Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 2:20

"For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted [for it], ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." — 1 Peter 2:20 (ASV)

To endure a well-deserved “beating” (lit., “strike with the fist”; cf. Mark 14:65) is nothing extraordinary. However, it is “commendable” in the sight of God to do good and to endure suffering. The commendable thing is not the suffering as such but being so committed to God’s will that devotion to him overrides personal comfort.