1 Peter 2:13-25

In 1 Peter 2:13–25, Peter calls believers to live honorably in a hostile world by submitting to human authorities for the Lord’s sake. Whether to rulers or masters, Christians are to show respect, humility, and integrity—not out of fear of man, but as a testimony to God’s sovereignty. Peter reminds his readers that by doing good, they silence the ignorance of foolish people and reveal their freedom not as license for rebellion, but as servants of God.

He then narrows the focus to servants under unjust masters, urging them to endure suffering with patience. This endurance, when done for conscience toward God, is pleasing in His sight. Peter anchors this call in the example of Christ Himself, who suffered innocently yet did not retaliate. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the righteous Judge. Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness—by His wounds we are healed. Once wandering like lost sheep, believers have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.