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)
Jesus didn't just not retaliate; he actively entrusted himself to God's justice. This shows that his submission wasn't passive resignation, but a confident surrender to a righteous Father who sees all and will ultimately set things right. It's a powerful reminder that our response to unfairness can be rooted in faith, not just a lack of retaliation.
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 describing Jesus's perfect example of how to endure suffering and persecution, contrasting it with how the Israelites often reacted in the Old Testament. This teaching on Christ's suffering directly precedes Peter's instructions to believers on how they, as spiritual Israelites and a holy nation, should live and interact with the world, especially in the face of opposition. Jesus's response to injustice, therefore, sets the standard for his followers.
Ever been unfairly accused or hurt? Jesus experienced the ultimate betrayal and mistreatment. But how He responded is revolutionary.
The Contrast of Reactions
Peter highlights Jesus' amazing self-control when facing intense opposition.
This wasn't weakness; it was intentional strength rooted in trust. Jesus chose not to use His power to get even, but to stay focused on His Father's will.
When facing injustice, where do you place your confidence? Jesus' anchor wasn't in His own defense, but in His Father's perfect character.
Entrusting Himself to God
The core of Jesus' calm in suffering was His absolute faith in God the Father.
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He knew God's judgment is always righteous and fair. This understanding freed Him from the need to personally avenge Himself or seek worldly vindication. His confidence was in God's ultimate, perfect justice, not in immediate human fairness.
Understand the original words
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, writing to believers facing intense hardship and slander, draws directly from the ultimate example: Jesus Himself. The vivid memory of Christ's suffering and His steadfast trust in the Father's justice provides the bedrock for enduring unjust persecution.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, performs miracles, and teaches about love, forgiveness, and submission to God's will. His message and actions challenge the religious and political status quo.
c. AD 33, Passover week
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and subjected to trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He faces false accusations and mistreatment.
c. AD 33, Passover week— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion
Despite Roman governor Pilate finding no guilt in him, Jesus is condemned and crucified by Roman soldiers. He endures extreme suffering and public humiliation.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
After three days, Jesus is raised from the dead, appearing to his followers. He later ascends into heaven, promising the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 64-67
Peter's First Epistle Written
The Apostle Peter writes his first letter from Rome (or Babylon) to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, offering encouragement amidst persecution.
This passage from Isaiah prophesies the suffering servant who, like Jesus, remained silent and uncomplaining when mistreated, showing the ancient roots of this patient endurance.
Matthew 27:12-14Here, the Gospels record Jesus' silence in the face of accusations before Pilate, directly illustrating the principle Peter is describing and showing his trust in God's justice.
Romans 12:17-19Paul echoes Peter's teaching by urging believers not to repay evil with evil, but to entrust themselves to God's righteous judgment, providing a parallel ethical command.
1 Samuel 24:12Even King David, when wronged by Saul, appeals to God as the righteous judge, demonstrating a similar pattern of entrusting his case to a higher, just authority.
Jesus didn't just not retaliate; he actively entrusted himself to God's justice. This shows that his submission wasn't passive resignation, but a confident surrender to a righteous Father who sees all and will ultimately set things right. It's a powerful reminder that our response to unfairness can be rooted in faith, not just a lack of retaliation.
Peter is describing Jesus's perfect example of how to endure suffering and persecution, contrasting it with how the Israelites often reacted in the Old Testament. This teaching on Christ's suffering directly precedes Peter's instructions to believers on how they, as spiritual Israelites and a holy nation, should live and interact with the world, especially in the face of opposition. Jesus's response to injustice, therefore, sets the standard for his followers.
Peter is describing Jesus's perfect example of how to endure suffering and persecution, contrasting it with how the Israelites often reacted in the Old Testament. This teaching on Christ's suffering directly precedes Peter's instructions to believers on how they, as spiritual Israelites and a holy nation, should live and interact with the world, especially in the face of opposition. Jesus's response to injustice, therefore, sets the standard for his followers.
"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." — Jesus didn't just not retaliate; he actively entrusted himself to God's justice. This shows that his submission wasn't passive resignation, but a confident surrender to a righteous Father who see…
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Last reviewed October 2026