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Verse
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1 Peter 2:19
ESV For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
NIV For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
NASB For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.
CSB For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly.
NLT For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.
KJV For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
NKJV For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

What does 1 Peter 2:19 mean?

In the previous verse, Peter wrote that Christian slaves must submit to their masters. Indeed, all Christians must submit to everyone in positions of human authority. He emphasized that our submission should not be dependent on whether that authority is kind or harsh. As discussed in verse 18, the "slavery" of the biblical era is not the same concept which a typical modern reader thinks of.

It's essential to remember that many of Peter's Christian readers were slaves, and were very likely to face mistreatment by their masters. Peter is well aware of this. Here, he acknowledges that unjust suffering will bring them pain and/or sorrow. He does not call that a good thing. What he calls a good thing is intentionally enduring that pain and sorrow out of an awareness of God. Or, one might say, out of trust and submission to God.

In verse 23, Peter will remind us that Jesus endured pain and sorrow while being treated unjustly. Jesus made the intentional choice to entrust Himself to the one who is the just judge: His Father. So it is "commendable" (NIV), "a gracious thing" (ESV), or finding "favor" (NASB) to endure that pain and sorrow. We do this with the awareness that our God is the one who will judge all such actions in the end. He is also the one who meets our deepest needs in the moment.
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