Chapter
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Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

1 Peter 2:21
ESV For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
NIV To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
NASB For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,
CSB For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
NLT For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
KJV For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

What does 1 Peter 2:21 mean?

In verses 18–20, Peter has been discussing why and how Christians must submit to the human authority of their masters. This is a necessary part of submitting to the true authority: God Himself. Peter wrote that enduring pain and sadness for unjust suffering at the hands of human masters is commendable before God. In verse 21, he makes a bold and surprising statement: All Christians are called to endure suffering for doing what is good. We are Jesus-followers, after all, and that's what Jesus did.

More to the point, Jesus endured pain and sorrow while doing good for us. He suffered for us, receiving beatings from Roman guards, being crucified on the cross, and bearing our sins in that act of love. Peter says Jesus' actions are meant to be an example for us to follow. Part of our purpose as Christians is enduring pain and sadness, for doing good, for the Lord's sake (1 Peter 2:13). However, this does not include suffering the natural consequences of our own sinful choices (1 Peter 2:20).

Following in Jesus' steps often leads to suffering for doing what is right. When that happens, it indicates that our lives are going in the right direction, not that we have made a wrong turn or that God has abandoned us.
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