1 Peter 2:20

[Lightskin]

18You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you – not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20Of course you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong.

Love, forgiveness, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ is the collective essence of Scripture, yet here we see Peter being obtuse and seemingly uncaring towards slaves who are beaten. If I am incorrect in my assessment then please share your enlightenment.

 

[tourist]

He seemed insensitive by my estimate.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

18You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you – not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20Of course you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong.

Love, forgiveness, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ is the collective essence of Scripture, yet here we see Peter being obtuse and seemingly uncaring towards slaves who are beaten. If I am incorrect in my assessment then please share your enlightenment.

Well think about it. The Israelites was just as much a slave to Rome. Many had to sell their own children into slavery. What was a better outcome for a slave if they was always doing wrong? Slavery was different than most modern ideas of slavery. Most cases during that time was indentured servitude.

It benefited Joseph quite well. Maybe Peter had Joseph in mind.

 

[Lightskin]

Well think about it. The Israelites was just as much a slave to Rome. Many had to sell their own children into slavery. What was a better outcome for a slave if they was always doing wrong? Slavery was different than most modern ideas of slavery. Most cases during that time was indentured servitude.

It benefited Joseph quite well. Maybe Peter had Joseph in mind.

It benefited Joseph; one person among the multitudes. That’s a stretch.

 

[posthuman]

Well think about it. The Israelites was just as much a slave to Rome. Many had to sell their own children into slavery. What was a better outcome for a slave if they was always doing wrong? Slavery was different than most modern ideas of slavery. Most cases during that time was indentured servitude.

as much as 1/3 of the population in the entire empire of Rome were slaves.

 

[Deuteronomy]

Hello @Lightskin, as Peter wrote down these God-breathed words, was he/God being harsh, or was he simply being a man of his times in regard to such statements (the Bible, for instance, speaks of "rods" not being spared in the discipline of children, does it not?)

The question is, is being treated harshly as a slave ~for doing wrong~ the point of this passage, or is it something else

Here is the entire passage to consider.

1 Peter 2​

18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ​

19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering ~because he is conscious of God~. ​

20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. ​

21 For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.​

​

22 “He committed no sin,​

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”​

​

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ​

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ​

25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.​

Thanks!

~Deut

Proverbs 13​

24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.​

​

 

[Micaiah-imla]

Love, forgiveness, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ is the collective essence of Scripture, yet here we see Peter being obtuse and seemingly uncaring towards slaves who are beaten. If I am incorrect in my assessment then please share your enlightenment.

I believe you are incorrect.

How is Peter being uncaring?

He is just giving to believers, by inspiration of God, the necessary knowledge on how to remain a godly representative of God in tempting circumstances. This is constant throughout scripture.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil

Romans 12:17
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good

Matthew 5:39
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

After all, Christ is the grand example (you posted 1 Peter 2:18-20, you left out verse 21):

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ya called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

It benefited Joseph; one person among the multitudes. That’s a stretch.

Joseph's story is Biblical. If God's will didn't intervene with Moses. The slave in disobedience would of likely been beat severely or at worse killed. So obedience was obviously wise until like other scriptures say until you gain your freedom.
1 Corinthians 7:21 New International Version (NIV)
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

But even Paul is saying dont let your situation bother you. Because technically we are to have a eternal perspective.

 

[Lightskin]

Hello @Lightskin, as Peter wrote down these God-breathed words, was he/God being harsh, or was he simply being a man of his times in regard to such statements (the Bible, for instance, speaks of "rods" not being spared in the discipline of children, does it not?)

The question is, is being treated harshly as a slave ~for doing wrong~ the point of this passage, or is it something else

Here is the entire passage to consider.

1 Peter 2​

18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ​

19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering ~because he is conscious of God~. ​

20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. ​

21 For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.​

​

22 “He committed no sin,​

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”​

​

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ​

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ​

25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.​

Thanks!

~Deut

Proverbs 13​

24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.​

​

Deuteronomy, you and I have not associated with one another during my time on CC but make no mistake about it, I read your posts often and love everything you share. That’s why I deem it funny that we are disagreeing on our first direct correspondence.

“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”

I understand cultural variances between Palestinian times of yesteryear and western civilization today. Be that as it may, I don’t see love in slaveholders beating their slaves, not then, not now.

I’d be much more impressed with Peter denouncing slavery as a whole and instructing slaveholders to free their slaves in the same way Jesus has freed us from the bonds of sin.

 

[Deuteronomy]

Hello @Lightskin, I'm hardly in disagreement with your OP premise, that slavery is wrong (esp the kind of slavery that we experienced here in the States until the end of the Civil War).

Rather, my main point was that ~slavery being wrong~ has little, if anything to do with the passage in 1 Peter 2 and what it tries to teach us. Also, that slavery seems to have been considered a normal part of life in the 1st Century, especially the bond-servant system type of slavery that existed in 1st Century Israel (which was also tied to the year of Jubilee).

Do you know if anyone in the Bible (OT/NT) championed slavery's end, even the Lord Himself

That said, the Lord came here to set us free from being slaves of sin, but only so that we could then become slaves of righteousness instead, yes .. e.g. Romans 6:17-18?

