1 Peter 2:20

Context

First Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter to scattered believers in Asia Minor, likely facing various forms of persecution and social pressure. In 1 Peter 2, Peter exhorts believers to live honorably among Gentiles and to submit to human authority, including servants to their masters. This particular verse, 1 Peter 2:20, addresses the difficult reality of suffering within this context, distinguishing between suffering for wrongdoing and suffering for doing good, which directly leads into Christ's supreme example of suffering in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Suffering: The verse clearly differentiates between two kinds of suffering. Suffering for "faults" or wrongdoing carries no "glory" or commendable merit, as it is a just consequence. However, to suffer "when ye do well" implies enduring hardship or persecution despite righteous conduct. This distinction is crucial for understanding Christian suffering.
• Patient Endurance: The repeated phrase "ye shall take it patiently" highlights the virtue of steadfast endurance (Greek: hypomonē). This isn't merely passive resignation but an active, faithful perseverance in the face of adversity, rooted in trust in God's sovereignty and justice.
• Divine Approval: The core message is that patient endurance of unjust suffering "is acceptable with God." This means it finds favor in His sight and carries profound spiritual significance. God values and takes pleasure in believers who endure righteousness-based suffering with grace and steadfastness, echoing the Beatitudes where Jesus declares blessing upon those persecuted for righteousness' sake.

Linguistic Insights

• The word "buffeted" (Greek: kolaphizō) literally means to strike with the fist or to cuff, suggesting physical abuse or harsh, humiliating treatment. This emphasizes the severity of the suffering Peter envisions.
• "Patiently" is from the Greek word hypomenō, which means to remain under, to persevere, to endure steadfastly. It conveys a sense of active fortitude and persistence, not merely passive acceptance.
• "Acceptable with God" translates the Greek phrase charis para theou, which can be rendered as "grace with God" or "favor with God." It signifies something that is pleasing, commendable, and worthy of divine commendation.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 2:20 offers profound guidance on how to navigate difficult circumstances:

• Examine the Source of Suffering: It challenges us to honestly assess why we might be experiencing hardship. Is it a consequence of our own poor choices or sins, or is it genuinely for doing what is right in God's eyes?
• Embrace Righteous Suffering: When suffering comes as a result of living faithfully and doing good, this verse encourages us to endure it patiently, knowing that such endurance is precious in God's sight. It provides comfort and motivation in the face of unjust criticism or persecution.
• Focus on God's Approval: This verse shifts our focus from human recognition or immediate relief to divine commendation. Our ultimate reward and validation come from God, not from the world's applause or even escape from hardship. It reminds us that our patient endurance for Christ's sake holds eternal value.