1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) … “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
Undoubtedly, even the strongest believer has at times raised the question, why do we have to suffer? Peter explains, that the believer has been called by God to the situation. God not only calls the believer out of darkness into his wonderful light (2:9); he also calls the believer to endure suffering that is unjust and painful. The believer’s appropriate response to unjust suffering carries a powerful testimony to an unbelieving culture.
Peter then refers us to the life of Christ as motivation or illustration. Here it serves as both. Jesus’ life was dominated by suffering (see 1:11). His life of suffering becomes an example for believers who follow him. We do not suffer the same agonies he endured, but we can follow Christ in the way in which he endured the suffering and responded to it.[1]
Peter had learned in his own experience that God’s people serve through suffering. At first, Peter had opposed Christ’s suffering on the cross (Matt. 16:21); but then he learned the important lesson that we lead by serving and serve by suffering. Peter learned that this kind of suffering always leads to glory! Glory that goes to Christ and brings good to the lives of those who witness that type of love and devotion.
[1] Walls, D., & Anders, M. (1999). I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude (Vol. 11, p. 36). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
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