1 Peter 2:19
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
Truth to Learn
We should rejoice when we suffer for doing what is good.
Behind the Words
“Commendable” is translated from the Greek word charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to be glad.” Hence, charis refers to the joy or gratification one feels for a kindness or a favor granted. It is often used to refer to that kindness or favor, especially when it is undeserved (as the grace which God showed to us in forgiving our sins). In the current verse, however, it refers to the joy that we should feel.
The word translated “conscience” is suneidēsis, a form of suneido which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and eidō, meaning “to perceive” or “to know.” Hence, suneidēsis literally refers to joint knowledge or joint perception. In this verse it refers to the joint knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, hence the translation “conscience.”
“Endures” is from hypopherō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and pherō, meaning “to bear.” So it literally means “to bear under” or “to endure.”
The expression “if … one endures grief” is an expression of the first class condition, which in Greek means that it is assumed to be true. Hence, Peter is assuming that each one of us does occasionally endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
The word translated “wrongfully” is adikōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of dikē, meaning “justice.” Hence, it means “unjustly” or “wrongfully.”
Meaning Explained
Peter is telling us in this verse that if we do what is right because it is what God has told us to do and we end up patiently suffering for it, then it is a joyful thing. James told us a similar thing in his letter:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)
The word James used for “joy” is chara, which is also from the verb chairō, meaning “to be glad.” God does not promise us that obeying Him will always result in blessing and happiness; quite the contrary, in fact. Christ told the disciples:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation … (John 16:33)
We are not told that we may suffer for Christ but that we will suffer for Him. But Peter is telling us that if we endure it, even though we may be suffering unjustly, we can be glad.
Application
The ruler of this world (Satan) is the enemy of God. If we are ambassadors of our Heavenly Father in this world, obeying Him and representing him by our conduct and actions, His enemy will not like it. Let us not be surprised, therefore, when we suffer for doing good.
Are you suffering for your testimony and obedience to Christ? Be glad! Rejoice! And give God the praise!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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