1 Peter 2:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} even {G1519} hereunto {G5124} were ye called {G2564}: because {G3754} Christ {G5547} also {G2532} suffered {G3958} for {G5228} us {G2257}, leaving {G5277} us {G2254} an example {G5261}, that {G2443} ye should follow {G1872} his {G846} steps {G2487}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 2:21 serves as a foundational declaration for Christian conduct, particularly in the face of suffering and injustice. It asserts that believers are divinely summoned to a life that may entail hardship, mirroring the experience of Christ. The verse establishes Jesus' suffering, not only as a redemptive act but also as the supreme pattern for disciples to emulate, providing a clear blueprint for how to patiently endure mistreatment and follow in His footsteps of righteous, non-retaliatory submission to God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Peter's broader exhortation concerning Christian submission and conduct in a hostile world. Immediately preceding it, Peter addresses the household codes, specifically urging servants to submit to their masters, even the harsh ones, "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" ([1 Peter 2:18](/1_peter/2-18 "1 Peter 2:18 - Submission to Masters")). He commends those who "for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully" ([1 Peter 2:19](/1_peter/2-19 "1 Peter 2:19 - Enduring Suffering for Conscience")). Peter then contrasts suffering for wrongdoing, which brings no glory, with suffering patiently for doing good, which is "acceptable with God" ([1 Peter 2:20](/1_peter/2-20 "1 Peter 2:20 - Suffering Patiently for Doing Good")). Verse 21 seamlessly transitions from this general principle to the ultimate example and justification for such patient endurance: the suffering of Jesus Christ, serving as the perfect model for the believer's life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First Peter was written to scattered Christians in Asia Minor, likely facing various forms of social ostracism, slander, and potentially state-sanctioned persecution under the Roman Empire. The early church was a minority group, often misunderstood and accused of various crimes (e.g., atheism for not worshipping Roman gods, cannibalism due to misunderstanding the Eucharist). In this socio-political climate, Christians were called to live as "foreigners and exiles" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Living as Foreigners and Exiles")) while still honoring governing authorities ([1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authorities")). The concept of suffering for righteousness was not abstract; it was a lived reality. Peter's instruction to endure suffering patiently, even unjustly, would have resonated deeply with believers who were often powerless in the face of societal prejudice and official oppression. The example of Christ provided not only comfort but a concrete, imitable pattern for navigating such challenging circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of 1 Peter is the **Christian's identity and conduct amidst suffering**. This verse contributes significantly to several sub-themes: **The Christian Calling**, emphasizing that suffering for righteousness is not an anomaly but an integral part of God's purpose for believers, a divine summons to follow Christ. It powerfully articulates **Christ as the Supreme Example**, presenting Jesus' innocent suffering as the ultimate paradigm for how believers should respond to injustice, patience, and non-retaliation. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Imitation of Christ**, underscoring that discipleship is not merely intellectual assent but a practical, active shaping of one's life to mirror Christ's character and actions, especially in His humble endurance. This call to imitation extends throughout the epistle, from holiness ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")) to love for one another ([1 Peter 1:22](/1_peter/1-22 "1 Peter 1:22 - Love One Another Fervently")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _kaléō_):** This word signifies a divine summons or invitation. In this context, it implies that the experience of suffering for righteousness is not accidental or arbitrary but is part of God's purposeful design for the believer's life, aligning them with Christ's own path. It emphasizes a vocational aspect to enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel.
* **suffered (Greek, _páschō_):** This term denotes experiencing a sensation or impression, typically a painful one. When applied to Christ, it underscores the reality and intensity of His physical, emotional, and spiritual agony. His suffering was not merely an abstract concept but a concrete, painful reality, making His example profoundly relatable and powerful for those enduring their own trials.
* **example (Greek, _hypogrammós_):** Unique to this verse in the New Testament, _hypogrammós_ literally means "an underwriting" or "a copy set by a teacher for a pupil to copy." It refers to a tracing or an outline that a student would follow to learn to write. This powerful metaphor conveys that Christ's life, particularly His response to unjust suffering, is not just something to admire but a precise, imitable pattern, a blueprint for Christian conduct that believers are meant to trace and embody in their own lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For even hereunto were ye called:"** This opening clause connects directly to the preceding verses, asserting that the patient endurance of unjust suffering is not an unexpected burden but a fundamental aspect of the Christian's divine calling. It suggests that God has purposed this path for believers, aligning their experiences with a higher spiritual reality.
* **"because Christ also suffered for us,"** This clause provides the ultimate reason and foundation for the Christian's calling to suffer. It points to Christ's vicarious suffering on behalf of humanity, emphasizing that His pain was not for His own wrongdoing but for "us" – for our redemption and reconciliation with God. This suffering is both redemptive and exemplary.
