Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 2:21

"For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:" — 1 Peter 2:21 (ASV)

Peter’s exhortation for Christians to be submissive now receives a christological foundation. Christians are “called” (GK 2813) to suffer. The “calling” is God’s grace that brings them to salvation (cf. comment on 1:15) and includes the divine ordination in all aspects of their life (Romans 8:28–30), “because Christ also suffered for you.” The sufferings of Christ referred to here are exemplary as well as expiatory on behalf of Christians. “Leaving you an example [GK 5681]” shows that Christ is the pattern for believers to copy in their lives. Just as in his life Christ suffered unjustly for doing God’s will, so Christian slaves may have this calling. Servants are to follow their Master’s tracks (cf. Matthew 10:38; Mark 8:34).