this passage. You see, a piñata has one job, so to speak. The duty of a piñata is to endure being struck until it has fulfilled its purpose and successfully distributed treats to an eager group of children. In a similar manner, this passage tells us that there may be occasions when God calls us to serve in the role of a “piñata” in the affairs of life.

1 Peter 2:20 alerts us to this possibility in saying, “…when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” However, this passage also presents us with an alternate scenario through the use of a rhetorical question: “…what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it?” (NET).

This common-sense observation reminds us that there is nothing credible about getting what we deserve, especially when we do something wrong. However, God finds it commendable if we respond in a manner that honors Him whenever we are punished for righteousness’ sake. Jesus addressed this circumstance in the following excerpt from the Gospel of Matthew…

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).

So much like the piñata in our illustration, the knowledge that God commends our behavior when we suffer for doing good provides us with the right mindset to overcome such challenges.

Image Credit: Keyla Torruco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“For this finds God’s favor, if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly” (1 Peter 2:19).

1 Peter 2:19 directs our attention to the significant role of our consciences in our decision-making processes. You see, the word “conscience” can be defined as, “…that moral inner sense of what is appropriate or inappropriate…” ₍₁₎ Much like an umpire, judge, or referee, the conscience functions as an arbitrator in distinguishing right from wrong. The main issue involves the “rule book” our consciences employ to govern our decisions.

When our decisions are not guided by a conscience that honors God, it is often difficult to distinguish between choices that seem right, but are really something else. For instance, it is possible for two individuals to act in good conscience while each pursues a different course of action. These concerns take on greater importance when we reflect upon the cautionary message given to us in the Biblical book of 1 Timothy…

“The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons. Such teachings are spread by deceitful liars, whose consciences are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2 GNT).

We can avoid that path if we begin with the recognition that Jesus identified the Scriptures as the Word of God (John 10:34-35) and the command of God (Matthew 15:3-4). He also stated that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). These acknowledgements should thus inform our consciences based upon the authority of Christ. While our consciences are not infallible, they can serve as trustworthy guides if they are aligned with sound Biblical teaching.

Knowing this, we should prayerfully refrain from violating our consciences by knowingly doing wrong. Much like the calluses that develop on the hands of a hard-working laborer, our consciences may become hardened if we repeatedly ignore them. If we disengage our consciences in this manner, it becomes more difficult to resist the allure of unhealthy and self-destructive behaviors.

One of the more common methods of bypassing our consciences involves the process of rationalization. We can define “rationalization” as “a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.” ₍₂₎ This offers an attractive (but ultimately futile) way to justify Biblically inappropriate behaviors and alleviate feelings of guilt or remorse.

Therefore, we should seek to engage with God’s Word each day. While study aids and commentaries (including this one), have their place, only God’s Word can identify and counteract the justifications, excuses, and/or rationalizations we sometimes use to bypass our consciences.

(1) Dr. Bob Utley, 2 Corinthians 1 [1:12] http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL06/VOL06B_01.html Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International. All rights reserved.

(2) “Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalization. Accessed 1 Mar. 2021.

“For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (1 Peter 2:19).

The hallmark of an exceptional athlete is often reflected in his or her ability to overcome adversity. Such athletes frequently exhibit a strong work ethic, along with the mental toughness and commitment to excellence that serves to elevate the play of those around them. They take responsibility for their performance and accept defeat without making excuses as they work to overcome the challenges they encounter.

In a similar vein, we typically hold great admiration for those who persevere through difficult situations. Those who choose to stand firm and never give up are those who often earn our greatest respect. If we seek to emulate those qualities in our spiritual lives, we may be called upon to endure unjust treatment as a result. Thus, it is commendable in God’s sight to endure undeserved suffering as we pursue His will for our lives.

That recognition enables us to persevere when others treat us in an unfair, unjust, or unwarranted manner. If we honor God in response to such treatment, our conduct will be honorable in His sight, even if others don’t see it that way.

