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NASB | 1 Peter 2:19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 2:19 For this finds favor, if a person endures the sorrow of suffering unjustly because of an awareness of [the will of] God. |
Bible Question:
The problem of injustice persists, and no doubt merits some attention. Many Christians experience injustice and have had difficulty in responding to it. Peter seems to be saying (1 Peter 2:19) that we should take it patiently. Moreover, it is not only deserved punishment that must be taken patiently but also suffering that has not been earned. (See v. 20). One may suffer patiently for having done good deeds. That may include situations where one is prosecuted, or otherwise persecuted, for preaching the Gospel. But what when one is innocent, having broken no laws? What when one is falsely accused or punished without due process of law? It is probably true that some people in every society experience injustice. For some, it is systematic and continual. For some, it is occasional, and they may seek clarification by consulting legal experts. Sometimes legal experts offer their assistance in an attempt to right the wrong. How are the children of God to respond when they think they are victims of injustice? There may well be different opinions, and this may depend in part on the extent to which one has suffered from injustice. Please share from the Scriptures rather than from personal experience. Is it always appropriate to identify with our Lord Jesus Christ in his trial and to suffer, simply committing ourselves (as in 1 Peter 2:23) to our God who judges righteously? Does scripture ever require or allow for any alternative or additional responses? |
Bible Answer: Hi Aixen7z4, Thank you for your question because it led me to see some differences in our translations and the manuscripts used. I think that the bottom line for 1 Peter is that we suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17, 2:20. 1 Peter 4:19, "Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." The NU text wants to emphasize "according to the will of God" for it includes those words in 1 Peter 5:2 as well as 4:19. That noted, I still go with the NKJ for 1 Peter 5:2, "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;" 1) 1 Peter 2:19, "For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you DO WHAT IS RIGHT and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God." 1 Peter 4:19, "Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in DOING WHAT IS RIGHT." ****** 2) Your question led me to the New Revised Standard Version's translation of 1 Peter 4:14, "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you." Compare that with the NASB: 1 Peter 4:14, "If you are reviled for [Lit. in] the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." Compare also with the NKJ which adds to the verse: 1 Peter 4:14, NKJ, "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." 3) I would appreciate your comments on these differences in manuscripts and how they relate to the possibility that we are partakers of the glory that is to be revealed. 1 Peter 5:1. From the heart, Ray |