This is one of the noblest passages in the NT on the real meaning of service. It raised the position of slave at one moment to the highest honour. A man could take all degradation out of it, for he might put into his slavery the whole spirit of Jesus. With exquisite reminiscences of prophetic language and touches of personal experience the writer sketches Christ's life and death of ministry, which wrought righteousness and healing. So might their lives, thus ordered, bring a new reign of purity, sweetness, and well-ordered power in the world (and they did!). All this they know, for the wanderers slaves of sin have returned to One who is Shepherd and Guardian. The Master transforms all service. Catching His spirit they can become gentle even to the harshest taskmaster, and rejoice in such an opportunity. Cf. p. 649.
1 Peter 2:19. for conscience toward is more accurately rendered, from a sense of God, i.e. because one is conscious of God's nature and requirements.
1 Peter 2:21-23. An interesting illustration of these verses is found among the recently discovered Odes of Solomon, Ode 31, lines 8 ff., But I endured and held my peace and was silent, as if not moved by them. But I stood unshaken like a firm rock which is beaten by the waves and endures. And I bore their bitterness for humility's sake; in order that I might redeem my people!
1 Peter 2:24. upon the tree: the word rendered tree (lit. wood) is used twice in Peter's speeches in Ac. (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39) in the same sense as here. The sacrificial ideas of priest and victim are here combined in one Person (Hebrews 9:14). The victim was always regarded as holy though he bore the sin. The recollection of this fact is essential to a right understanding of the theory of sacrifice. died unto sins: this analogy, so frequently used by Paul, is found here also. stripes: really weals, a word that would touch slaves.
1 Peter 2:25. Bishop: here probably used in the most general sense as overseer. It is noteworthy, considering its later ecclesiastical usage, that Christ Himself should be termed Bishop, from whom, as we may say, Every bishopric on earth is named.