This passage also furnishes the right motive for responding in this manner: “because of conscience toward God.” In God’s view, it is commendable to act in accordance with our conscience, even if our understanding of His will is limited. For example, some may respond in a retaliatory or vindictive manner when others mistreat them. But if we rely upon God’s empowerment to demonstrate the qualities of patience and self-control in those situations, our conduct becomes virtuous in His sight.

In addition, we should also recognize that nothing goes to waste in God’s economy, including the unjust treatment we receive from others. The New Testament book of 2 Corinthians provides us with an encouraging reminder in that regard: “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 TLB).

The following commentator thus provides us with a summary application of these concepts for modern-day readers of this epistle…

“Favor with God is found when an employee, treated unjustly, accepts his poor treatment with faith in God’s sovereign care, rather than responding in anger, hostility, discontent, pride, or rebellion (cf. Mt 5:11).” ₍₁₎

(1) John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), 1 Pe 2:19.

“You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Peter 2:18 GNB).

Instead of launching a frontal assault upon the institution of slavery by directing slaves to rebel against their servitude, God employed a subtle and effective means of eradicating that practice. First, this passage directed slaves to submit to their owners. They were also instructed to adopt a respectful, God-honoring work ethic (see Ephesians 6:5).

In contrast, slave owners were commanded to treat slaves in a dignified manner. For instance, slave owners were forbidden to threaten their slaves (Ephesians 6:9). They also had to ensure that slaves were treated equitably: “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1).

These instructions, along with Jesus’ directive to “…treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matthew 7:12 NASB), meant that every Christian shared a collective responsibility to uphold the values of mutual respect and dignity in their interactions with others. These principles slowly began to erode the slave/owner paradigm and influenced a gradual move away from the master/slave model of working relationships. One source identifies why…

“For society at large, slaves were not full persons and thus did not have moral responsibility. For the church, slaves were full and equal persons, and thus quite appropriately addressed as such.” ₍₁₎

These new realities also impacted social relationships on a congregational level as well. For instance, consider the situation that might unfold between a Christian master and a Christian slave in the New Testament era. Since the Scriptures tell us that human beings are one in Christ, it was possible for a slave to hold a position of spiritual authority within the church. That might lead to a scenario where a master would look to a slave for spiritual guidance, further undermining support for the practice of slavery.

So those who look to Scriptures such as 1 Peter 2:13 and find support for the institution of slavery take a shallow and inaccurate view of this passage. Instead of promoting the master/slave model of working relationships, these teachings actually produced the opposite effect. In the words of one commentator, “It was Christ’s purpose to change the world, but not with dynamite…” ₍₂₎ The Biblical concept that slaves and masters were equal in God’s sight established the foundation that helped eliminate the once common practice of slavery and continues to do so today.

(1) Constable, Thomas. DD, Notes on 1 Peter 2023 Edition “2. Slaves’ respect for their masters 2:18-25” https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1peter/1peter.htm

(2) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on 1 Peter 2”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/1-peter-2.html Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999. [verse 18]

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust” (1 Peter 2:18 ESV).

The idea that one human being can be made to serve as the property of another human being is properly viewed by every modern society as a violation of human rights. We can also say that most contemporary societies rightly agree that the concept of “slavery” is morally repugnant. Yet in addition to what we read here in 1 Peter 2:18, the New Testament Scriptures offer the following admonitions…

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ” (Ephesians 6:5 NIV).

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” (Colossians 3:22 NIV).

“All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1 CSB).

“Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do” (Titus 2:9-10 GNT).

While these passages seem difficult to reconcile with the unjust practice of slavery, the mere existence of an immoral institution (such as slavery) does not automatically mean that God endorses it. For instance, God accommodated certain types of human interaction in recognition of human sin. Those relational behaviors did not reflect God’s preference for His creation, but the fact that He permitted and regulated them did not necessarily signal His approval.

As mentioned earlier, every human person has been created in God’s image and thus possesses an inalienable value that is worthy of respect. In addition, Galatians 3:28 tells us that “We are no longer Jews or Greeks or slaves or free men or even merely men or women, but we are all the same-we are Christians; we are one in Christ Jesus” (TLB).

