In 1 Peter 2:18, “servants” refer to slaves. In today’s context, “servants” can refer to an employee with his employer, a student with his teacher, a church member with his pastor and church session. In 1 Peter 2:18-20, Apostle Peter used the picture of slaves, the lowest class in the society. Servants can also be those who work under the supervision of another, prisoners of war, outcasts of society, criminals, etc. Slaves were regarded as properties of their masters. They had no rights of their own, were subjected to harsh forms of punishments, and their testimonies were not accepted in a court of law.

Three principles of how we are to conduct ourselves under those above us:

1. To submit (1 Pet 2:18): “Be subject” describes submission. He is to willingly subject himself under the authority of his master, with the attitude to obey. It is not in our nature to subject ourselves to others. But it is sin to rebel against authority. We are to submit “in all fear,” i.e. with respect. It implies the willingness to submit. We are not only to submit to the good and “gentle” (forbearing) but also to the “forward” (someone who is crooked). The root word is “to bend,” where we get the word “perverse.” We are to submit unto the Lord. We are to submit and bear the sufferings (to die unto self). Refusal to submit to authorities God has placed over us may be an indication that we are unwilling to submit to God.

2. To suffer (1 Pet 2:19): We must be willing to even suffer“wrongfully.” “Wrongfully” has the same root word as “acceptable with God” in 1 Peter 2:20. The suffering describes the enduring of grief and “wrongfully” describes undeserved treatment. We endure this grief because of our conscience before God, i.e. we are doing it for the Lord’s sake. This gives us the right Christian perspective. “Conscience” has the idea of being clear and aware in our mind that we are serving the Lord. As Christians, we are to live for the glory of God.

3. It is suitable (1 Pet 2:20): “Suitable” is synonymous with the word “acceptable.” The root word of “thankworthy” in 1 Peter 2:19 is grace. When we suffer for Christ, it is a privilege and we have found favour (grace) with God. Suffering is an evidence of our Christian faith. The saints in scriptures suffered. It is God’s will and purpose for Christians to suffer. It is a good report and testimony when we do good and suffer for it. We are to endure it and wait upon the Lord. Living for God’s glory gives us the motivation, encouragement and comfort to endure all sufferings.