* **"leaving us an example,"** Here, the focus shifts from the redemptive aspect of Christ's suffering to its instructional quality. Christ's life and death, particularly His patient endurance of injustice, are presented as a perfect pattern. The term "example" (hypogrammós) highlights the imitable nature of His conduct, suggesting a clear model for believers to follow.
* **"that ye should follow his steps:"** This final clause articulates the purpose of Christ's example: it is given so that believers might actively imitate Him. "Follow his steps" is a vivid metaphor for discipleship, implying a close adherence to Christ's way of life, His attitudes, and His responses, especially in the face of adversity and unjust suffering. It calls for practical, lived obedience to His pattern.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes significant use of **Exemplarism**, presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate model for believers to imitate, particularly in their response to suffering. His actions are not just historical events but normative patterns for Christian living. The phrase "follow his steps" employs a powerful **Metaphor**, transforming the abstract idea of imitation into a concrete, visual image of tracing the path Christ walked. This **Metaphor** emphasizes the precise and deliberate nature of discipleship. Furthermore, the passage is deeply **Didactic**, serving as direct instruction and exhortation to the early Christian communities on how to navigate persecution and injustice. It functions as a teaching moment, guiding believers toward a Christ-like response rather than retaliation or despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Peter 2:21 profoundly connects the suffering of believers to the redemptive and exemplary suffering of Jesus Christ. It elevates the experience of unjust hardship from a mere misfortune to a participation in the divine pattern established by the Son of God. Theologically, it underscores the concept of **Christus Exemplar**, where Christ's life is not only a means of salvation but also the perfect blueprint for sanctification and discipleship. This connection transforms suffering from a cause for despair into an opportunity for spiritual growth and a deeper identification with Christ, revealing that the path of righteousness often involves enduring tribulation, just as it did for our Savior.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")
* [Matthew 10:24-25](/matthew/10-24-25 "Matthew 10:24-25 - Disciple Not Above Teacher")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 2:21 offers profound guidance for navigating the inevitable challenges and injustices of life. It calls us to see suffering, particularly when it arises from our commitment to righteousness, not as an interruption to our faith, but as a direct invitation to participate in the very pattern of Christ. This perspective transforms our response: instead of bitterness, resentment, or retaliation, we are called to patient endurance, trust in God's justice, and a humble spirit that reflects the character of Jesus. It reminds us that true discipleship involves actively shaping our attitudes and actions to mirror His, even when it is difficult and costly. By embracing this calling, we not only honor Christ but also bear a powerful witness to a world that desperately needs to see the transformative power of His love and humility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's suffering as an "example" change your perspective on personal trials or injustices you face?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you being called to "follow His steps" in patient endurance or non-retaliation?**
* **How can reflecting on Christ's example empower you to respond with grace rather than anger when you suffer wrongfully?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean Christians should seek out suffering?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for seeking out suffering. Instead, it addresses how believers should respond *when* suffering comes upon them, especially for doing what is right. Peter is speaking to those who are already experiencing or are likely to experience hardship and injustice as a result of their faith and righteous living in a hostile world. The emphasis is on patient endurance and Christ-like conduct in the face of unmerited suffering, not on self-inflicted pain. The call is to embrace the suffering that comes as a consequence of living righteously, mirroring Christ's own path, rather than to pursue it for its own sake. The broader context of [1 Peter](/1_peter "The First Epistle of Peter") consistently calls believers to live holy lives that may naturally lead to opposition from the world, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ's Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 2:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies the perfect and complete "example" for humanity. His suffering was not merely a demonstration of resilience but the very act by which humanity's sin was atoned for, as Peter elaborates just a few verses later, stating that Christ "himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Therefore, His exemplary suffering is inextricably linked to His redemptive suffering; He endured the cross not only to show us how to suffer but to deliver us from the penalty of sin, making it possible for us to even *have* the capacity to follow His steps. The call to follow His "steps" is a call to participate in the new life made possible by His sacrifice, a life characterized by righteousness and patient endurance, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This fulfillment is further illuminated in the New Testament, where Christ's humility and obedience unto death are presented as the pattern for all believers ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")), and His resurrection guarantees the ultimate victory over suffering and death for all who walk in His way ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

John 13:15

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Corinthians 11:1

¶ Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.