Peter describes Christ's response to injustice, providing pattern for believers. "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again" (hos loidoroumenos ouk anteloidorei)—when verbally abused, didn't return abuse. "When he suffered, he threatened not" (paschōn ouk ēpeilei)—during torture, made no threats of vengeance. Instead: "but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (paredidou de tō krinonti dikaiōs)—entrusted His case to God who judges justly. Christ didn't seek self-vindication but trusted Father's righteous judgment. This exemplifies trust in God's justice amid human injustice, refusing retaliation while confident in ultimate divine vindication.
Historical Context
Jesus's trial involved false testimony, mockery, physical abuse, and crucifixion. Throughout, He maintained dignified silence or spoke truth without threatening captors (Matthew 26-27). This fulfilled Isaiah 53:7 ("He was oppressed... yet he opened not his mouth"). Peter personally observed this, having denied Christ while Jesus faced accusers. Christ's non-retaliation provided model for persecuted believers: trust God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge. Early church's non-violent response to persecution (refusing to fight back while maintaining faith) eventually won Roman respect and legal protection.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus's example of non-retaliation while trusting God's judgment challenge your response to unjust treatment?
What does it mean practically to 'commit yourself' to God who judges righteously when facing injustice?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter describes Christ's response to injustice, providing pattern for believers. "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again" (hos loidoroumenos ouk anteloidorei)—when verbally abused, didn't return abuse. "When he suffered, he threatened not" (paschōn ouk ēpeilei)—during torture, made no threats of vengeance. Instead: "but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (paredidou de tō krinonti dikaiōs)—entrusted His case to God who judges justly. Christ didn't seek self-vindication but trusted Father's righteous judgment. This exemplifies trust in God's justice amid human injustice, refusing retaliation while confident in ultimate divine vindication.