1 Peter 2:18-21

Patiently Suffering for the Master

Peter knew that in Christ, all men are equal (Galatians 3:28-29). However, that did not change the obligation a Christian would have to those over him. Even slaves were instructed to obey good and bad, or crooked, masters (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2). These verses teach Christians that service to Christ is a life changing thing. The apostle said they were to strive to give their best to others under all circumstances because they were the Lord's representatives. Servants could subject themselves to bad masters because they knew they were enduring wrongs in order to live a life pleasing to God and be acceptable in His sight (1 Peter 2:18-19).

No particular honor goes to the man who suffers patiently when he is beaten for his mistakes and wrong doing. However, Peter assured his readers that God would accept and honor the man who endured beatings wrongfully administered by a bad master because he wanted to please God (Matthew 5:10). Woods says "into such a life as they were experiencing had they been called (by the gospel) to do good and to suffer patiently." Not only did slaves who became Christians suffer, but all Christians must suffer for the sake of their Lord (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 1:29). After all, He suffered, so his followers must be prepared to suffer. The word "example" presents the idea of a teacher writing the correct letters above and the students trying to copy them below on a page. Peter also portrayed Christ as having left heel prints in sand, or snow. He said Christians should try to place their feet exactly where Christ's were when he walked on earth as the obedient Son of God (1 Peter 2:20-21).