1. 1 Peter 2:20 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the word “credit” mean?

1 Peter 2:20 (ESV)

20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

This word (only here in the New Testament) refers to glory, fame. Notice that Peter does not mention who the recipient of the “credit” is, whether yourself as victim of unjust suffering or God. We need not choose one or the other, for the reputation of the Christian and his God are intimately bound together (1 Peter 2:12).