Slavery: The second of the three areas of submission[1] is slavery. Christian slaves are to submit to their earthly masters. But as it was said about kings, fear is to be directed toward God (1:17; 2:17). We submit to those in authority because we fear God who commanded us to submit to authority (2:14; Rom. 13:1). As for slaves, they are to submit to their masters, because they fear God. Interestingly, Scripture does not call for manumission.[2] This is not because slaves of the Roman empire were better off than their American counterparts. Some masters were clearly crooked and abusive (2:18).[3] Peter sees that Christians can serve God no matter the circumstances, because Christian aim is not having improved circumstances but obeying and serving God (2:16).

Reward: What should slaves do when their masters are abusive, and they afflict them even for doing what is right? They are to fix their hope on God and wait for His favor. Peter assures them that God grants His favor to slaves who do what is right “for the sake of conscience toward God.” Even if their earthly masters impugn and persecute them for their righteous deeds (not for sin), God will reward them. Peter, thus, encourages mistreated slaves to endure. They are to trust in God for justice and keep their eyes on pleasing the Lord and seeking His recognition (Matt. 6:1).[4] We leave justice in the hands of the righteous judge. He repays evildoers (2:23; Rom. 12:19); we serve the Lord.

[1] Submission to governing authorities (2:13-17) is followed by masters (2:18-20), and then husbands (3:1-6).

[2] Scripture does not prohibit slavery (1 Cor. 7:21-24; Phm. 15-16) but regulates it (Eph. 3:9). Slavery is not a God-ordained institution like government or marriage, but it is still a context in which a Christian can honor the Lord. If by God’s providence emancipation is possible, a Christian can certainly become free (1 Cor. 7:21).

[3] “Despite claims by some NT scholars, ancient slavery was not more humane than modern slavery” (J. A. Harrill, “Slavery” in DNTB (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2000), 1125.

[4] Cf. Eph. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-25; Tit. 2:9-10.