How does 1 Peter 2:23 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:44?

The Text at a Glance

• 1 Peter 2:23 — “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”

• Matthew 5:44 — “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

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Jesus’ Teaching: Love Your Enemies

• In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises the standard from limiting retaliation (“eye for eye”) to active love.

• Loving and praying for enemies is not merely passive tolerance; it is intentional good will toward those who harm us.

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Peter Echoes the Sermon on the Mount

• Peter points to Jesus on the cross as the living illustration of Matthew 5:44.

• Jesus did not answer verbal abuse with counter-abuse; instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34).

• By “entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly,” Jesus models the same dependence on the Father He commands of His followers in Matthew 5:44—letting God handle justice while we respond with love.

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Shared Core Principles

1. Reject retaliation

– Matthew 5:39: “Do not resist an evil person.”

– 1 Peter 2:23: “He did not retaliate.”

2. Replace cursing with blessing

– Matthew 5:44: “Pray for those who persecute you.”

– Romans 12:14: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

3. Rest in God’s righteous judgment

– Matthew 5:45: Acting like children of the Father.

– 1 Peter 2:23: “Entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”

4. Reflect Christ’s character

– Isaiah 53:7 foretold His silent suffering.

– 1 Peter 2:21: “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.”

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Practical Takeaways for Us Today

• When insulted, remember Jesus’ silence and respond with measured grace rather than sharp words.

• Turn slander into an opportunity for intercession—name your persecutor before the Father.

• Hand justice over to God; He alone sees every motive and balances every scale.

• Trust that imitating Christ’s non-retaliating love draws others to the gospel (1 Peter 2:12).