Hope In Exile | Slaves and Masters – 1 Peter 2:18-25
Because of the works of Christ, we submit to even unjust authorities to proclaim the eternal Gospel that is worth endure any pain for.
Not all authorities, though, are just types of authorities. As Peter continues his letter to the churches throughout Asia Minor, he delves in to how the slave should react in response to their supposed authority. The churches would have been more heavily dominated by slaves, women, and others who had been deemed to be of less than important classes than the culture of that day. Christianity provided a safe haven for those looking for hope. In Christ, everyone would be equal in standing and all would have an opportunity to bow before the King of Kings. Yet, Peter’s words did not neglect the cultural and societal struggles that they would face in that day. Especially those following Christ, the world would look down on them and persecute them for their faith and for their standing.
Peter understood that the promise of their future inheritance would be greater than anything they may face or endure during this lifetime. Struggles for the believer would be mere moments compared with the eternal joy of being in the presence of God. Likewise, by enduring suffering without resorting to needing to obtain personal vengeance, or harm another, would demonstrate the power of the Gospel to transform a person into something greater than themselves. Slaves should submit to their masters, enduring the slavery as a means to proclaim the Gospel to those who likely would have needed it more. In doing so, they expressed the work of Jesus Christ to humble and humiliate Himself for the sake of other’s hearing the Gospel. Because of the works of Christ, we submit to even unjust authorities to proclaim the eternal Gospel that is worth endure any pain for.
The Submission of Slavery
Peter exhorts the slave to submit to the authority of the master in their life. The slave is commended to be respectful to the master regardless of whether or not the master is good or unjust. Doing so extends grace to the slave owner and to the master so that they would understand the Gospel more. Some of the slave owners during that day would have allowed for their slaves to attend places of worship, giving them time to worship their god, pray, and anything else they needed. However, the slave owner themselves would likely not attend regularly, thinking their own efforts had produced the success of their life. Slaves then, as they returned to their home, would have provided the witness to the Gospel to the masters. They way they conducted themselves would directly reflect on the god they served. Thus, as a servant would return and exude the peace of God, the master would take notice of the difference between one who submits to Jesus Christ and any other.
The faith of a Christian does not just exist to people who treat us nicely and well, but should even be expressed to those who unjustly attempt to subjugate us under their power. To express the Gospel in an unfair culture demonstrates that the follower of Jesus Christ has put their hope is something this world cannot take away. Just as situation do not change our standing with God, having been elect by Him, situations do not change our expression of that same faith. Persecution should not change the proclamation of the Gospel when we truly believe that our life in eternity is secured in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, by our willingness to endure the masters and oppression, we pronounce the Gospel with our actions, inviting others to understand the depth of the love of God by seeing our dedication to Him. It is those who act out in sin the most who likely need the most grace. Rather than answer persecution with different persecution, we answer with love.
- Why does Peter differentiate between masters who are good and gentile with masters who do not do good?
Just and Unjust Punishment
Peter continues by differentiating between just and unjust punishment. It is important to note that not all painful experiences are the result of persecution and that some are justified. Too often people feel willing to claim they are victims or being persecuted when they have done things contrary to the law or treated others with disrespect. When we sin, when we engage in lawlessness, when we intentionally seek the pain or discomfort of others, the consequences of those actions are not persecution. The Gospel should be the defining representation of the Christian. When we antagonize or seek chaos, destruction, and lawlessness in our culture, we fail to bear witness to the glory of God to transcend all situations.
The follower of Jesus Christ should live above reproach, being unable to justifiable be even accused of sin or impropriety. The world will persecution the Christian regardless, as the Christian stands against everything the world stands for. Yet, people will take notice of when a person is being martyred and punished unjustly. The heart of man resonates in a longing for something greater than ourselves, when we see the injustice in the world, even if we don’t understand it. Christians, when we experience persecution, should do so in love, grace, and mercy to endure whatever persecution we face proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we do.
