1 Peter 2:24 Commentary, “He Himself Bore Our Sins”
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Peter 2:24, KJV
24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24, NIV
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
1 Peter 2:24, NLT
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24, ESV
24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
Jesus bore our sins on the cross so we could die to sin and live righteously, exemplifying perfect obedience to God’s will.
His wounds provide healing and restoration, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant who takes away sins.
Though innocent, Jesus endured suffering without retaliation, setting an example for believers facing persecution.
1 Peter 2:24 reminds us of Christ’s sacrificial love and the hope and strength it provides to live joyfully for Him each day.
Trusting in God’s justice helps us refrain from personal vengeance when wronged, instead leaving judgment to the Lord.
Jesus’ atonement enables freedom from sin’s bondage and power to obey God, no longer defined by past failures.
Suffering can serve a redemptive purpose when united with Christ’s suffering. His grace heals and brings good from pain.
Observation
Christians are directed to follow the example of Christ’s perfect obedience to the will of God, even to the point of death on the cross. Just as Christ submitted to God’s will when it was painful, Christians are called to submit to God’s will even when it is difficult. In doing so, Christians can show their obedience to God’s word and their trust that He knows what is best for them.
By understanding Christ’s suffering, we can appreciate the meaning of our own suffering and find the strength to bear it.
As we learn from Christ’s example, we can also grow in our confidence that God will use our sufferings for our good and His glory. Through God’s grace, He is the one who heals us. He took our punishment upon himself so that we could be saved from a life of sin. He will provide us with the strength and wisdom we need to make healthy choices and with his help, we can overcome any obstacle and live a life full of joy and purpose.
Interpretation
This verse reminds us of how much Jesus loved us and how he was willing to go through all of the pain and suffering of the crucifixion so that we could have eternal life. It also shows us that because of what Jesus did for us, we no longer have to live in bondage to sin. We can now live lives that are pleasing to God and in accordance with his teachings.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5, NIV
1 Peter 2:24 also serves as a reminder that Christians are not called to obey man, but to obey God. When man tempts Christians to disobey God’s commands, they should remember that they are called to imitate Christ’s example of submission to God’s will. In doing so, they can remain faithful to God, no matter what the cost.
He has a great love for us, a love that resulted in the sacrifice of his son so that we might be saved. It is this love that gives us hope and strength to live for him each day. God’s forgiveness cleanses us from all unrighteousness. As a result, we are no longer defined by our sin, but by our righteousness in Christ.
Context
Peter is writing to a group of Christians who are experiencing persecution. He encourages them to remain faithful, even in the face of suffering, and reminds them that Christ also endured suffering, urging them to follow his example; in their moments of persecution, do not retaliate and do not make any threats. Entrust God to do the judging.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:23, NIV
Correlation
1 Peter 2:24 ties into the foundation of the New Testament and the Christian faith as a whole. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins upon himself so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23, NIV
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17, NIV
This is not something we could ever earn on our own; it is a gift from God. He is the only one who can offer us forgiveness and eternal life, and he did so out of his great love for us.
The death of Jesus could also be seen as an act of rebellion against the Roman Empire. As such, it was a statement of faith for the people of Israel that God would ultimately triumph over evil. Similar to the rest of the Bible, we are assured that God is always victorious in the end.
Application
Jesus is our example of how to live a righteous life, and while Jesus’ death did forgive our sins, it also showed us the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. After sacrificing His own Son for our salvation. The least we could do is turn away from sin and live righteously.
We are also told to “leave vengeance to the Lord.” This is an important instruction for us to follow, as it can be all too easy to seek revenge when we have been wronged. However, by leaving vengeance to the Lord, we are trusting Him to deal with the situation in His own way and in His own time. This can be difficult to do, but it is important to remember that God is just and He will always vindicate His children in the end.
We are to remember that God is sovereign over all holy things and that when we suffer, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone and that our suffering can have redemptive value.
FAQs
What does “He himself bore our sins” mean?
It means Jesus personally carried the burden of humanity’s sin by dying on the cross, in order to make salvation possible.
What is the meaning of “by His wounds you have been healed”?
This conveys that the sacrificial suffering of Christ provides spiritual healing and restoration from the effects of sin.
What is the context of 1 Peter 2:24?
Peter wrote this to persecuted believers, encouraging them to follow Jesus’ example of entrusting themselves to God’s care.
How does 1 Peter 2:24 relate to Isaiah 53:5?
Both verses portray the Messiah suffering vicariously for human transgression and bringing redemption.
Why is it significant that Jesus bore our sins?
Jesus, though sinless, took the punishment sinners deserved. This demonstrates God’s mercy and enables forgiveness.
What does “die to sin and live for righteousness” mean?
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers have power through the Spirit to reject sin’s mastery and live holy lives for God.
What is the connection between Christ’s wounds and our healing?
His atoning sacrifice heals the spiritual brokenness caused by sin and restores our relationship with God.
How does Jesus’ sin bearing example apply to believers today?
We follow Him by entrusting ourselves to God amidst suffering and refusing retaliation, showing faith in God’s justice.
What is the main teaching of 1 Peter 2:24?
Christ’s supreme act of redemptive love inspires us to obedience, holy living, trust in God’s care, and enduring grace.
How does 1 Peter 2:24 offer hope to Christians?
It highlights the divine power in Jesus’ sacrifice to heal, restore, and free us to live righteously through the Savior’s wounds.
