I Peter 2:18-25
In this marvelous epistle, Peter is writing to Jewish believers struggling in the midst of persecution. Although they were indeed believers who were “elected according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ (I Peter 1:2), they were not immune or exempt from suffering and trials. In the midst of their persecution, Peter reminds them of their roots. They have been born again to a living hope, and therefore, both their character and conduct can be above reproach as they imitate the Holy One who called them. The fruit of these believers’ character will be manifested in actions rooted in submission as they imitate the example of Christ!
I Peter 2:18-25 may be outlined as follows: I. The Exhortation for Servants to be Subject to their Masters – I Peter 2:18-20; II. The Example of the Sufferings of Christ – I Peter 2:21-25.
I. The Exhortation for Servants to be Subject to their Masters – I Peter 2:18-20
It is interesting that neither Peter nor Paul attacks slavery as an institution! However, Peter exhorts servants to be subject to their masters. As believers, we are to be the best employees on our jobs, and we demonstrate that fact by being subject to our managers. We are to be in submission to our managers even when they are unreasonable and hard to get along with! We are to be subject to them as long as they are not asking us to do that which is contrary to our Christian belief!
In verse 18, in essence, Peter calls on servants to submit voluntarily to their masters. He states a principle. Submission does not depend on the character of the master. Peter exhorts the servants to be in subjection to both the considerate and unreasonable masters (v. 18). In verses 19-20, Peter states that suffering unjust punishment is commendable; however, nothing is admirable in suffering when we are punished for doing wrong.
Having observed “The Exhortation for Servants to be Subject to their Masters” – I Peter 2:18-20, now let us observe “The Example of the Sufferings of Christ” – I Peter 2:21-25.
II. The Example of the Sufferings of Christ – I Peter 2:21-25
Peter says that we as believers are called to follow Christ (v. 21). Peter uses Jesus Christ as the Supreme model who suffered unjustly. Using Christ as the Supreme One who suffered, Peter says that Christ suffered sinlessly in verse 22, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” Not only did He suffer sinlessly in verse 22, but in verse 23 He suffered silently! Jesus accepted injustice without retaliating, assured that God would vindicate Him (v. 23). Not only did He suffer sinlessly in verse 22, silently in verse 23, but He also suffered as our Supreme Substitute, verse 24. God used Jesus’ death “so that we might die to sins and live unto righteousness” (v. 24).
We have been healed of the malady of sin by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We were spiritually healed by the awesome sacrifice of Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ suffered a vicarious, substitutionary death for our sins. Finally, in verse 25, not only has Christ provided salvation, but He also gives guidance and protection to those who commit themselves to His care.
Yes, Jesus Christ, the One who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, completely paid for our salvation. The hymn writer wrote:
Jesus Paid it All
I hear the savior say
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray
Find in me thine all in all.”
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain –
He washed it white as snow.
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
