2:20
We all suffer, sometimes we suffer because of our own fault. In the current context, sometimes a servant or slave would be beaten because they had done wrong. Now some will immediately have their hackles raised by any mention of corporal punishment, but let’s leave that aside for now. The principle is that there is no particular virtue in suffering because of our own stupid fault. Conversely if we suffer unjustly, and endure it, then that is commendable in God’s sight. Again, we may be inclined to react against this, focusing on the injustice of it all. Peter’s emphasis is on God’s reaction, and pleasing Him.
2:21
Jesus is the Messiah, He earned our salvation, but He is also an example. In the succeeding verses Peter will go on to focus on the propitiatory or atoning nature of Christ’s work, but here he focuses on the example of Jesus, and it is interesting that that comes first. Jesus is an example, He showed us what a truly human being should live like, and how a truly human being should live in this fallen world. The Son of God, God Himself, showed us how to live. This is both amazing and also completely consistent with Scripture, for we were created in the image of God. Jesus suffered for us, and He is an example that we should follow. Now at times we will not understand what we are going through, or why God is letting/making us go through it, but our starting point should be the clear example of Christ. We should seek to walk in His footsteps, then we will find that we are walking in step with the Spirit, and we will receive help and power in our need.
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