1 Peter 2:18–25
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
July 7, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18–25


Biblical Summary Click here for a brief summary on the Book of 1 Peter.

KNOW & GROW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 2:18–20
The word used here is not the Greek douli, the classic term for “slaves.” Rather, it is oiketai, best translated as “servants.” The line between servants and slaves was blurry in Peter’s time. Slavery had little to do with race, as modern readers often process the idea, and more to do with economics and social class. Some were highly educated and served as artists, accountants, skilled craftsmen, etc. Others worked under terrible conditions (in mines, for example).Slavery in this era was completely normalized, and a large percentage of Peter’s readers in the early Christian church were slaves and/or servants of one kind or another. Instead of focusing on changing the social climate of the day and gaining equal rights for all, Peter encourages the scattered believers to allow their conduct to impact those around them for Christ regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.

  • With your group, look up 1 Corinthians 7:20-24, Ephesians 6:5-8, and 1 Timothy 6:1-2. Along with this passage from 1 Peter, these are just a few of many New Testament verses addressing slaves/servants specifically. Why do you think that there are so many passages written to the new believers of this time focusing on the conduct of slaves? How can we apply these passages to our own day in age and circumstances?
  • Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 that God has chosen those who are considered “lowly” on earth to put to shame those who are important and uplifted. Knowing that God feels this way regarding the slaves/servants Peter speaks of (and all believers for that matter), why do you think He is more concerned with their actions under the authority in which they have been placed as opposed to changing their earthly social standing?

Peter tells servants to be submissive without bitterness or negativity even to those masters who are unjust.

  • The term Peter uses here for “unjust” is skoliois, which literally means “curved or crooked” as in perverse and dishonest. Why would God encourage believers to submit to a master who is crooked and dishonest? How can one do so without compromising their morals and faith?
  • Knowing that we have it much easier than those Peter is writing to in this letter, how much more should we conduct ourselves in a God-honoring way under an unjust or difficult employer or leader? Have you ever been in such a situation? If so, how did you handle it? Discuss appropriate responses to difficult situations within the workplace or various other places in which we are under authority.

As soon as we are saved, we become an enemy of the world (1 John 3:13) and we should expect persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Although God loves us all equally and shows no partiality, the sin-sick world in which we live does not follow suit.

  • By submitting to our earthly authorities, we show trust in God’s sovereignty in all situations. Look up the following verses and summarize the concept we can learn in relation to the commands given in 1 Peter. (Philippians 2:14-16; Luke 6:32-36; James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 2:21–24
Jesus is the perfect standard and the ultimate example for us regarding how we are to endure suffering (Hebrews 12:3-4).

  • Peter tells us that Christ is our example in unjust suffering. The word used for example in this instance is hupogrammon which refers to a pattern placed under a sheet of tracing paper so that it can be duplicated. Although we may be called to suffer or persevere in unjust circumstances like Jesus, we will never be as undeserving of suffering as He was. What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Galatians 3:13-14 tell us had to happen to Jesus for our sake and how should this increase our gratitude and forbearance under difficult circumstances?

Peter uses the prophecy of Isaiah 53 to provide an outline to us of how we are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Christ’s suffering was innocent, silent, the path He chose, and had purpose. There is no greater example we could follow.

  • What could Jesus have done instead of suffering injustice silently and without retort? Reference Matthew 26:53, John 18:36, Luke 12:5, and Hebrews 10:29-31. How does Jesus’ humble response as One who never sinned and has so much more power than us encourage us in our response?
  • Read the exact words Jesus spoke when faced with physical suffering in multiple instances: Matthew 26:50-52, John 18:22-23, and Luke 23:34. Based on these examples, how should our words reflect those of Jesus if we are faced with wrongful treatment?

Peter tells us that Jesus “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” instead of handling things Himself, even though He very easily could have. The verb used for entrusting in vs 23 is paredidou and means “to commit or hand over.” Jesus did just this (Luke 23:46) and we must do it as well (Romans 12:17-19).

  • When you face challenges or unfair treatment, do you find yourself committing it to God?
  • Why is it often difficult to allow God to manage our grievances instead of taking things into our own hands?
  • How can knowing that God is the ultimate righteous judge (Jeremiah 9:24) bring us peace of mind and healing?

The end of 1 Peter Chapter 2 can be summarized with Romans 6:3-14.

  • Read this passage with your group and discuss how our new life in Jesus drastically changes us and allows us to respond in a way that is completely contrary to our old human responses.

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Discipleship is a lifelong “followship” of Jesus where we learn from Him and live like Him, then teach others to do the same. He is our ultimate example in all things.

  • As you look at Jesus’ response to suffering, what’s one way you can follow His lead in your life this week?
  • Is there unjust suffering going on in your life? Share with the group, ask them to pray for you, and allow them to encourage you.

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.