- In what way does how we choose to respond to our situation demonstrate the Gospel in our culture and in our community?
Jesus Christ Goes Before Us
Ultimately, the expression of facing unjust persecution and the pain of enduring undeserved punishment comes from the example of Jesus Christ. The foundation of our right standing comes from Jesus’ secured victory. Our strength comes from Christ’s gracious presence. Jesus took the punishment we deserved as an innocent man. He died in our place, as a propitiation of our sins and as an atoning work on the cross. Enduring the unjust punishment, He drew His people to Himself to know Him more and be known by Him. Through his willful sacrifice on the cross, Jesus paved a way for us to return to Him. Every ounce of our salvation is a work of grace by Jesus Christ. We did not deserve the sacrifice He paid to bear the weight of our rebellion and yet Christ did so all the same.
Likewise, the world we live in desperately needs to know Jesus Christ as much as we did. Those who stand in opposition to Jesus Christ will one day endure the fires of hell for all eternity. Every knee will bow and some will be made to bow under the Kingship of Jesus Christ. When the Spirit of God resides within us, He shapes and molds us to reflect the goodness and glory of God in our lives. Our thoughts turn to the things that God would have us think about. Our actions turn to the things that God would do if He were in our situation. This includes our willingness to endure unjust punishment for the sake that others would know Him. Understanding that our eternity is secured by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we can willfully endure the pain of subjugation and slavery so that others would know the transformation that occurs in a person when they come to faith in Jesus Christ. We have been saved and healed. Now we serve as witnesses and displays of the power of Jesus Christ to save anyone, no matter their background, status, or race.
- How does Peter describe the work of Jesus Christ and what stands out to you the most about the various aspects of the work of Jesus Christ?
On Slavery, Context, and The Gospel
One of the issues in talking about slavery how scripture talks about slavery is that our western modern culture looks at it through the lens of the atrocity of American Slavery. This period saw the unjust treatment of people, the abuse, and horrifying conditions of the people. Slaves were viewed as less than human, having no rights, no protection, and no recourse for injustice. Slavery, during the time that Peter wrote, though, does not go this extreme. Slaves were treated as part of the household to be kept up, honored, and cared for appropriately. They would be seen as an asset rather than subhuman. It was as if a person had dedicated their life to their master, willing to submit to him in all aspects. According to the Old Testament, slaves had contracts of service, where they would work for their master, live on their land, and serve him. Then, at the end of their contract, could willfully continue as a life long slave through a ceremony of commitment by piercing a nail through the ear to a pole showing their affiliation with their master. (Deuteronomy 15:17, referring to bond slaves).
Yet, we should not consider the institute of slavery as something that scripture condones. The larger message of scripture is one that values those made in the image of God. People have value regardless of their skin color, orientation, and background. To view another as “less than” would be a diminishing of the standards set forth by God Himself. Furthermore, in the eyes of the Lord, everyone stands equal and united with one another. We all have become slaves to righteousness as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29, ESV). Scripture does not condone the owning of a human being (especially not the harsh treatment seen throughout history) but looks at it as a cultural reality. Those made in the image of God should be marked with dignity and respect. We should love one another, treating each other as Christ would treat us. In doing so, we display the Gospel in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.
Discussion Questions
- What does this passage tell us about the value of human life? What does it tell us about the nature of God in relation to all mankind?
- What is our initial reaction to hear that we should endure unjust persecution? Why do we tend to react like this?
- How does understanding the foundation of our faith help us to stand strong in the midst of a difficult season?
- We may not face slavery in any context, but we do have authorities that we should submit to. How does the way we face authority when that authority fails to lead well?
- Describe the contrast in this passage between being elect by the hand of God and being exiled in the culture. What is the balance between the two in this verse?
About The Author
Daniel Burton is the founder of The Gospel Outpost. He is passionate about discipleship and seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. To find out more about him, check out his Author Page.
