1 Peter 2:24

1 Peter 2:24 presents a profound theological truth: Christ bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. This commentary explores that truth with clarity and applies it to everyday Christian life.

Exegetical Commentary on 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)

“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.” — 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)

1. Context and Structure

Peter writes to scattered believers facing persecution (1 Peter 1:1) (Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,). In chapter 2[i], he exhorts them to live honourably among unbelievers (verse 12), submit to authorities (verse 13), and endure unjust suffering (verses 19–20). Verses 21–25 present Christ as both example and substitute. Verse 24 is the theological climax: Christ bore our sins to bring healing and righteousness.

2. Exegesis

• “Who Himself bore our sins…”
  The Greek verb anēnenken (ἀνήνεγκεν) carries sacrificial overtones, echoing Leviticus and Isaiah 53. Christ is both priest and offering. He did not delegate this work; He bore our sins personally, fully, and voluntarily.
• “…in His own body on the tree…”
  “Tree” (Greek xylon) recalls Deuteronomy 21:23 (his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.) and Galatians 3:13 (Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),), linking crucifixion with the curse. Christ’s physical suffering was real, not symbolic. His body absorbed the penalty of sin.
• “…that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness…”
  This is the purpose clause. Believers are not merely forgiven; they are transformed. “Died to sins” implies a decisive break—conversion. “Live for righteousness” is the fruit of union with Christ. It is ethical, relational, and public.
• “…by whose stripes you were healed.”
  Quoting Isaiah 53:5 (But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.), Peter connects physical wounds with spiritual healing. This is not a promise of bodily health, but of restoration to God. The healing is moral and relational—our sin-sick souls made whole.

3. Theological Teaching

• Penal Substitution: Christ bore our sins as a substitute. This affirms the Christian doctrine of atonement: He died in our place, bearing the wrath we deserved.
• Union with Christ: Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This union leads to sanctification—dying to sin and living for righteousness.
• Suffering and Glory: Peter’s audience suffered unjustly. Christ’s suffering gives meaning to theirs. He suffered not only as an example but as Redeemer.

4. Application to Modern Christian Living

• Holiness is not optional. If Christ died to free us from sin, we cannot continue in it. Christians are called to live distinct, righteous lives in a secular culture.
• Suffering is not wasted. When believers suffer unjustly, they share in Christ’s path. Their endurance becomes a witness to the gospel.
• Healing is deeper than health. While God may heal physically, the healing Peter speaks of is spiritual. It is the restoration of the soul to God through Christ.
• Gratitude fuels obedience. Christ’s sacrifice is not merely a doctrine to affirm—it is a reality to live by. We obey not to earn salvation, but because we have received it.

---

[i] 1 Peter 2

New King James Version

Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood

2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,

“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Living Before the World

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submission to Government

13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Submission to Masters

18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 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. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.