What does it mean to follow the pattern of Jesus? It means, among other things, to live with an attitude of submission in a world that is against you. This is what Jesus did, and so this is what we are to do.

Consider the phrases that Peter uses in this section: "submit yourselves," "silence others by doing good," "live as servants of God," "show proper respect to everyone," "submit to your masters." We are in a battle with the world, but we take the offensive is by submitting ourselves to Christ in the face of everything that might be done to us.

Christians must have a respectful attitude toward those who are above them in relationships in the world: kings, governors, and masters of slaves. God's purpose for government is to maintain order in the world (1 Peter 2:14, Romans 13:1-7). Slavery was part of the social and economic system of the ancient world. It was different in many ways from the race-based and degrading slavery once practiced in the United States. The point is that the Christian's primary duty is not to bring about reform and revolt in the world. Our first loyalty is to Christ, and our main purpose in this life is to be a positive witness for him. It is easy to try to save the world and lose our souls and the souls of those around us in the process. We are free in Christ, but that means we are free to be humble and to do the right thing in our relationships with others.

This is true even when we are treated wrongly. It is no great credit to suffer for doing wrong. Christians don't get extra points with God for stirring up trouble and then getting punished for it. If we do good and suffer, however, God will honor us because this is what happened to Jesus. Jesus did nothing wrong and did not retaliate when he was wronged. His was redemptive suffering in that he bore our sins on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.

Peter tells his readers to do what is right, regardless. We are to entrust ourselves to the Shepherd of our souls. As Christ submitted himself to those who abused him, we are to follow "in his steps."

1. How difficult would it be to submit yourself to governing authorities who were persecuting you?

 

2. Why do you think Peter didn't tell Christians to take the law into their own hands? Why didn't he say, "You're submitted to Christ; you don't have to submit to anybody else"?

 

3. How are Christians to silence those who would make foolish statements about them (2:15)?

 

4. What does it mean to live as free servants (2:16)?

 

5. How might slaves who had become Christians find it difficult to serve masters who were still pagans (2:18)?

 

6. Peter says that if a slave endures unjust punishment, this is (literally) "grace" before God (2:20). How is this a demonstration of grace?

 

7. How is the example of Jesus' suffering helpful to Christians who are facing troubled times (2:21-23)?

 

8. When you suffer at the hands of fellow Christians, how should you react?

 

9. In what way did the death of Jesus heal your wounds (2:24)?