March 14, 2025
First Peter chapter 2 verses 20 through 25:
Verse 20: For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Verse 21: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Verse 22: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Verse 23: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Verse 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.
Verse 25: For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Verse Context
The Apostle Peter, writing to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), is addressing the reality of suffering for righteousness’ sake. This letter was written around A.D. 60-64, during a time of growing persecution against Christians, especially under Emperor Nero. Many believers were facing opposition, mistreatment, and even martyrdom for their faith. Peter’s encouragement is to endure suffering not as evildoers, but as those who are following in the footsteps of Christ.
Peter contrasts two types of suffering: suffering for doing wrong and suffering for doing right. He argues that there is no merit in enduring punishment for one’s own wrongdoing, but when a believer suffers unjustly and does so with patience, this pleases God. This aligns directly with Jesus’ own path.
In verse 21, Peter makes a profound statement: “For even hereunto were ye called.” This is a foundational truth—suffering for righteousness is not an accident but a calling. Jesus did not merely suffer in our place; he left us an example to follow. The Greek word for “example” here means a pattern to be traced over, like a guide for a student learning to write. In other words, Jesus’ life provides the template for believers to follow when enduring suffering.
The description of Jesus’ suffering in verses 22-23 is drawn from Isaiah chapter 53, reinforcing the idea that he is the suffering servant who endured mistreatment without retaliation. Jesus “reviled not again”—he did not respond with insults or violence. Instead, he trusted himself to God’s righteous judgment. This reveals the ultimate act of faith: believing that God’s justice, not immediate human justice, is what truly matters.
Verse 24 expands on the theological significance of Jesus’ suffering. His death on the cross was not just exemplary but redemptive—he bore our sins so that we could die to sin and live righteously. The phrase “by whose stripes ye were healed” directly references Isaiah chapter 53 verse 5, emphasizing that Christ’s suffering brought spiritual healing to those who believe.
Finally, verse 25 reminds believers of their former state: “For ye were as sheep going astray.” This echoes Isaiah chapter 53 verse 6: “All we like sheep have gone astray.” The image of sheep highlights the helpless and wandering nature of humanity apart from Christ. But now, through Jesus, they have returned to their true Shepherd and Overseer (Bishop) of their souls, a reference to Jesus’ role as both protector and guide.
Peter’s message is clear: suffering is not to be avoided or resented but embraced as part of our calling as followers of Christ. By enduring suffering with patience and righteousness, believers align themselves with Jesus, who both suffered in our place and modeled the way we should suffer.
Broader Context
First Peter chapter 2 is situated within Peter’s larger discourse on Christian identity and endurance amid suffering. The entire book of First Peter is a letter to scattered, suffering believers, many of whom were facing growing opposition under the Roman Empire. Peter’s purpose is to encourage steadfast faith in Christ despite hardship, reminding his audience that suffering is not meaningless but rather a part of their calling in Christ.
This passage, First Peter chapter 2 verses 20-25, falls within a larger conversation about submission and endurance. In the preceding verses (verses 13-19), Peter speaks on submitting to authority, whether to governmental powers or to earthly masters. He then moves into suffering for righteousness’ sake, emphasizing that unjust suffering is part of the Christian journey. But his teaching extends beyond just persecution—it applies to all suffering endured with faith.
While Peter’s immediate focus is on suffering for righteousness’ sake, the principles he lays out apply to all suffering that believers endure with faith. Suffering is a reality for all humans, whether through opposition for faith, the loss of loved ones, illness, or personal tragedy. The critical point Peter makes is that the response to suffering matters. Jesus is not a tool to be used for escaping suffering; he is the model for how to walk through it with faith, trust, and endurance.
- Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake (Persecution)
o Peter directly addresses suffering that comes because of faith in Christ.
o This includes rejection, opposition, imprisonment, and even martyrdom.
o Believers are called to endure this suffering without retaliation, following Jesus’ example.
o Verse 21: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” The Christian life includes suffering, and we are to follow Jesus in enduring it faithfully. - Suffering from the Brokenness of the World (Personal Suffering)
o While Peter’s primary audience is suffering persecution, his message extends to all believers who endure suffering.
o The reality of living in a fallen world means that suffering includes sickness, loss, and grief.
o Jesus’ suffering wasn’t limited to persecution—he also suffered sorrow, betrayal, and the weight of human pain.
o First Peter chapter 5 verse 7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Even in personal suffering, God is near and present.
The entire book of First Peter builds on the idea that suffering is part of the Christian experience, and how we suffer matters. Peter warns believers not to expect an easy road but instead to embrace suffering as part of their refining process in faith:
- First Peter chapter 1 verses 6-7: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Suffering is not a mistake—it is a refining process.
- First Peter chapter 4 verse 12: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” Trials are expected, not unusual.
This understanding is key for both persecution suffering and personal suffering. Whether someone is suffering for their faith or suffering from the pain of this broken world, the response remains the same: trust in God, endure with faith, and follow the model of Jesus.
