1 Peter 2:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

NIV: To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

NASB: For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,

CSB: For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

NLT: 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.

KJV: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

NKJV: For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

In verses 18–20, Peter has been discussing why and how Christians must submit to the human authority of their masters. This is a necessary part of submitting to the true authority: God Himself. Peter wrote that enduring pain and sadness for unjust suffering at the hands of human masters is commendable before God. In verse 21, he makes a bold and surprising statement: All Christians are called to endure suffering for doing what is good. We are Jesus-followers, after all, and that's what Jesus did.

More to the point, Jesus endured pain and sorrow while doing good for us. He suffered for us, receiving beatings from Roman guards, being crucified on the cross, and bearing our sins in that act of love. Peter says Jesus' actions are meant to be an example for us to follow. Part of our purpose as Christians is enduring pain and sadness, for doing good, for the Lord's sake (1 Peter 2:13). However, this does not include suffering the natural consequences of our own sinful choices (1 Peter 2:20).

Following in Jesus' steps often leads to suffering for doing what is right. When that happens, it indicates that our lives are going in the right direction, not that we have made a wrong turn or that God has abandoned us.

1 Peter 2:13–25 reveals God’s will for those who are free in Christ: to willingly submit to every human authority for God’s sake. This includes emperors, governors, kings, and even slave masters. Peter does not endorse slavery, but he does instruct Christian slaves to endure unjust suffering, as Jesus did for our sake on the cross. He does not expect us to ''obey'' when the instructions are sinful. Rather, Christians are called to imitate Christ by suffering for doing good. Because Jesus was willing to do so, we lost sheep are now under the protection of our shepherd.

Peter gets specific about what it means to live as God’s set-apart people. Christ is the foundation stone of the spiritual house God is building. We must engage in battle with our selfishness and desire to sin. This includes submitting to human authorities, no matter how evil or harsh. It means enduring suffering, as Christ did for our sake when He died on the cross. Our role is not to fight a physical war for justice here; we will be going home soon.

First Peter 1 described the glorious reality of our present and future as God’s children, by His grace and through our faith in Jesus. He called us a holy people redeemed by God for new purposes. That means believers must live differently than those in the world around us. In this chapter, Peter narrows down exactly what it means to lead a holy life, including doing battle with our own desire to sin. This also means suffering under human authorities, even unjust ones.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.