This verse establishes suffering as integral to Christian calling, not an aberration. "For even hereunto were ye called" (eis touto gar eklēthēte, εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ ἐκλήθητε) shockingly declares that believers are called not only to salvation but to suffering—God's sovereign purpose includes redemptive suffering as part of Christian vocation. The explanatory particle "because" (hoti, ὅτι) introduces Christ as both ground and pattern for this calling. "Christ also suffered for us" (Christos epathen hyper hymōn, Χριστὸς ἔπαθεν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν) employs the preposition hyper (for, on behalf of) indicating substitutionary suffering—Christ suffered in our place, bearing consequences we deserved. But He also suffered "leaving us an example" (hypolimpanōn hymin hypogrammon, ὑπολιμπάνων ὑμῖν ὑπογραμμόν), where hypogrammon refers to a writing master's perfect letters that students trace to learn proper form. Christ's suffering provides the template believers are to imitate. The purpose clause "that ye should follow his steps" (hina epakolouthēsēte tois ichnesin autou, ἵνα ἐπακολουθήσητε τοῖς ἴχνεσιν αὐτοῦ) uses ichnesin (footprints/tracks), calling believers to walk precisely where Christ walked—the path of righteous suffering. This doesn't mean earning salvation through suffering but responding to unjust treatment as Christ did: with patient endurance, trust in God, and absence of retaliation (vv. 22-23).
Historical Context
Peter addresses Christian slaves (2:18-25) suffering under harsh masters, but principles apply to all believers facing unjust treatment. In Roman society, slaves had no legal rights—masters could beat, abuse, or kill them with impunity. Christian slaves faced particular vulnerability: refusing to participate in household idol worship or immoral activities brought severe punishment. Peter doesn't condemn slavery (a revolutionary social upheaval beyond the early church's capacity) but transforms slaves' suffering by connecting it to Christ's redemptive pattern. This gave profound dignity to society's most despised class—their unjust suffering, when borne Christianly, participated in Christ's own suffering and advanced God's kingdom purposes. Early church historians note Christianity's appeal to slaves and lower classes precisely because it honored suffering rather than dismissing it, offering hope and meaning in circumstances others deemed meaningless.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding suffering as part of your Christian calling (not divine abandonment or punishment) change your response to unjust treatment?
In what specific situations is God calling you to 'follow Christ's steps' by responding to injustice with patient endurance rather than retaliation or bitterness?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse establishes suffering as integral to Christian calling, not an aberration. "For even hereunto were ye called" (eis touto gar eklēthēte, εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ ἐκλήθητε) shockingly declares that believers are called not only to salvation but to suffering—God's sovereign purpose includes redemptive suffering as part of Christian vocation. The explanatory particle "because" (hoti, ὅτι) introduces Christ as both ground and pattern for this calling. "Christ also suffered for us" (Christos epathen hyper hymōn, Χριστὸς ἔπαθεν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν) employs the preposition hyper (for, on behalf of) indicating substitutionary suffering—Christ suffered in our place, bearing consequences we deserved. But He also suffered "leaving us an example" (hypolimpanōn hymin hypogrammon, ὑπολιμπάνων ὑμῖν ὑπογραμμόν), where hypogrammon refers to a writing master's perfect letters that students trace to learn proper form. Christ's suffering provides the template believers are to imitate. The purpose clause "that ye should follow his steps" (hina epakolouthēsēte tois ichnesin autou, ἵνα ἐπακολουθήσητε τοῖς ἴχνεσιν αὐτοῦ) uses ichnesin (footprints/tracks), calling believers to walk precisely where Christ walked—the path of righteous suffering. This doesn't mean earning salvation through suffering but responding to unjust treatment as Christ did: with patient endurance, trust in God, and absence of retaliation (vv. 22-23).