1 Peter 2:19
For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
For if anyone endures
The phrase "endures" comes from the Greek word "hypomenō," which means to remain steadfast or to persevere under trial. In the context of early Christianity, believers often faced persecution and hardship. The call to endure is a reminder of the steadfastness required in the Christian faith, echoing the endurance of Christ Himself. This endurance is not passive but an active, faithful perseverance in the face of adversity.

the pain of unjust suffering
"Unjust suffering" refers to the Greek "adikos paschō," which means suffering wrongfully or undeservedly. In the Roman Empire, Christians were often marginalized and persecuted for their beliefs, facing social and legal injustices. This phrase highlights the reality that believers may suffer not because of wrongdoing but because of their faith. It calls Christians to recognize that suffering for righteousness is part of their calling, aligning with the experiences of the prophets and Christ.

because he is conscious of God
The phrase "conscious of God" translates from the Greek "dia syneidēsin Theou," meaning an awareness or mindfulness of God. This consciousness is not merely intellectual but a deep, relational awareness that influences one's actions and responses. It suggests that the believer's endurance is motivated by a desire to honor God, reflecting a life lived in reverence and obedience to Him. This consciousness is a guiding principle, providing strength and purpose amidst trials.

this is to be commended
The word "commended" comes from the Greek "charis," often translated as grace or favor. In this context, it implies that enduring unjust suffering with a God-conscious mindset is praiseworthy and finds favor with God. This commendation is not from human accolades but divine approval, emphasizing that God sees and values the faithful endurance of His people. It reassures believers that their suffering is not in vain but is recognized and honored by God, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution.

2. Recipients of 1 Peter
The letter is addressed to the "elect exiles" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These early Christians were experiencing various trials and persecutions.

3. Unjust Suffering
The context of the verse involves believers enduring suffering not because of wrongdoing but because of their faith and righteousness.
Teaching Points
Consciousness of God
Being aware of God's presence and sovereignty can provide strength and perspective during times of unjust suffering.

Commendation from God
Enduring suffering for righteousness is commendable in God's eyes, offering believers a sense of purpose and divine approval.

Christ as Our Example
Jesus Christ endured the ultimate unjust suffering. Believers are called to follow His example, trusting in God's justice and timing.

Responding to Injustice
Christians are encouraged to respond to injustice with grace and patience, reflecting Christ's love and forgiveness.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps believers endure present sufferings, knowing that their reward is in heaven.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does being "conscious of God" influence your response to unjust suffering in your life?

2. In what ways can you find encouragement from the examples of biblical figures who endured unjust suffering?

3. How can the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) help you understand and apply 1 Peter 2:19?

4. What practical steps can you take to respond to injustice in a way that reflects Christ's character?

5. How does maintaining an eternal perspective change the way you view and handle suffering and trials?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 5:10-12
Jesus speaks about the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, promising them the kingdom of heaven. This connection highlights the commendation of enduring unjust suffering for God's sake.

Romans 12:19-21
Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath, emphasizing overcoming evil with good. This relates to enduring unjust suffering with a godly attitude.

