19 For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.
Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
"Behold, I know your thoughts, The devices with which you would wrong me.
But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous.
Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head. Those who want to cut me off, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty. I have to restore what I didn't take away.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;
For this cause I suffer also these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Peter 2
Commentary on 1 Peter 2 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 2
The general exhortation to holiness is continued, and enforced by several reasons taken from the foundation on which Christians are built, Jesus Christ, and from their spiritual blessings and privileges in him. The means of obtaining it, the word of God, is recommended, and all contrary qualities are condemned (v. 1-12). Particular directions are given how subjects ought to obey the magistrates, and servants their masters, patiently suffering in well doing, in imitation of Christ (v. 13-25).
1Pe 2:1-3
The holy apostle has been recommending mutual charity, and setting forth the excellences of the word of God, calling it an incorruptible seed, and saying that it liveth and abideth for ever. He pursues his discourse, and very properly comes in with this necessary advice, Wherefore laying aside all malice, etc. These are such sins as both destroy charity and hinder the efficacy of the word, and consequently they prevent our regeneration.
1Pe 2:4-12
1Pe 2:13-25
The general rule of a Christian conversation is this, it must be honest, which it cannot be if there be not a conscientious discharge of all relative duties. The apostle here particularly treats of these distinctly.