First Peter 2:18-23

This teaching would be difficult for a person to accept.

Peter calls on the passion of Christ as an example for the person who struggles with this teaching and its application.

“Called” is a word that is used five times in reference to the Christian in First Peter:

1:15 Believers are called by God

2:9 Believers are called to privilege and light

3:9 Believers are called to be blessed and to bless

5:10 Believers are called to the ultimate end of eternal glory

Here, in 2:21, Believers are called to suffer. This one is not quite as exciting and received.

Slaves

Stoic and Jewish writes addressed slave maters, but never slaves.
Here Peter addresses slaves directly

The institution of the church does not address the institution of slavery in the NT.

The church addresses the slaves and the masters within the institution of slavery in the NT.

Galatians 3:24

1 Corinthians 12:13

Colossians 3:11

Philemon 16 and the rest of the letter

2:18

The word slave here refers to household slaves

The Good masters are referred to with two words:

a) Good – which means to reflect a good inner character and personality

b) Gentile – identifies a mild and reasonable disposition. This is a person who does not demand their legal rights but instead is considerate of others

The Harsh masters are identified by a Greek word that refers to an unfair and unreasonable person.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Colossians 3:22-25

2:19

“commendable” is more than a thank you. It means recognized and honored

Stoic philosophers allowed injustice to be done to slaves.

Aristotle said that since slaves where property there was no such thing as injustice to a slave.

“Endure” not because you are indifferent or can put up with harsh treatment but because of God.

Trust God and continue to do right.

This is a hard teaching so Peter will call on the example of Christ

2:20

“Kleos” means “fame, reputation because of a great deed.” A godly response to mistreatment is the act of a hero.

“Beating” means to strike with fist. It is in the present tense and refers to a progressive action. It is used of Jesus being struck in Matt. 26:67

2:21

“Called”

Philippians 1:29

“Leaving” means to leave behind

“Example” means “writing under” and refers to young students learning the alphabet by copying or tracing letters made by the teacher.

2:22

Jesus was Just and suffered for your sins.

Now, you be just and suffer in life as you follow Christ in doing Good.

“no sin” means never in a single instance did he ever sin.

“found” refers to finding nothing after careful scrutiny

2:23

“insults” refer to both

a) rebukes and

b) sharp, hurtful words

“but” is not a contrast. Instead, it removes the first option entirely in preference for the second.

“committed” means to hand something over. To deliver something to someone to keep and to mangage.