1 Peter 2:20
For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
Truth to Learn
When we patiently endure unjust punishment for having done good deeds, God is pleased.
Behind the Words
The word translated “credit” is kleos, which is derived from a shortened form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” Kleos refers to “calling out the goodness” of someone. Hence, it is often translated as “renown,” “glory,” or “credit.”
“Beaten” is translated from kolaphidzō, which means “to strike with the fist.” The word “faults” is hamartanō, meaning “to miss the mark.” It is often translated as “transgress” or “sin.” Both of these words are expressed as present participles indicating current ongoing activity. Hence, the phrase “if when you are beaten for your faults …” is literally, “if sinning and being beaten …”
The expression “you take it patiently” is translated from hupomenō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and menō, meaning “to remain.” It literally means “to remain under.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load and is often translated as “persevere” or “endure.”
“Do good” is from agathopoiōn, a word we looked at back in verse fourteen. It refers to doing good deeds.
The word “suffer” is from the Greek word paschō, which refers to an intense emotion, usually suffering.
As pointed out in the previous verse, the word translated “commendable” refers to gladness and joy.
Meaning Explained
Peter is making a very profound statement that should be taken to heart by all who call themselves Christian. If you do wrong, are punished for it, and take it with patience, there is no glory or recognition given to you except that you got what you deserved. If, on the other hand, you have done good deeds, are falsely punished for it, and you take it patiently, this is joyous, or well-pleasing, with God.
When we suffer wrongfully, our Heavenly Father is aware of it. If our attitude is right, He is pleased with us. Peter says nothing of God’s attitude toward our actions when we complain and raise a ruckus because we have been falsely accused or punished unjustly. But he says that God is pleased when we endure it patiently. Peter is clearly thinking back on the unjust beating and suffering endured by Jesus Christ when he paid for our sins. In the following verses Peter will refer to Christ’s wrongful suffering as a perfect example of how we should act. He was innocent and was supremely punished by men and accepted it patiently. We, on the other hand, are guilty before God and do not receive the just punishment for our offenses.
Application
Every Christian has experienced situations where we did what was good and ended up suffering for it in one way or another. Can you remember such a time? How did you handle it? Did you endure it quietly and patiently, or did you fuss and complain to God about how unfair it was? How will you react the next time this happens to you? Quietly and patiently, I hope!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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