19 For conscience toward God - From a pure desire of pleasing
him. Grief - Severe treatment.
21 Hereunto are ye - Christians. Called - To suffer wrongfully. Leaving
you an example - When he went to God. That ye might follow his steps -
Of innocence and patience.
22, 23 In all these instances the example of Christ is peculiarly adapted
to the state of servants, who easily slide either into sin or guile, reviling
their fellow servants, or threatening them, the natural result of anger
without power. He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously - The
only solid ground of patience in affliction. Isaiah 53:4,6,7,9. 22, 23
In all these instances the example of Christ is peculiarly adapted to the
state of servants, who easily slide either into sin or guile, reviling
their fellow servants, or threatening them, the natural result of anger
without power. He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously - The
only solid ground of patience in affliction.
24 Who himself bore our sins - That is, the punishment due to them.
In his afflicted, torn, dying body on the tree - The cross, whereon chiefly
slaves or servants were wont to suffer. That we being dead to sin - Wholly
delivered both from the guilt and power of it: indeed, without an atonement
first made for the guilt, we could never have been delivered from the power.
Might live to righteousness - Which is one only. The sins we had committed,
and he bore, were manifold.
25 The bishop - The kind observer, inspector, or overseer of your souls.
