Topical Bible: Servants: when Patient Under Injury are Acceptable to God

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In the biblical context, the role and conduct of servants are addressed with particular emphasis on their demeanor and response to unjust treatment. The Scriptures provide guidance on how servants are to conduct themselves, especially when faced with adversity or injury, highlighting the spiritual value of patience and endurance.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Peter addresses the issue of servants enduring unjust suffering in his first epistle. In 1 Peter 2:18-20 , he writes: "Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. For what credit is it to you if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God."

This passage underscores the principle that enduring suffering for righteousness' sake is praiseworthy in the sight of God. The call to submit even to harsh masters reflects a broader Christian ethic of humility and submission, mirroring Christ's own suffering and endurance.

Christ as the Ultimate Example

The example of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model for servants enduring unjust treatment. In 1 Peter 2:21-23 , Peter continues: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.' 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."

Christ's response to suffering—marked by patience, non-retaliation, and trust in God's justice—sets the standard for all believers, including servants. His willingness to endure suffering without sinning or retaliating is presented as the path to divine approval.

Spiritual Significance

The patience of servants under injury is not merely a matter of personal virtue but holds profound spiritual significance. It reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and justice, acknowledging that ultimate vindication comes from Him. This endurance is seen as a testimony to one's faith and a means of glorifying God.

The Apostle Paul also touches on the broader implications of a servant's conduct in Colossians 3:22-24 : "Servants, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Here, Paul emphasizes that the ultimate service of a believer, including a servant, is to the Lord Himself. This perspective transforms the nature of their work and suffering, imbuing it with eternal significance and reward.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient world, the institution of servitude was widespread, and the early Christian community included many who were servants or slaves. The New Testament addresses their circumstances, offering guidance that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. The call to patient endurance under injury was radical, challenging both societal norms and personal inclinations toward retaliation or despair.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the principles laid out for servants provide a framework for enduring unjust treatment in various contexts, whether in the workplace, community, or personal relationships. The call to patience and trust in God's justice remains relevant, encouraging believers to reflect Christ's character in all circumstances.

In summary, the biblical teaching on servants being patient under injury highlights a profound spiritual truth: such endurance is commendable before God and aligns with the example set by Christ Himself. This teaching calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, rooted in faith and trust in God's ultimate justice and reward.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:19,20
For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

V. ...
... should carefully admonish and comfort such servants, that they ... says: When ye suffer
and are patient for well ... fools have trodden this doctrine under foot, and ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... us are capable of making, for all the injury we have ... not upon him; but when he sees
himself under the wounding ... 'Make me as one of thy hired servants,' says he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Do not make them feel that they are servants. ... Parents, be firm, but be patient with
your child. ... a widow, the Word of God places children under the obligation ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... The faithful Christian, in his patient suffering, knows not ... those that now lie roaring
under the vengeance ... ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... The remembrance hereof ought to make us patient in the ... shall be destroyed, and so
thy servants shall have ... zealous observers of the same, trodden under the feet ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... ever any man at all points so pure and patient in his ... sons of God, but a brood of
vipers, servants of sin ... to suffering of His own Will, and not under compulsion ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... 6:17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of ... enemies to him, or ourselves,
and that under the notion ... exercises towards him, how gentle and patient he is ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... above, and the Master confirms the sentence of his servants. ... in the hearts of those
who are under her rule. ... oversight is enough to do the patient great mischief ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... a desperate case and often it recovers the sick patient. ... wings of faith to fly, but
hands under their wings ... some of the Turks that they have servants whom they ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... good soon ends, [1424]451; continual under misfortune possible ... 1502]338, n.; shewn
in patient endurance, [1503]341 ... by injuries done to their servants, [1534]475. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm