John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 2:23

"who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:" — 1 Peter 2:23 (ASV)

When he was reviled, or, reproached. Here Peter points out what we are to imitate in Christ, namely, to calmly bear wrongs and not to avenge wrongs. For such is our disposition that when we receive injuries, our minds immediately boil over with revengeful feelings; but Christ abstained from every kind of retaliation. Our minds, therefore, ought to be bridled, lest we should seek to render evil for evil.

But committed himself, or, his cause. The word cause is not expressed, but it is obviously understood. Peter adds this for the consolation of the godly: that if they patiently endured the reproaches and violence of the wicked, they would have God as their defender. Indeed, it would be a very hard thing for us to be subjected to the will of the ungodly and not to have God caring for our wrongs.

Peter, therefore, adorns God with this high attribute, that He judgeth righteously, as if he had said, “We ought to calmly bear evils; God in the meantime will not neglect what belongs to Him, but will show Himself to be a righteous judge.” However wanton the ungodly may be for a time, they shall not remain unpunished for the wrongs done now to the children of God. Nor is there any reason for the godly to fear, as though they were without any protection. Since it belongs to God to defend them and to undertake their cause, they are to possess their souls in patience.

Moreover, as this doctrine brings no small consolation, it also serves to allay and subdue the inclinations of the flesh. For no one can rest on the fidelity and protection of God except the one who, in a meek spirit, waits for His judgment. He who leaps to take vengeance intrudes into what belongs to God and does not allow God to perform His own office.

In reference to this, Paul says, Give place to wrath (Romans 12:19); and thus he implies that the way is closed to God, so that He cannot Himself judge when we anticipate Him. He then confirms what he had said by the testimony of Moses, Vengeance is mine (Deuteronomy 32:35). In short, Peter meant this: that following Christ's example, we will be more prepared to endure injuries if we give God His own honor—that is, if we, believing Him to be a righteous judge, refer our right and our cause to Him.

However, it may be asked: How did Christ commit His cause to the Father? For if He required vengeance from Him, Christ Himself says this is not lawful for us, because He commands us to do good to those who injure us and to pray for those who speak evil of us (Matthew 5:44).

To this my reply is that it appears evident from the Gospel history that Christ did indeed refer His judgment to God, and yet He did not demand that vengeance be taken on His enemies. On the contrary, He prayed for them, saying, Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34). And doubtless, the feelings of our flesh are far from being in unison with the judgment of God.

Therefore, for anyone to commit his cause to Him who judgeth righteously, it is necessary that he first restrain himself, so that he may not ask anything inconsistent with the righteous judgment of God. For those who indulge themselves in looking for vengeance do not concede to God His office of a judge, but in a way wish Him to be an executioner.

He, then, who is so calm in his spirit as to wish his adversaries to become his friends, and endeavors to bring them to the right way, rightly commits his own cause to God. His prayer is: “You, O Lord, know my heart, how I wish those who seek to destroy me to be saved: if they were converted, I would congratulate them; but if they continue obstinate in their wickedness, because I know that You watch over my safety, I commit my cause to You.” This meekness was manifested by Christ; this, then, is the rule we should observe.