This was a revolutionary concept in the context of first-century Roman culture: everyone is equal in Christ regardless of his or her social position. Over time, this idea began to fracture the master/slave paradigm and paved the way for a new standard of business and interpersonal relationships. We’ll examine how this important New Testament concept served to undermine the master/slave relationship model next.

“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Peter 2:18 NIV).

As we consider the Biblical teachings that touch upon the subject of slavery, we should first note that people throughout much of human history did not perceive slavery as an immoral institution. Unfortunately, a great moral wrong like slavery has an opportunity to take root and flourish as a cultural norm whenever a society fails to recognize the God of the Scriptures. Jesus illustrated this unfortunate reality when He observed, “You know that in this world kings are tyrants and officials lord it over the people beneath them” (Matthew 20:25 NLT).

In light of this, any society that truly seeks to honor God will reject the master/slave relationship model. A society that acknowledges the fact that a just and fair Creator will eventually hold human beings accountable for their actions will renounce such relationships. Nevertheless, Jesus made another observation that relates to our topic: “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34 NIV). With this in mind, we shouldn’t be surprised to find historical instances of physical enslavement among those who were spiritually enslaved.

This brings us to the historical background for this passage. You see, the Roman Empire (which controlled most of the known world at the time of this letter) accepted the institution of slavery as part of it’s national economy. There were approximately sixty million human beings who were under the yoke of slavery during that era, a number that may have comprised up to half the population of the Roman Empire.

Slaves within the Roman Empire were recognized as the property of their owners and were viewed no differently than we might view a household appliance today. As one commentator observes, ” The dominant fact in the life of a slave was that, even if he was well treated, he remained a thing. He did not possess even the elementary rights of a person and for him justice did not even exist.” ₍₁₎

So, just as we would dismiss the concept of justice for a mistreated automobile or home appliance, the same was true of a first-century slave. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle summarized this reality with the following observation: “…a slave is a living tool, just as a tool is an inanimate slave.” ₍₂₎

These realities thus provide us with some historical context for these remarks. But while some may view this passage as an expression of support for slavery, we’ll identify the key element that served to undermine the master/slave relationship model next.

(1) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Duty Of The Christian As A Servant (1Pe_2:18-25).”

(2) Nicomachean Ethics

“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh” (1 Peter 2:18).

As noted earlier in our introduction to this section of 1 Peter chapter two, the latter portion of this chapter addresses two controversial subjects. The first involved our relationship to governing authorities. The second topic -slavery- will occupy the focus of our attention beginning here in verse eighteen. Before we approach this subject from a historical perspective, let’s first consider how we might apply these teachings in a contemporary setting where the institution of slavery no longer exists.

First, we should acknowledge that modern-day societies have clearly moved beyond this first-century model for working relationships. Although the shameful practice of human trafficking still persists in our 21st century world, the master-slave relationship model no longer exists as a cultural norm for virtually everyone. Thus, we must choose an alternate approach in seeking to understand and apply our text from 1 Peter 2:18.

In this instance, we can adapt the Biblical teaching on this subject to the next closest working arrangement that exists in a typical modern-day society. That working arrangement involves the relationship that exists between an employer and an employee. This approach allows us to observe the principle that is given to us within this passage and adapt it to the needs of modern-day society.

The foundational principle that undergirds this portion of Scripture tells us that God’s people must demonstrate respect for their employers, managers, and/or supervisors. This principle applies to all societies, both ancient and modern, and is adaptable to meet the needs of various working relationships.

However, there is a qualification that accompanies this approach. You see, it is important to recognize that “adapt” or “modify” does not mean “change” or “alter.” In other words, we do not change this Biblical principle to reflect our preferences. Instead, we should use (or adapt) this Biblical principle to inform our thinking on the leader-subordinate relationships that currently exist.

This offers a good way to address changing societal needs and apply Scriptures like the one we find here in 1 Peter 2:18. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that our text from 1 Peter 2:18 presents some challenging questions. For example, how could this passage advise slaves to “…be submissive to your masters with all fear” when a master/slave relationship between two human beings is clearly immoral and wrong? We’ll address that question, beginning with a look at some historical context, next.