1 Peter 2:23

Commentary on 1 Peter 2:23

First Peter 2:23 presents a profound aspect of Jesus Christ's character and conduct during His earthly suffering, serving as a direct example for believers. This verse continues Peter's exhortation for Christians to endure unjust suffering patiently, looking to the perfect model of Christ.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (1 Peter 2:18-25) where Peter addresses servants (or slaves) and, by extension, all believers, about submitting to authority even when it is unjust. He emphasizes that suffering for doing good is commendable in God's sight. The immediate preceding verse, 1 Peter 2:22, establishes Christ's sinlessness, setting the stage for His impeccable response to suffering. Peter's original audience likely faced significant social pressure and potential persecution, making Christ's example of non-retaliation particularly relevant to their circumstances.

Key Themes

• Christ's Example of Non-Retaliation: The verse powerfully illustrates Jesus' response to His tormentors. Despite being verbally abused ("reviled") and physically harmed ("suffered"), He did not respond in kind. This is a radical departure from human instinct and a cornerstone of Christian ethics, echoing the teaching to turn the other cheek.
• Trust in Divine Justice: Instead of seeking personal vengeance or threatening His oppressors, Jesus "committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously." This highlights His absolute trust in God the Father to administer perfect justice in His own time. It teaches believers to surrender their desire for immediate retribution and rely on God's ultimate sovereignty and fairness.
• Passive Endurance for Righteousness: Christ's suffering was not for His own sin, but for the sins of others. His passive endurance, free from personal vengeance, underscores the redemptive nature of His sacrifice and provides a pattern for how believers should bear unjust suffering for the sake of righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The word "reviled" comes from the Greek loidoreo (λοιδορέω), meaning to insult, abuse, or rail at someone. The fact that Jesus "reviled not again" (οὐκ ἀντελοιδόρει) emphasizes His refusal to respond in kind, highlighting His self-control and divine patience. The phrase "committed [himself]" translates the Greek paradidomi (παραδίδωμι), which means to hand over, entrust, or deliver. This signifies Jesus' deliberate act of surrendering His cause and vindication to God, the one who "judgeth righteously" (κρίνοντι δικαίως). This underscores God's perfect and impartial judgment, a stark contrast to human courts or vengeful actions.

Related Scriptures

This divine response to suffering is foreshadowed in Old Testament prophecy, such as in Isaiah 53:7, which describes the Suffering Servant who "opened not his mouth." Jesus' practice aligns with His own teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about loving enemies and praying for persecutors (Matthew 5:44). Paul also echoes this principle of trusting God for justice in Romans 12:19, urging believers not to avenge themselves.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, 1 Peter 2:23 offers a challenging yet liberating model for responding to injustice, criticism, or unfair treatment.

• Resist Retaliation: When faced with insults or harm, the natural human inclination is to strike back. This verse calls us to imitate Christ's restraint, choosing not to return evil for evil.
• Cultivate Trust in God: Instead of seeking personal vindication, we are called to commit our cause to God. This requires deep faith that God sees, knows, and will ultimately judge all things righteously. It frees us from the burden of having to defend ourselves or exact revenge.
• Embrace Humility: Christ's example is one of profound humility, choosing suffering over self-preservation. This teaches us to prioritize God's will and our testimony over personal comfort or pride.

By following Christ's example, believers demonstrate a faith that transcends worldly responses and testifies to the power of God's Spirit within them.