1Pe 2:18-23 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Pet 2:18-20: 2:18-20 The slave was legally bound and could not change his or her master, whereas the modern employee has the right to stop working for a cruel employer. Of course, some employees may not be able to change their situation, in which case Peter’s advice to slaves is very applicable to employees today. 2:18 Many slaves in the Roman Empire held responsible positions and had a decent income, but most were harshly treated and all were deprived of legal status and rights. • with all respect (literally with all fear ): Peter might be calling on slaves to fear God (see 2:17 ; cp. 1:17 ) or the master’s punishment, but he often speaks this way about the respectful attitude Christians must have toward others (3:16 ).

a2:18-20►

b2:18►

c2:17►

d1:17►

e3:16►

f2:21-25►

g2:22-25►

hIsaiah 52:13–53:12►

‏ 1 Peter 2:18-23

Summary for 1Pet 2:18-20: 2:18-20 ^a The slave was legally bound and could not change his or her master, whereas the modern employee has the right to stop working for a cruel employer. Of course, some employees may not be able to change their situation, in which case Peter’s advice to slaves is very applicable to employees today. 2:18 ^b Many slaves in the Roman Empire held responsible positions and had a decent income, but most were harshly treated and all were deprived of legal status and rights.

• with all respect (literally with all fear): Peter might be calling on slaves to fear God (see 2:17 ^c; cp. 1:17 ^d) or the master’s punishment, but he often speaks this way about the respectful attitude Christians must have toward others (3:16 ^e).
Summary for 1Pet 2:21-25: 2:21-25 ^f While there is no explicit change of address here, the general character of these verses makes them applicable to all believers.

• These verses might incorporate an early Christian hymn or confession about Christ (2:22-25 ^g). Its focus is on the redemptive sufferings of Christ in language drawn largely from Isaiah 52:13–53:12 ^h.