This week’s study dives into a very contentious topic: submission. As we approach this topic, let’s keep in mind the context and audience to which Peter wrote this letter. The Christian community in Asia Minor to which Peter wrote were typically lower-class individuals living in a hostile political climate where slavery was endemic. Today’s passage isn’t intended to say this is the way the world should work; however, it does give us insight on how Christians should live within the political and social structures in which we find ourselves.
This week, we will be looking at Peter’s instructions in the contexts of the Roman political rule in the first century and the cultural reality of domestic slavery during that time. Next week, we’ll look at what mutual submission looks like in the context of the marital relationship, and more generally in all of life. Remember, the theme of Peter is “bearing up under suffering” – keep that in mind as we study these verses.
1 Peter 2:13-17 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.
- What is the command, and what is the reason?
- Is “submission” the same as “unqualified and unquestioning obedience”? Why or why not?
- What is the “freedom” that Peter describes?
- What is the fourfold command at the end of this section? How do you see each applying to your circumstances today?
1 Peter 2:18-20 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
- What are the similarities between the master/slave relationship described here, and the employer/employee relationship that we are familiar with?
- Does anything in this section offend your sensibilities? If so, why?
- Describe what “patiently endur[ing] unjust treatment” looks like.
1 Peter 2:21-25 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
- What does it mean to “follow in his steps”? How is Jesus’ suffering an example to us?
- The extended quote above is from Isaiah 53. What about this description of Jesus do you most appreciate? What is the most challenging about it?