Peter was present when Jesus was threatened with arrest, and responded by drawing his sword (John 18:10; Luke 22:38). That Jesus rebuked Peter for his efforts to resist the coming suffering (John 18:11) surely resonated for months in Peter’s mind—and forms the backdrop to what he writes here. Further, after Jesus’ arrest, deceit was in Peter’s mouth when the servant girl asked him whether he was one of Jesus’ disciples (Luke 22:54–57). That “the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61) so that Peter awoke to what he had done (despite his bold protest that he would never do such a thing) undoubtedly was also etched deeply into his soul. Instead of fighting the system, Peter instructs the vulnerable underdog (slaves)—sinners as they remain—to respond to injustice with entrusting (as opposed to force or deceit). Therein he also carries forward the instruction he earlier heard from Jesus himself: “Do not resist the one who is evil” (Matthew 5:39–42; see also 1 Peter 4:19). For he who “judges justly” is stronger than he who abuses. See also Romans 8:32–35; Romans 12:17–19.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.