1Pe 2:19-22 | JFB | STEP | 19. Reason for subjection even to froward masters. thankworthy — ( ). A course out of the common, and especially praiseworthy in the eyes of God: not as Rome interprets, earning merit, and so a work of supererogation (compare ). for conscience toward God —literally, "consciousness of God": from a conscientious regard to God, more than to men. endure — Greek, "patiently bear up under": as a superimposed burden [ALFORD ]. grief

1 Peter 2:19-22

19. Reason for subjection even to froward masters.

thankworthy— (Lu 6:33). A course out of the common, and especially praiseworthy in the eyes of God: not as Rome interprets, earning merit, and so a work of supererogation (compare 1Pe 2:20).

for conscience toward God—literally, "consciousness of God": from a conscientious regard to God, more than to men.

endure—Greek, "patiently bear up under": as a superimposed burden [ALFORD].

grief—Greek, "griefs."

20. what—Greek, "what kind of."

glory—what peculiar merit.

buffeted—the punishment of slaves, and suddenly inflicted [BENGEL].

this is—Some oldest manuscripts read, "for." Then the translation is, "But if when . . . ye take it patiently (it is a glory), for this is acceptable."

acceptable—Greek, "thankworthy," as in 1Pe 2:19.

21. Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God.

hereunto—to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (1Pe 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant."

called—with a heavenly calling, though slaves.

for us—His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (1Pe 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . for you." Christ's sufferings, while they are for an example, were also primarily sufferings "for us," a consideration which imposes an everlasting obligation on us to please Him.

leaving—behind: so the Greek: on His departure to the Father, to His glory.

an example—Greek, "a copy," literally, "a writing copy" set by masters for their pupils. Christ's precepts and sermons were the transcript of His life. Peter graphically sets before servants those features especially suited to their case.

follow—close upon: so the Greek.

his steps—footsteps, namely, of His patience combined with innocence.

22. Illustrating Christ's well-doing (1Pe 2:20) though suffering.

did—Greek aorist. "Never in a single instance did" [ALFORD]. Quoted from Isa 53:9, end, Septuagint.

neither—nor yet: not even [ALFORD]. Sinlessness as to the mouth is a mark of perfection. Guile is a common fault of servants. "If any boast of his innocency, Christ surely did not suffer as an evildoer" [CALVIN], yet He took it patiently (1Pe 2:20). On Christ's sinlessness, compare 2Co 5:21; Heb 7:26.