What does 1 Peter 2:23 mean?

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1 Peter 2:23

Explanation

1 Peter 2:23 represents an ideal of Christlike behavior in the face of suffering and persecution. The apostle Peter is describing how Jesus Christ himself behaved during His trials and sufferings, particularly in the events leading up to his crucifixion. The verse conveys the idea that Jesus did not retaliate when insulted (reviled) nor did He threaten His accusers or executioners. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, who judges justly. This depicts an attitude of patience, trust, and submission to divine authority instead of human instinct for revenge or self-defense.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the First Epistle of Peter, which is a letter traditionally believed to have been written by Apostle Peter in the first century A.D. The epistle addresses various churches in Asia Minor who were undergoing persecution. The historical context is one in which early Christians faced opposition from Roman authorities and non-Christian populations. Peter writes this letter to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to follow Jesus’ example of enduring suffering without retaliation.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the doctrine of Christ’s sinless nature and His role as a patient sufferer. It demonstrates the Christian belief in Jesus as a moral exemplar whose actions should be emulated. Theologically, the verse speaks to the concept of divine judgment, indicating that while humans may judge and mistreat each other, the ultimate judgment comes from God, who is righteous and just. It thus suggests that believers ought to leave justice to God rather than take matters into their own hands.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse have numerous practical applications for daily life. They encourage individuals to respond with patience and forgiveness when wronged, to resist the urge to seek revenge, and to trust in divine justice. For contemporary Christians, this might mean showing grace in interpersonal conflicts, desisting from engaging in verbal retaliation at work or online, and maintaining integrity even in difficult circumstances.

Cross-References

• 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.”
• Romans 12:17 – “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
• Hebrews 12:3 – “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
• Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms include:

• “Reviled” (ἐλοιδόρει; eloidorei): to insult or speak abusively.
• “Reviled not again” (οὐκ ἀντελοίδορει; ouk anteloidorei): did not retaliate with insults.
• “Suffered” (πάσχων; paschon): to experience pain or suffering.
• “Threatened not” (οὐκ ἠπείλει; ouk epeilei): did not threaten in return.
• “Committed himself” (παρεδίδου; paredidou): entrusted or handed over.
• “Him that judgeth righteously” (τῷ κρίνοντι δικαίως; to krinonti dikaios): refers to God, who judges in a just manner.

These terms reflect a conscious choice not to act in kind, but rather to entrust oneself to God’s judgment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The teaching of non-retaliation found in this verse can invite comparisons with other cultural and religious traditions. For instance, in Buddhism, the concept of non-violence (ahimsa) is paramount, and there’s an emphasis on patience and compassion even toward one’s enemies. Similarly, Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, also advocates for self-control and accepting suffering without complaint or retaliation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not apply directly to this verse, as it addresses moral and spiritual conduct rather than empirical claims. However, some research in psychology confirms the benefits of forgiveness and refraining from revenge, such as reduced anxiety, depression, and improved mental health. This converges with the verse’s encouragement to avoid retaliation and trust in a higher justice.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse throughout the centuries. For example, John Calvin noted that Christ offered us an example of patience in adversity. Matthew Henry comments on the trust in divine providence and justice that allows one to endure wrongs patiently. Contemporary commentary often focuses on this verse in the context of Christian ethics, underscoring the challenge it presents to the natural human propensity for revenge, and the call to live counter-culturally by embodying Christlike grace and forgiveness.