1 Peter 2:21-23
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It's easy to see this verse as just about suffering, but notice the emphasis on Christ "leaving you an example." This isn't just about enduring hardship; it's about how we endure, imitating Christ's active, loving response even in his suffering. His example is the pattern for our lives.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is urging believers to live distinctively, even when facing suffering and persecution from the world. He's just explained how they are God's people, chosen to declare His praises, and now he grounds their call to endure hardship in Christ's own suffering. Jesus' painful sacrifice isn't just a past event; it's the model they are meant to imitate as they navigate their own trials.
Ever feel like suffering is just random bad luck? Peter flips that script. He says suffering isn't just something that happens to believers; it's something we're called to.
Called to Suffer
Peter starts with a powerful "For to this you have been called." This isn't about a calling to a specific job or ministry, but a calling into a life that will inevitably include suffering, just like Jesus. It’s a theological reframe – suffering isn't a sign you're out of God's will, but potentially a sign you're in it, walking the path Christ himself walked.
This doesn't mean God causes all suffering, but that He sovereignly uses it and calls us to endure it faithfully within His plan. It's a vital distinction: God doesn't desire our pain, but He does use our participation in suffering to shape us and advance His kingdom.
Jesus didn't just talk about suffering; he lived it. Peter points to Jesus's suffering as the ultimate model. What does it look like to truly follow His example?
The Suffering Servant's Footprints
Peter calls Jesus's suffering an "example" (Greek: hypogrammos – a model, a pattern to be copied). This isn't just about enduring hardship passively. It's about how Jesus endured:
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Following in His steps means embracing a similar spirit – self-sacrifice, love for others even in hardship, and trust in God's justice.
Understand the original words
kaleō · Greek Verb
A divine summons or invitation, often implying a change in status or lifestyle to align with God's purpose for the believer.
paschō · Greek Verb
The experience of pain, hardship, or affliction, which in the context of Christ, refers to His endurance of God's wrath and human hostility for the sake of redemption.
hypogrammos · Greek Noun
A pattern or model, specifically a 'copy' or 'sketch' meant to be followed or imitated by those who look upon it.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Any transgression against the law of God, missing the mark of His holiness, or falling short of His perfect standard.
dolos · Greek Noun
Guile, trickery, or craftiness used to deceive or mislead others; the opposite of truth and integrity.
loidoreō · Greek Verb
To defame, abuse, or reproach someone with insulting language or verbal hostility.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To commit, hand over, or deposit something of value into the care or protection of another; often used for commending one's soul to God.
krinō · Greek Verb
The judicial act of rendering a verdict or evaluating character and actions, ultimately belonging to God who judges with perfect impartiality.
Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers who were experiencing suffering and persecution. Understanding that their suffering was part of God's plan, following the example of Christ's own suffering, could provide them with hope and strength.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem, a pivotal event in Christian theology.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
After three days, Jesus is raised from the dead, appearing to his followers over 40 days before ascending into heaven.
c. 30s-60s AD
Early Spread of Christianity
The apostles and early followers of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin to spread the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire.
c. 62-64 AD
Peter's Ministry in Rome
The Apostle Peter is believed to be ministering in Rome, writing his first epistle to encourage believers facing persecution and hardship.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians, intensifying their suffering.
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, explicitly stating that He has given them an example to follow, mirroring the idea of Christ's suffering as an example for believers.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage describes Christ's humility and suffering, encouraging believers to have the same mindset, which directly relates to following Christ's example in suffering.
1 John 2:6This verse directly commands believers to walk in the same way that Jesus walked, reinforcing the concept of following His example in all aspects of life, including hardship.
Romans 5:3-5It highlights that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, showing the positive outcomes that can arise from enduring hardship, similar to how Christ's suffering led to salvation.
It's easy to see this verse as just about suffering, but notice the emphasis on Christ "leaving you an example." This isn't just about enduring hardship; it's about how we endure, imitating Christ's active, loving response even in his suffering. His example is the pattern for our lives.
Peter is urging believers to live distinctively, even when facing suffering and persecution from the world. He's just explained how they are God's people, chosen to declare His praises, and now he grounds their call to endure hardship in Christ's own suffering. Jesus' painful sacrifice isn't just a past event; it's the model they are meant to imitate as they navigate their own trials.
Peter is urging believers to live distinctively, even when facing suffering and persecution from the world. He's just explained how they are God's people, chosen to declare His praises, and now he grounds their call to endure hardship in Christ's own suffering. Jesus' painful sacrifice isn't just a past event; it's the model they are meant to imitate as they navigate their own trials.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in re…" — It's easy to see this verse as just about suffering, but notice the emphasis on Christ "leaving you an example." This isn't just about enduring hardship; it's about how we endure, imitating Christ'…
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Last reviewed October 2026
