First Peter - Lorin

distinguish themselves to their non-christian masters? The core word of Peter is by showing proper recognition
of their authority: ὑποτασσόμενοι ἐν παντὶ φόβῳ. In contrast to the Apostle Paul who would will spell out
the core obligation with details of specific actions, Peter does not go beyond the core admonition. Instead,
he felt the need to provide a series of reasons for this obligation, which he specifies in detail in verses 19-25.
Very quickly these verses beginning in verse 21 shift the focus to the example of Jesus that applies not just
to the household slaves but generally to the believing community at large.
Literary Structure. The block diagram below, based on the Greek text, highlights the internal organization
of ideas within the passage.
19 2.18 Slaves should be submissive to their masters,
with full respect
not only
to the good
and
kind ones,
but
also
to the harsh ones.
2.19 For
20 this (is) grace
through consciousness of God
if...one endures some grief
while suffering unjustly;
2.20 for
21 what credit (is there)
while sinning
| and
| being beaten
if you endure
instead
while doing good
| and
| suffering
if you endure
22 this (is) grace
before God.
2.21 For
unto this
23 you have been called
also
because...Christ suffered
| in your place
| leaving an example for you
| so that you might follow
| in His footsteps;
2.22 who committed no sin
| neither
was guile found
| in His mouth;
2.23 who being abused did not abuse,
Bible Study: Page 129