Thanks again

God bless you!

~Deut

 

[Lightskin]

I believe you are incorrect.

How is Peter being uncaring?

He is just giving to believers, by inspiration of God, the necessary knowledge on how to remain a godly representative of God in tempting circumstances. This is constant throughout scripture.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil

Romans 12:17
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good

Matthew 5:39
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

After all, Christ is the grand example (you posted 1 Peter 2:18-20, you left out verse 21):

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ya called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.

Thank you for your reply. I just wish Peter would’ve focused on slaveholders living a life more Christlike than putting the focus on slaves.

 

[Lightskin]

Joseph's story is Biblical. If God's will didn't intervene with Moses. The slave in disobedience would of likely been beat severely or at worse killed. So obedience was obviously wise until like other scriptures say until you gain your freedom.
1 Corinthians 7:21 New International Version (NIV)
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

But even Paul is saying dont let your situation bother you. Because technically we are to have a eternal perspective.

I understand and appreciate your input.
Please see post 11.

 

[Lightskin]

Hello @Lightskin, I'm hardly in disagreement with your OP premise, that slavery is wrong (esp the kind of slavery that we experienced here in the States until the end of the Civil War).

Rather, my main point was that ~slavery being wrong~ has little, if anything to do with the passage in 1 Peter 2 and what it tries to teach us. Also, that slavery seems to have been considered a normal part of life in the 1st Century, especially the bond-servant system type of slavery that existed in 1st Century Israel (which was also tied to the year of Jubilee).

Do you know if anyone in the Bible (OT/NT) championed slavery's end, even the Lord Himself

That said, the Lord came here to set us free from being slaves of sin, but only so that we could then become slaves of righteousness instead, yes .. e.g. Romans 6:17-18?

Thanks again

God bless you!

~Deut

I don’t recall any OT/NT figure being an abolitionist regarding slavery, yet Jesus is unquestionably the greatest emancipator of women in history.

That said, my problem is that I’m looking at this through 21st Western civilization eyes and it doesn’t sit well with me.

It’s great to finally correspond with you directly, my brother. May our Heavenly Father bless you and yours always. 😎❤️

 

[pottersclay]

Wh

Deuteronomy, you and I have not associated with one another during my time on CC but make no mistake about it, I read your posts often and love everything you share. That’s why I deem it funny that we are disagreeing on our first direct correspondence.

“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”

I understand cultural variances between Palestinian times of yesteryear and western civilization today. Be that as it may, I don’t see love in slaveholders beating their slaves, not then, not now.

I’d be much more impressed with Peter denouncing slavery as a whole and instructing slaveholders to free their slaves in the same way Jesus has freed us from the bonds of sin.

Why would peter provoke rebellion against a already cruel master? To bring more harm upon him?
The examples peter given in the text was to encourage and change the slaves focus upon Christ whom God spared not.
Peter could not change the laws of the day nor was it Christ mission. I'm sure peter did not condone a cruel task master because of the law. But I'm sure this was directed to the Roman way of life in which he had no control over.

 

[Lightskin]

Wh



Why would peter provoke rebellion against a already cruel master? To bring more harm upon him?
The examples peter given in the text was to encourage and change the slaves focus upon Christ whom God spared not.
Peter could not change the laws of the day nor was it Christ mission. I'm sure peter did not condone a cruel task master because of the law. But I'm sure this was directed to the Roman way of life in which he had no control over.

I would have no problem killing a cruel slaveholder; not then, not now.

 

[Micaiah-imla]

I just wish Peter would’ve focused on slaveholders living a life more Christlike than putting the focus on slaves.

What about Paul?

He focuses on the masters treatment of his servants:

Ephesians 6:5,9
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ...And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

There are places in the world today that still have slavery of some sort.

 

[Lightskin]

What about Paul?

He focuses on the masters treatment of his servants

Same thing. I quoted Peter because that was the scripture I was reading today.

 

[massorite]

18You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you – not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20.Of course you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong.

Love, forgiveness, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ is the collective essence of Scripture, yet here we see Peter being obtuse and seemingly uncaring towards slaves who are beaten. If I am incorrect in my assessment then please share your enlightenment.

Whatever bible version you used is very much corrupted. Your bible version left out the part where it says that suffering at the hands of a cruel master IS ACCEPTABLE WITH GOD in verse 20. Half of the verse is missing. God's Graciousness and recognition of a good servant is minimized because of it. If your bible version has removed half of the verse in 1 Peter 2:20 what else has been corrupted or removed from the Word of God, what else has been corrupted???
I am sure you don't care if the bible you are using is corrupted because after all, if you were you wouldn't be using it.

Pe 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
1Pe 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
1Pe 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

 

[Lightskin]

I am sure you don't care if the bible you are using is corrupted because after all, if you were you wouldn't be using it

You’re an idiot. You know nothing about me, but it’s painfully obvious you’re a judgmental, pharisaic perfectionist lost in his own pride. Carry on, wayward son.

 

[pottersclay]

I would have no problem killing a cruel slaveholder; not then, not now.

Then you too have a problem😕😕