Reading for March 6th

Read 1 Peter 2.11-25. In verses 11-17: Civic and family duties. Peter begins here a lenghty catalog of traditional duties, which are aspects of justice. Although aliens and exiles, disicples must act honorably like citizens. This means accepting the authority either of civic rulrs, Roman emperor, local governors, or heads of families. Despite their social status as servants, they should live as free people by honoring and fearing those with political authority. In verses 18-25: Slaves gaining honor. Typical catalogs of duties address both masters and slaves (Eph 6.5-9; Col 4.1), but only slaves are mentioned here. In verses 18-20: Honorable behavior is expected, namely, accepting authority from good and evil masters alike. Unjust suffering for doing good, while shameful toothers, is a credit to God (see honorable in 2.12). In verses 21-25:: Isa 53.9 says that Christ leftan example of suffering unjustly but honorably. He forswore vengence, the mark of honorable males in classic cultures; his wounds healed our sins. Slaves, then, belong to the flock of an honorable shepherd and guardian, who rewards them (5.4). Comments or Questions..