Read 1 PETER 2:18–25

Many Greek and Roman philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, and Seneca, composed household codes. These codes included instructions for proper family relationships between spouses, parents and children, and slaves. They assumed that the family unit was the sphere in which people fulfilled their social and political duties, with the roles divinely fixed by the gods.

In our reading today, Peter expands on the exhortation that began in verse 13. At first glance, 1 Peter 2:18–3:7 appears to resemble traditional household codes, like Plutarch’s Advice to the Bride and Groom or Seneca’s Moral Epistles, both of which were written in about the same time period as this letter. Peter’s initial readers almost certainly would have been familiar with these codes. But notice how Peter applies the reality of Christian identity in a way that shifts the foundation for these relationships.

First, Peter addresses slaves (and later, wives) directly, something no Greek philosopher does (v. 18). Unlike the culture, God views slaves as full and equal persons. In fact, slaves are described as “called”—their identity in Christ was the same as other believers (v. 21). Second, the motivation for their behavior was reverence for God, not the power of their masters. Peter doesn’t directly attack the social practice of having household slaves, but he shifts the locus of authority for a Christian slave from the master to God.

Finally, the example for how to live when oppressed under an unjust social and political order is Jesus Himself (v. 21). Isaiah 53 reminds us of the humiliation suffered by the perfect Savior and reinforces the truth that our identity is intertwined with His. Even people marginalized by our cultural notions of worth can place their trust in Jesus and find their true identity in Him.

APPLY THE WORD

Peter doesn’t pretend that we will always be treated fairly. Instead, he directs our focus to Jesus, who also suffered. If you are suffering with an irrational boss or a difficult neighbor or an unfair teacher, ask the Lord to renew your confidence in your identity in Christ. We can demonstrate salvation living when we follow His example.

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