Who is Peter addressing in verse 18, to whom are they told to submit? And how? (1 Peter 2:18)
What two types of masters are mentioned in V:18? (1 Peter 2:18)
Why is it commanded that one should be submissive to even unjust masters? And what should be the heart posture while doing so? (1 Peter 2:19)
What could submitting to unjust masters lead to according to verse 19? (1 Peter 2:19)
What contrast is made in verse 20 between two types of suffering? (1 Peter 2:20)
Verse 21 gives two reasons for this calling to endure suffering for doing good. What are they? (1 Peter 2:21)
List the specific actions of Christ when enduring suffering mentioned in verses 22 and 23 ? (1 Peter 2:22-23)
According to verse 24 what did Christ bear on the cross and what is the stated purpose? (1 Peter 2:24)
What two titles are given to Jesus in verse 25? How is this verse a further encouragement to Christians who are facing unjust suffering? (1 Peter 2:25)
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
The word slaves / servants is difficult for modern readers, considering the Roman empire system of household slavery. What was Peter trying to accomplish with this command in verse 18? How appropriate is it to apply this teaching to today’s employees? (1 Peter 2:18)
What does it mean to be ‘mindful of God’ while suffering unjustly? (1 Peter 2:19)
Peter says in verse 21 ‘to this you have been called’ what exactly is the this that Peter is referring to? Is it a call to suffer or a call to respond to suffering in a Christ-like way? Explain your reasoning? (1 Peter 2:19-21)
What do we learn from the example of Christ in verse 21 to 23? (1 Peter 2:21-23)
Peter says in vs 24,”by his stripes we are healed”. What are we healed from? (1 Peter 2:24)
The title “shepherd and overseer of our souls” is rich with meaning. What do these two roles communicate about Jesus' relationship with and care for believers?
APPLICATION
What will I do?
How should we respond to unjust suffering in the workplace bearing in mind both verses 18 to 20 and verses 13, 14? (1 Peter 2:13-20)
In verse 23 Jesus ‘entrusted himself to him who judges justly’. What does this imply about our need for personal vindication or revenge? How does knowing that God is a just judge free us from the need to retaliate?
What does it practically look like to entrust yourself to the one who judges justly when you feel a strong desire for vindication or revenge? How can this free you from bitterness? (1 Peter 2:23)
In what area of life do you feel like a sheep going astray ?How does the reality that Jesus is your Shepherd and overseer, bring you comfort and direction in that specific area?
