17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
The punishment for doing evil has no glory or honor. The just suffering is justified. But to suffer for doing good is rather a joy and a crown. The Christians in Asia Minor are suffering unjust attacks and abuse from their pagan neighbors. The believing community refrained from participating in their idolatrous feasts, carousing and orgies of the un-regenerated souls (1 Peter 4:3, 4). Christians were in some ways distancing themselves from the corrupt practices and involvement with the general public because they were concerned with their personal holiness and conscience towards God. Now, for acting in line to the character of God’s holiness, they bear the bruises of blows from their pagan neighbors.
The question here is not that it is God’s will for Christians to suffer, but it is better if it’s God’s will that they suffer in doing good rather than evil. Verse 18 then explain the basis for this statement. The unjust suffering of the righteous Christ and death on the cross for the sinful, unrighteous human restored the broken relationship with God. Humanity as it is, is lost and estranged from God. Jesus did not suffer for his own sins. It was the sin of humanity that was laid upon him (2 Corinthians 5:21). In John 1:29 John the Baptist declares, “Look, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world!” This is exactly what Peter was getting at. It is the Lamb of God that purges the sins of the world. Indeed, the body of the Lamb died on the cross but he was made alive in the spirit. The reality is that Jesus died in the body but his spirit was alive and well because God cannot die. Jesus was indeed, God veiled in human flesh (John 1:14).
Prayer: Lord God, help me act like Christ in ways that bring glory to your name. Help me do good towards my fellow neighbors for your glory. In Jesus name, amen.