Hebrews 12:3
The author of Hebrews encourages believers to consider Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, as an example to avoid growing weary or losing heart.
Burden Bearers1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ an Example in His SufferingsG. Hill, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ is Our Example1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our CopyJ. D. Thomas.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our ExampleCanon Liddon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our ExampleAbp. Tillotson.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our ExampleJ. Cumming, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our IdealC. J. Ridgeway, M. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Without SinA. Thomson, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ's Example is to be FollowedJ. Cumming, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ's Sufferings in GethsemaneW. Harness, M. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Copying But a Fragment of the ChristJ. R. Miller, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Dead to Sin by Christ's DeathAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:18-25
Dead to Sin: Living to RighteousnessW. L. Watkinson.1 Peter 2:18-25
Death for Sin, and Death to SinC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Endurance of WrongCanon Liddon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Equanimity Under ReproachBengel's Life1 Peter 2:18-25
God has Ordained His People to Undergo Troubles in This WorldJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:18-25
Gratitude for Wrongful SufferingD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Healed by Christ's StripesF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Men as SheepC. Stanford, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Of PatienceIsaac Barrow, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
On the Diseases and Health of the SoulRobert Foote.1 Peter 2:18-25
On the Example of ChristC. R. Maturin.1 Peter 2:18-25
On the Example of ChristJohn Main, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
PatienceE. B. Pusey, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Patience in TribulationJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 2:18-25
Patience Under OppressionCrown Liddon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Salvation, What it CostT. De Witt Talmage.1 Peter 2:18-25
Servants Urged to Patient Endurance of Undeserved SufferingC. New 1 Peter 2:18-25
Servitude and SubjectionJ.R. Thomson 1 Peter 2:18-25
Sinless and GuilelessR. A. Griffin.1 Peter 2:18-25
Subjection of Servants to Their MastersR. Finlayson 1 Peter 2:18-25
Submission EnjoinedThornley Smith.1 Peter 2:18-25
Suffering WrongfullyKing's Highway.1 Peter 2:18-25
Thanks from GodF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Blessings of InjusticeCanon Diggle.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Character of ChristT. C. Edwards.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Christian as a ServantU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 2:18-25
The Christian IdealJ. G. Rogers, B. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Conduct of ServantsJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Duty of Patience Under InjuriesR. South, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Duty of ServantsAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Example of ChristW. E. Channing.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Former and Present State of Believers ContrastedR. Walker.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Great ShepherdU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Guardian of SoulsHomilist1 Peter 2:18-25
The Imitation of ChristE. H. Hopkins.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Necessity of a Perfect ModelH. Melvill, B. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
The New LifeH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Perfect IdealHomilist1 Peter 2:18-25
The Return of the FlockHomilist1 Peter 2:18-25
The Shepherd and Bishop of SoulsW. A. Snively, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Sin BearerC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Stripes of JesusC. Moinet, M. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Wandering SheepAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:18-25
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Zion
Topics
Acceptable, Approved, Bears, Commendable, Conscience, Conscious, Desiring, Duty, Endure, Endures, Endureth, Favor, Finds, Grace, Gracious, Grief, Griefs, Mindful, Pain, Patiently, Punishment, Sake, Sense, Sign, Someone, Sorrows, Submits, Suffering, Thankworthy, Thank-worthy, Towards, Treated, Undergoes, Unjust, Unjustly, Unrighteously, Wrong, Wrongfully
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 2:19

     5565   suffering, of believers

1 Peter 2:18-21

     7448   slavery, in NT

1 Peter 2:18-23

     8339   self-control

1 Peter 2:19-20

     5262   commendation
     8369   worthiness

1 Peter 2:19-21

     5879   humiliation

1 Peter 2:19-23

     5346   injury

Library
Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The Jewish Rebellions
1 PETER ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. I think that you will understand the text, and indeed the whole of St. Peter's first Epistle, better, if I explain to you somewhat the state of the Eastern countries of the world in St. Peter's time. The Romans, a short time before St. Peter was born, had conquered all the nations round them, and brought them under law and regular government. St. Peter now tells those
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Christ the Exemplar
'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.'--1 Peter ii. 21. These words are a very striking illustration of the way in which the Gospel brings Christ's principles to bear upon morals and duty. The Apostle is doing nothing more than exhorting a handful of slaves to the full and complete and patient acceptance of their hard lot, and in order to teach a very homely and lowly lesson to the squalid minds of a few captives,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Transcriber's Note:
List of corrections and amendments made: Ephesians: Page 36: added closing quote after "the event of our inheritance" (line 3) 102: "gentle words ot" to "to" 154: "it" added in "what it is to hear" 263: [Preached on Whitsunday] was a footnote. 286: (R.V.) to (R.V.). for consistency with other references. 286: "please to understand" to "do" 287: "we shoud be entitled" to "should" 391: added -- and changed Ephes. to Eph. for consistency with other headings 391: added colon after "Mark its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Spiritual Sacrifices
'... Spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter ii. 5. In this verse Peter piles up his metaphors in a fine profusion, perfectly careless of oratorical elegance or propriety. He gathers together three symbols, drawn from ancient sacrificial worship, and applies them all to Christian people. In the one breath they are 'temples,' in the next 'priests,' in the third 'sacrifices.' All the three are needed to body out the whole truth of the relationship of the perfect universal
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Mirrors of God
... That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness ...'--1 Peter ii. 9. The Revised Version, instead of 'praises,' reads excellencies--and even that is but a feeble translation of the remarkable word here employed. For it is that usually rendered 'virtues'; and by the word, of course, when applied to God, we mean the radiant excellencies and glories of His character, of which our earthly qualities, designated by the same name, are but as shadows. It is, indeed,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
'To Whom coming, as unto a living stone ... ye also, as living stones, are built up.'--1 Peter ii. 4, 5. I wonder whether Peter, when he wrote these words, was thinking about what Jesus Christ said to him long ago, up there at Caesarea Philippi. He had heard from Christ's lips, 'Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church.' He had understood very little of what it meant then. He is an old man now, years of experience and sorrow and work have taught him the meaning of the words, and he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ Precious to Believers
This remark is uttered by way of introduction, it may seem egotistical, but that I cannot help. I must give glory to God in the midst of the great congregation, and pay my vows to the Lord now in the midst of all his saints, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. My text states a positive fact, namely, that Christ is precious to believers. This shall be the first part of our discourse; then in the second we will try to answer the question, why is Jesus Christ so precious to his believing people? And
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Coming to Christ
"To whom coming."--1 Peter 2:4. IN THESE three words you have, first of all, a blessed person mentioned, under the pronoun "whom"--"To whom coming." In the way of salvation we come alone to Jesus Christ. All comings to baptism, comings to confirmation, comings to sacrament are all null and void unless we come to Jesus Christ. That which saves the soul is not coming to a human priest, nor even attending the assemblies of God's saints; it is coming to Jesus Christ, the great exalted Saviour, once slain,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."--1 PETER ii. 5. There is a manifest reference in the fourth verse to the personage alluded to in Psalm cxviii. 22, 23: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." And this passage is applied by Christ to himself in Matthew xxi. 42: "Jesus saith unto them, Did
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

