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1 Peter 2:18-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
1 Peter 2:18-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Christian Slaves. 18 [a]Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse.(A) 19 For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace. 20 But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered[b] for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.(B)
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.(D)
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2:18–21 Most of the labor in the commercial cities of first-century Asia Minor was performed by a working class of slaves. The sense of freedom contained in the gospel undoubtedly caused great tension among Christian slaves: witness the special advice given concerning them here and in 1 Cor 7:21–24; Eph 6:5–8; Col 3:22–25; Phlm. The point made here does not have so much to do with the institution of slavery, which the author does not challenge, but with the nonviolent reaction (1 Pt 2:20) of slaves to unjust treatment. Their patient suffering is compared to that of Jesus (1 Pt 2:21), which won righteousness for all humanity.
- 2:21 Suffered: some ancient manuscripts and versions read “died” (cf. 1 Pt 3:18).
- 2:22–25 After the quotation of Is 53:9b, the passage describes Jesus’ passion with phrases concerning the Suffering Servant from Is 53:4–12, perhaps as employed in an early Christian confession of faith; cf. 1 Pt 1:18–21 and 1 Pt 3:18–22.
1 Peter 2:18-23
New International Version
1 Peter 2:18-23
New International Version
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(A) not only to those who are good and considerate,(B) but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.(C) 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.(D) 21 To this(E) you were called,(F) because Christ suffered for you,(G) leaving you an example,(H) that you should follow in his steps.
23 When they hurled their insults at him,(K) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(L) Instead, he entrusted himself(M) to him who judges justly.(N)
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
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