DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
1 Peter 2:21-3:9
(01/30 or 02/12)
Monday of the Final Week after Pentecost
Christ-like Suffering: 1 Peter 2:21-3:9, especially vs.
21: “For to this you were
called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you
should follow His steps.” In this passage, the Apostle Peter admonishes those whom
God has joined to Christ to follow the Lord’s example in suffering (vs.
21). He previews the Lord’s
Passion (vss. 22-24), points out that Christ is watching over our souls (vs.
25), counsels wives (vss. 3:1-6), exhorts husbands (vs. 7), and advises the
community of the faithful generally (vss. 8,9).
While the subjects that Saint Peter covers appear to differ
widely, careful reading discloses their deep unity under the mandate ‘to
suffer like Christ Jesus.’
Very simply, our Lord Jesus expects all members of Christ to live by
this norm, contrary to the circumstances of life in the world (Mt. 16:24). While we are to bear whatever God
permits to come our way, above all we are to maintain integrity ‘in
Christ,’ give no offense, be innocent and patient in suffering, mistreat
no one and accept wrongs against ourselves cheerfully. Three exhortations stand out: 1) remain
firmly committed to the Lord Jesus even in suffering, 2) never deserve
affliction by committing sins, and 3) never return evil for evil, but always
bless everyone, come what may.
The Apostle first reviews our Lord’s Passion - the supreme
model for Christians (vss. 22-24).
Appreciate this portion of the reading; it is Saint Peter’s review
of the ‘Suffering Servant’ prophecy applied to Christ (Is.
53:4-12). But remember, the Apostle
does not speak theoretically, but from experience. The events he describes changed his life
(Mk. 14:46-72). Initially, as a new
disciple, Peter resisted the Lord Jesus’ declaration that He must suffer
(Mk. 8:31,32); yet later, the Saint embraced
Christ’s sufferings for his salvation (Mk. 16).
In declaring that our Lord “...committed Himself to
Him Who judges righteously...” (vs. 23), Saint Peter reveals how we must
behave when we suffer unfairly. The
Lord Jesus’ Passion came upon Him “Who committed no sin, nor was
deceit found in His mouth...[but] bore our sins...that
we might live for righteousness...” (vss.
22-24). Christ maintained
integrity, purity, inoffensiveness, and innocence; He never wronged
others. The Apostle underscores our
Lord’s example by noting that when He “...was reviled [He] did not revile
in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten...” (vs.
23). Christ our Savior
absorbed a host of provocations to return evil for evil. Instead, the Master blessed. That, Beloved, is the supreme example to
which Saint Peter witnesses, to which he summons us, and for which he later
gave his own life.
While the Apostle appears to change topics abruptly, his
three ‘challenges’ persist.
As he counsels wives (vss. 3:1-6), he calls upon God-fearing women to
“...be submissive...” to their husbands (vs. 3:1), like women of
old, who “...trusted in God...being submissive to their own
husbands...” (vs. 5). Then, the Saint outlines the calling of
the Christian woman, even one whose husband does “...not obey the
word...” (vs. 1): she herself is to be pure and holy; yet she is not to
pretend servility, but to win her husband to Christ by living chastely,
reverently, gently, and quietly (vss. 1-4). She is to aim at being free of sin like
Christ. The Christian wife will, in
all circumstances, “...do good...” but not out of fear (vs. 6),
never retaliating, but always blessing.
The Apostle likewise counsels husbands and all who
constitute the Church, as “...heirs together of the grace of
life...” (vs. 7), to be of one mind with Christ (see Php. 2:5).
May we who are united to Christ Jesus submit to Him and be like Him:
compassionate, tenderhearted, and courteous, never “...returning evil for
evil...” (vss. 8-9)!
O Lord, enable us, with spotless conscience, to suffer with
Thee that we may be found worthy to be drawn up on High with Thee to the
Jerusalem above in the kingdom of heaven.
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