1 Peter 2:21 — To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Extended Explanation
Peter tells believers that they’ve been called to something hard — but meaningful: suffering for doing what is right. This isn’t random or pointless. It’s part of following Jesus. Just as Jesus suffered unjustly, so will His followers at times.
But there’s more — Christ suffered for you. His suffering wasn’t just an example; it was a sacrifice. He suffered to take the punishment we deserved. He did it out of love, to bring us to God.
Peter then says Jesus left us an example. That means we aren’t left in the dark about how to handle suffering. Jesus showed us how to walk through it — with patience, with trust in God, without sinning or seeking revenge.
The last part of the verse is a clear call: “that you should follow in his steps.” If Jesus walked the road of suffering with obedience and love, His followers are called to walk that same road — not as victims, but as those who trust God and live for Him, even when it’s hard.
Historical Context
Peter was writing to believers scattered across the Roman Empire. Many were being insulted, rejected, or mistreated for their faith. Some were slaves under harsh masters. Others were simply trying to live for Christ in a world that didn’t understand them.
In that kind of environment, Peter didn’t promise ease or comfort. Instead, he reminded them that suffering was part of their calling as followers of Jesus.
This wasn’t a new idea. Jesus Himself said in John 15:20, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Peter is echoing that truth and encouraging believers to stay faithful.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that the Christian life involves a call to endure suffering like Jesus did. It’s not a strange or unexpected thing — it’s part of the path of following Him.
It also makes it clear that Jesus is both Savior and Example. He didn’t just suffer to show us how to suffer — He suffered for us, taking our place and paying for our sins. But after saving us, He also invites us to live like Him.
This verse reminds believers that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence. Sometimes, it’s a sign that we’re walking closely with Christ.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses a clear and strong structure in this verse:
- “To this you were called” — the believer’s calling includes suffering.
- “Because Christ suffered for you” — the reason we endure is rooted in Jesus’ own suffering.
- “Leaving you an example” — Jesus is our pattern, our model.
- “That you should follow in his steps” — the application: live the same way.
The phrase “follow in his steps” paints the picture of walking a path already traveled — Jesus walked it first, and now we walk after Him.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 16:24 — “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
- John 15:18-20 — “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
- Romans 8:17 — “If we share in His sufferings, we will also share in His glory.”
- Philippians 1:29 — “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
- Hebrews 12:2-3 — “Fix your eyes on Jesus… Consider him who endured such opposition…”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that suffering — especially for doing what’s right — is part of following Jesus. It doesn’t mean something is wrong. It may actually mean you’re walking in the right direction.
This verse helps us respond to hardship with purpose. Instead of asking, “Why me?” we can ask, “How can I walk through this like Jesus would?”
It also calls Christians to look to Jesus — not just for salvation, but for guidance in how to live when life gets hard. His life sets the pattern: trust God, do good, and endure with hope.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse may sound hard, but it reveals God’s deep love. God didn’t just call us to endure suffering — He came and suffered first.
Jesus didn’t stand far off. He entered into our pain, took our place, and showed us how to walk through suffering with faith and love.
God doesn’t waste our suffering. He uses it to shape us into the likeness of Christ, to strengthen our faith, and to shine His light through our lives.
His love is seen in how He gave us not only a Savior, but also an example — a path to follow, and the promise of His presence along the way.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is at the center of this verse. He suffered for us — that’s the gospel. And He left us an example — that’s discipleship.
His suffering wasn’t empty. It was for our salvation. And His example wasn’t unreachable. It’s a guide for how to live in a broken world.
Jesus endured injustice, mockery, betrayal, and death — yet He never sinned, never lashed out, and never gave up. He kept trusting the Father, even to the very end.
When we suffer and endure with faith, we are walking in His steps. And He walks with us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that you are “called” to suffer like Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ suffering encourage you in your own trials?
- What does it look like to “follow in His steps” in your daily life?
- Are there times when you’ve suffered for doing good? How did you respond?
- How can focusing on Jesus help you endure when life is unfair?