Jesus is not a lucky charm to be used when convenient—he is the pattern, the paradigm, the way we are meant to live.
- Many people want Jesus to be a quick-fix solution—to end their suffering, to stop the pain, to remove the hardship.
- But what Jesus actually does is show us how to endure suffering well.
- In First Peter chapter 2, Peter is not saying suffering is good, but rather that how we suffer is what matters.
- Jesus walked through suffering, trusting God’s ultimate justice.
- Jesus did not use God as a way out—he used faith as a way through.
- Jesus’ suffering was redemptive, and ours, when endured with faith, is part of God’s greater work in us.
Whether we suffer because of our faith or because of life’s brokenness, Jesus remains the model for enduring suffering well.
- For the persecuted: Endure with faith, do not retaliate, trust in God’s justice.
- For those grieving or hurting: Cast your burdens on God, endure with faith, and recognize that suffering does not mean God has abandoned you.
Suffering is not evidence that God is absent—it is an opportunity to walk as Jesus walked, in trust, obedience, and hope.
Application
Peter’s teaching in First Peter chapter 2 verses 20-25 is not just theological; it is deeply practical. The call to suffer well, with faith and endurance, applies to every believer. Whether suffering comes as persecution for righteousness or personal suffering through trials of life, the model remains the same—Jesus Christ.
Appreciating God’s Greatness
Suffering is one of the hardest realities of life, and many people struggle with reconciling suffering with God’s goodness. Yet, God’s greatness is revealed through suffering in three key ways:
• God is Sovereign Over Suffering – First Peter reminds us that suffering is not random or outside of God’s control. Whether suffering is persecution or personal hardship, God sees it, knows it, and is working through it (Romans chapter 8 verse 28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”).
• God Uses Suffering to Refine Faith – The trials of this life draw us closer to God and purify our faith (First Peter chapter 1 verses 6-7). Even personal suffering, like illness or loss, forces us to depend on God in deeper ways.
• God Walks With Us in Suffering – Through Jesus Christ, God has entered into suffering Himself. Jesus endured betrayal, grief, pain, and death, showing us that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence but rather a place where God meets us (Psalm chapter 34 verse 18: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”).
For the Believer
If you are a believer in Christ, suffering is part of your journey of faith. It is not a sign that God has abandoned you, but rather a mark of your calling in Christ. First Peter chapter 2 shows us how to endure suffering well:
• Follow Jesus’ Example – Instead of responding with anger, bitterness, or revenge, we are called to trust in God’s justice (Verse 23: “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”).
• Trust in God’s Righteous Judgment – Suffering often feels unfair. But instead of taking justice into our own hands, Peter reminds us to trust that God will make all things right in His time (Romans chapter 12 verse 19: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”).
• Remember the Purpose of Suffering – Whether it is persecution or personal hardship, suffering has a purpose. It refines faith, produces endurance, and ultimately glorifies God (James chapter 1 verses 2-3: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”).
• Hold Fast to Your Identity in Christ – Peter reminds us that we were once “sheep going astray,” but now we belong to the Good Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (verse 25). No matter the suffering, our security is in Christ.
Call to Action
• If you are suffering for your faith, persevere knowing that your suffering is not wasted (Matthew chapter 5 verse 10: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”).
• If you are suffering from the hardships of life, bring your pain, grief, and struggles to Jesus, knowing that He understands (Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.”).
• Seek God’s perspective on suffering—rather than seeing it as something to avoid, embrace it as a means of spiritual growth and a way to testify of Christ to the world.
For the Unbeliever
For those who do not yet believe in Christ, suffering can often feel meaningless and cruel. Without faith in Christ, suffering is only pain, but in Christ, suffering has purpose and hope.
• Jesus Suffered For You – Jesus’ suffering was not just an example; it was an act of love to rescue you from sin and death. (First Peter chapter 2 verse 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.”)
• Suffering Can Lead You to God – Many people come to faith in their lowest moments because suffering reveals how much we need God. If you are suffering today, consider that God may be calling you to Himself.
• True Hope is Found in Christ Alone – The world offers temporary relief, but Jesus offers eternal hope. Even in suffering, believers have assurance that they will one day be with Him, free from all pain (Revelation chapter 21 verse 4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.”).
A Call to Consider Christ
If you are suffering today and do not know Jesus, turn to Him. His suffering on the cross was for you, and His resurrection offers you new life, hope, and eternal security.
Final Encouragement
Suffering is part of life, but in Christ, suffering has meaning and purpose. Whether we suffer for righteousness or endure personal trials, we do not suffer alone. Jesus is not just a tool to avoid suffering—He is the paradigm through which we suffer well.
• If you are persecuted, trust in God’s justice.
• If you are grieving, rest in God’s comfort.
• If you are hurting, hold fast to the hope found in Christ.
The Good Shepherd is with you, and He is leading you through suffering, not around it, toward the ultimate joy and restoration that awaits in eternity.
Believers of Biblical Truth 
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