Peter explains why serving unjust masters pleases God. "For this is thankworthy" (touto gar charis)—literally "this is grace" or "this finds favor." The situation: "if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully" (ei dia syneidēsin theou hypopherei tis lypas, paschōn adikōs). "Conscience toward God" (syneidēsin theou) means awareness of God's presence and desire to please Him. "Endure" (hypopherei) means bear up under weight. "Grief" (lypas) indicates sorrow, pain. "Wrongfully" (adikōs) emphasizes injustice—undeserved suffering. God finds favor when believers endure unjust suffering while maintaining godly conduct because of God-consciousness, not self-interest.
Historical Context
Slaves often suffered unjustly—punished for circumstances beyond control, abused arbitrarily, denied basic human dignity. Peter doesn't justify this evil but provides theological framework for enduring it Christianly. Suffering unjustly while maintaining faith demonstrates supernatural grace, points to Christ's example, and brings divine commendation. This radically challenged both pagan resignation to fate and Jewish expectations of earthly justice. Early church's patient endurance under persecution mystified observers and attracted converts who saw inexplicable joy amid suffering.
Questions for Reflection
How does 'conscience toward God' (awareness of His presence) enable you to endure unfair treatment without bitterness?
Why does God find favor in those who suffer unjustly yet maintain godly character?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter explains why serving unjust masters pleases God. "For this is thankworthy" (touto gar charis)—literally "this is grace" or "this finds favor." The situation: "if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully" (ei dia syneidēsin theou hypopherei tis lypas, paschōn adikōs). "Conscience toward God" (syneidēsin theou) means awareness of God's presence and desire to please Him. "Endure" (hypopherei) means bear up under weight. "Grief" (lypas) indicates sorrow, pain. "Wrongfully" (adikōs) emphasizes injustice—undeserved suffering. God finds favor when believers endure unjust suffering while maintaining godly conduct because of God-consciousness, not self-interest.