That the Grace of God Doth not Join Itself to those who Mind Earthly Things
"My Son, precious is My grace, it suffereth not itself to be joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations. Therefore thou oughtest to cast away all things which hinder grace, if thou longest to receive the inpouring thereof. Seek a secret place for thyself, love to dwell alone with thyself, desire the conversation of no one; but rather pour out thy devout prayer to God, that thou mayest possess a contrite mind and a pure conscience. Count the whole world as nought; seek to be alone
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You...
"For hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow in his steps." It was Friday morning and the Rev. Henry Maxwell was trying to finish his Sunday morning sermon. He had been interrupted several times and was growing nervous as the morning wore away, and the sermon grew very slowly toward a satisfactory finish. "Mary," he called to his wife, as he went upstairs after the last interruption, "if any one comes after this, I wish you would
Charles M. Sheldon—In His Steps

Defective Learning.
"He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded."--1 Peter ii. 6. St. Paul declares that faith is the gift of God (Ephes. ii. 8). His words, "And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," refer to the word "faith." A new generation of youthful expositors confidently assert that these words refer to "by grace are ye saved." The majority of them are evidently ignorant of the history of the exegesis of the text. They only know that the pronoun "that" in the clause "and that not of yourselves"
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
Valerian, who had treated the Christians so cruelly, came to a miserable end. He led his army into Persia, where he was defeated and taken prisoner. He was kept for some time in captivity; and we are told that he used to be led forth, loaded with chains, but with the purple robes of an emperor thrown over him, that the Persians might mock at his misfortunes. And when he had died from the effects of shame and grief, it is said that his skin was stuffed with straw, and was kept in a temple, as a remembrance
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer
GOD'S PEACE OBTAINED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Phil. 4:6, 7. When we make our requests known unto God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we are assured of receiving His peace through Christ Jesus. When we enter into the sacred Presence of the Prince of Peace, we enter into the place of perfect peace. The house of prayer is the sanctuary
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

The First Wall.
Let us, in the first place, attack the first wall. It has been devised, that the Pope, bishops, priests and monks are called the Spiritual Estate; Princes, lords, artificers and peasants, are the Temporal Estate; which is a very fine, hypocritical device. But let no one be made afraid by it; and that for this reason: That all Christians are truly of the Spiritual Estate, and there is no difference among them, save of office alone. As St. Paul says (1 Cor. xii.), we are all one body, though each member
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
1. Brief recapitulation. Why the subject of primacy not yet mentioned. Represented by Papists as the bond of ecclesiastical unity. Setting out with this axiom, they begin to debate about their hierarchy. 2. Question stated. An attempted proof from the office of High Priest among the Jews. Two answers. 3. Arguments for primacy from the New Testament. Two answers. 4. Another answer. The keys given to the other apostles as well as to Peter. Other two arguments answered by passages of Cyprian and Augustine.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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