Read 1 Peter 2:18-25; 1 Cor. 7:20-24, Workplace

In this passage we have the same command with the same word only used in the context of the master/slave relationship: be submissive to your masters.  Again it is not a question of whether the authority is good or fair or kind; believers are called to this in every situation.  And again it is an issue of obedience to God.  With all fear (v18) refers to the fear of God (v17).  And it is commendable (worthy of grace or thanks) to endure suffering from one’s master if it keeps a clear conscience toward God (v19).  This matter of unjust suffering is apparently critical in the situation Peter is addressing because he not only states it in detail in v19-20 but then follows it with a tremendous passage on the unjust sufferings of our Lord.

You may be surprised at this.  There is no call for a rebellion of slaves to fight for freedom.  Rather the emphasis is on the honorable conduct Christians must have in the world (2:12).  The issue here is very fitting for today when we are not slaves but do work for a master in the workplace.  Peter was dealing with the facts of Roman society and reminded his listeners how to live so that the Gentiles would be drawn to glorify God.  We may have more rights today in terms of seeking a different job with a better master if we want.  But we need to think in terms of God’s purposes.  A difficult job setting may provide us with a greater opportunity to shine as a light in the darkness. 

In addition, we have a situation here that brings our Lord’s example into sharp focus.  I believe in v21 Peter is referring to the call of discipleship.  Jesus called Peter (and us) to follow Him, and by following Jesus Peter was (and we are) required to take up his cross daily (Lk. 9:23).  The path Jesus was on was taking Him to the cross, the place of the most unjust suffering in the history of the universe.  He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.  When reviled He did not return the reviling.  He committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.  If you follow Christ that is where you will go: to the cross!  We must be made conformed to His death (Phil. 3:10). 

In v24-25 we are taken even deeper as to the reason why submission is the call for believers, even in difficult situations.  Peter reminds us that the real injustice of the cross is that Jesus was bearing my sins in His own body on the tree.  The healing of our souls was brought about by His stripes, those stripes inflicted by the Roman scourging.  We may criticize the injustice of Rome on Golgotha.  But actually we need to take our own responsibility for Golgotha: we were like sheep going astray.  We put Christ in that position.  But He did it, for the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:2).  And we rejoice that He did that because the result is that now, we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of (our) souls. 

Following Jesus’ example is not what saves us.  But following Jesus’ example can be the means by which others are saved.  As I walk this path, following Jesus, I will be with a Shepherd in whom there is no lack (Ps. 23:1) and an Overseer who will guard and supervise us with all grace and wisdom.  To follow Christ, as His bond slave, is always a good choice.