MPV Commentary

Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.

Currently viewing commentary for Numbers 20


Nu 20:11

In this passage, Peter is emphasizing the importance of submission to authority for believers. He begins by saying that we should submit ourselves to every human institution and authority for the Lord's sake (1Pe 2:13). This includes submitting to our employers, even if they are difficult or unfair.

The reason for this submission is not because we have to, but because it honors God. When we submit to those in authority over us, we are showing that we trust God and His sovereignty in our lives. We are also demonstrating that we value the relationships we have with others and are willing to put their needs before our own.

Peter uses the example of Christ's submission to death on a cross as an illustration of this principle (1Pe 2:21-23). Just as Christ suffered unjustly, so too may we suffer at the hands of those who are in authority over us. However, just as Christ did not retaliate or seek revenge, neither should we.

Instead, we should follow Christ's example and patiently endure suffering for doing what is right (1Pe 2:20). This means that even when we are treated unfairly or mistreated by others, we should continue to do good and trust God to work everything out for our good.

Peter also emphasizes the importance of not retaliating against those who have wronged us. Instead, we should leave our case in God's hands and trust Him to bring justice (1Pe 2:23). This is a difficult principle to apply, but it is one that is essential for living out our faith in a way that honors God.

In the context of this passage, Peter is specifically addressing believers who are slaves or servants. However, his principles can be applied to anyone who finds themselves in a position of subjection to others. Whether we are employees, students, or citizens, we have a responsibility to submit to those in authority over us and to trust God to work everything out for our good.

One of the key reasons that Peter gives for submitting to authority is that it allows us to demonstrate our faithfulness to God (1Pe 2:19). When we submit to others, even when it's difficult or unfair, we are showing that we trust God and His sovereignty in our lives. We are also demonstrating that we value the relationships we have with others and are willing to put their needs before our own.

Peter also emphasizes the importance of being patient and enduring suffering for doing what is right (1Pe 2:20). This means that even when we are treated unfairly or mistreated by others, we should continue to do good and trust God to work everything out for our good. We can be confident in this because Christ has set us an example of how to suffer patiently and without retaliation.

In addition to submitting to authority and being patient in suffering, Peter also emphasizes the importance of not retaliating against those who have wronged us (1Pe 2:23). Instead, we should leave our case in God's hands and trust Him to bring justice. This is a difficult principle to apply, but it is one that is essential for living out our faith in a way that honors God.

Finally, Peter reminds his readers that Christ has set them an example of how to suffer patiently and without retaliation (1Pe 2:21). Just as Christ did not retaliate or seek revenge when He was suffering unjustly, neither should we. Instead, we should follow His example and trust God to work everything out for our good.

In this passage, Peter is emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in a way that honors God. This means submitting to authority, being patient in suffering, and not retaliating against those who have wronged us. By following Christ's example and trusting God to work everything out for our good, we can demonstrate our faithfulness to Him and live out our lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

Peter also reminds his readers that they are no longer slaves to sin (1Pe 2:24). Instead, they have been freed from the power of sin through Christ's death on the cross. This means that they should not be surprised or discouraged when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives. Rather, they should trust God to work everything out for their good and follow His example of patient endurance.

In conclusion, Peter is emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in a way that honors God. This means submitting to authority, being patient in suffering, and not retaliating against those who have wronged us. By following Christ's example and trusting God to work everything out for our good, we can demonstrate our faithfulness to Him and live out our lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

The passage also highlights the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness (1Pe 2:24). Peter reminds his readers that they were once slaves to sin, but now they have been freed through Christ's death on the cross. This means that they should not be surprised or discouraged when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives.

Instead, they should trust God to work everything out for their good and follow His example of patient endurance. By doing so, they can demonstrate their faithfulness to Him and live out their lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

In this passage, Peter is also emphasizing the importance of recognizing Christ's role as our Shepherd and Bishop (1Pe 2:25). As our Shepherd, He guides us and feeds us with His word. As our Bishop, He oversees us and watches over us. This means that we can trust Him to work everything out for our good and follow His example of patient endurance.

By recognizing Christ's role as our Shepherd and Bishop, we can have confidence in His ability to guide and care for us. We can also trust Him to bring justice and righteousness into our lives, even when we face difficulties and challenges.

In conclusion, Peter is emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in a way that honors God. This means submitting to authority, being patient in suffering, and not retaliating against those who have wronged us. By following Christ's example and trusting God to work everything out for our good, we can demonstrate our faithfulness to Him and live out our lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

The passage also highlights the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness (1Pe 2:24). Peter reminds his readers that they were once slaves to sin, but now they have been freed through Christ's death on the cross. This means that they should not be surprised or discouraged when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives.

Instead, they should trust God to work everything out for their good and follow His example of patient endurance. By doing so, they can demonstrate their faithfulness to Him and live out their lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

In this passage, Peter is also emphasizing the importance of recognizing Christ's role as our Shepherd and Bishop (1Pe 2:25). As our Shepherd, He guides us and feeds us with His word. As our Bishop, He oversees us and watches over us. This means that we can trust Him to work everything out for our good and follow His example of patient endurance.

By recognizing Christ's role as our Shepherd and Bishop, we can have confidence in His ability to guide and care for us. We can also trust Him to bring justice and righteousness into our lives, even when we face difficulties and challenges.

In conclusion, Peter is emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in a way that honors God. This means submitting to authority, being patient in suffering, and not retaliating against those who have wronged us. By following Christ's example and trusting God to work everything out for our good, we can demonstrate our faithfulness to Him and live out our lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

The passage also highlights the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness (1Pe 2:24). Peter reminds his readers that they were once slaves to sin, but now they have been freed through Christ's death on the cross. This means that they should not be surprised or discouraged when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives.

Instead, they should trust God to work everything out for their good and follow His example of patient endurance. By doing so, they can demonstrate their faithfulness to Him and live out their lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

In this passage, Peter is also emphasizing the importance of recognizing Christ's role as our Shepherd and Bishop (1Pe 2:25). As our Shepherd, He guides us and feeds us with His word. As our Bishop, He oversees us and watches over us. This means that we can trust Him to work everything out for our good and follow His example of patient endurance.

By recognizing Christ's role as our Shepherd and Bishop, we can have confidence in His ability to guide and care for us. We can also trust Him to bring justice and righteousness into our lives, even when we face difficulties and challenges.

In conclusion, Peter is emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in a way that honors God. This means submitting to authority, being patient in suffering, and not retaliating against those who have wronged us. By following Christ's example and trusting God to work everything out for our good, we can demonstrate our faithfulness to Him and live out our lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

The passage also highlights the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness (1Pe 2:24). Peter reminds his readers that they were once slaves to sin, but now they have been freed through Christ's death on the cross. This means that they should not be surprised or discouraged when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives.

Instead, they should trust God to work everything out for their good and follow His example of patient endurance. By doing so, they can demonstrate their faithfulness to Him and live out their lives in a way that brings glory to His name.

In this passage, Peter is