- sequence is set forth. 1. By a description of that subjection
which is due unto wicked Masters, to wit, that it is a patient suffering of wrong for conscience towards God v. 19. 2. By a comparison that is made betwixt those that suffer justly, and those that suffer unjustly, which he shewes to be unlike, in that the former can looke for no glory from their sufferings, but the latter may expect great glory, verse 20. In the second place, he proves the same duty from that relation which ariseth from our generall calling, because we are thereunto called, that we should patiently suffer the injuries of the world: and this he confirmes by the example of Christ; to whose imitation we are called: for he shewes two ends of the suffering of Christ; one was to dye for us, that is, to expiate our sinnes, which is the primary end. The other was, to leave us an example to imitate. verse 21. which is the secondary end. Now a speciall part of this secondary end was, that when he was without sinne v. 22. Yet he patiently suffered all kinds of reproaches and afflictions, v. 23. And the primary end of Christs sufferings, which was to redeeme us from sin, is upon this occasion also declared v. 24. 25. Because therehence also may be drawne a powerfull argument, to perswade us to imitate Christ in doing righteously, and suffering unjustly: And this is declared, 1. From the nature of Christs death, that it was a sacrifice for our sins to take away the guilt of them; 2. From the end of this propitiation, which is the death of sinne, and the life of righteousnesse. And hereof there is an illustration made by comparing that condition, which went before our conversion, with that condition which followes it, verse the last.
The Doctrines drawne here-hence.
Doct. 1. They that are in the lowest condition, should by their good workes glorifie God in that condition.
This is gathered from the connexion of the 18 Verse with the 11 and 12.
Reason 1. Because servants also are called to liberty and glory in Christ, neither is there any difference, as touching life spirituall, betwixt the freeman and the servant, 1 Cor. 7. 22.
