1 Peter 2:18-20

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.

Verse 18 — The particular Greek word translated “servants”  indicates that these were household slaves. They were [believing] slaves serving for the most part in the homes of pagan masters. The fact that Peter singles them out for special admonitions indicates that slaves, as a class, formed a large part of the [scattered Jewish] community. … The Greek word translated “good,” refers to inner intrinsic goodness. They were good at heart. The word “gentle” in the Greek refers to that disposition which is mild, yielding, indulgent. It is derived from a Greek word meaning, “not being unduly rigorous.”

The slaves were to put themselves into subjection as well to the froward [harsh]. The Greek word means “unfair, surly, froward.” The word “froward” is from the Anglo-Saxon word “from-ward,” namely, “averse.” — Wuest, page 63.

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Verse 19 — The word “this” is neuter in the Greek text, literally “this thing,” namely, obedience to masters who are averse to their slaves, and patience under unjust punishment meted out by these masters. “Thankworthy” [commendable] is the translation of a Greek word referring to an action that is beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected. … The Greek word translated “thankworthy,” … is the word used in the New Testament when it speaks of God’s grace. When used in the latter connection, it refers to God’s action of stepping down from His judgment throne and in infinite love taking upon Himself the guilt and penalty of human sin in order that He might satisfy the just requirements of His law which we disobeyed, thus making possible the righteous bestowal of His mercy on the basis of justice satisfied. — Wuest, pages 64-65.

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Verse 20 — The word “glory” [credit] means “fame, praise, glory, good report.” The word “buffeted” [beaten] in the Greek text speaks of the act of striking with the fist. It is in the present tense which usually refers to progressive action. … The same Greek word is used in Matthew 26:67 where the Lord Jesus was pummeled by the frenzied Jewish mob. … The word “acceptable” [commendable] is the translation of the same Greek word in verse 19. Patient endurance of unjust punishment on the part of these slaves  is in the sight of God an action that is beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected. — Wuest, pages 65-66.

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It is interesting here that Peter is not addressing slaves (Gr. doulus, those in bondage), but instead )Gr. oiketes, household servants) those who were fellow residents. These Hebrew believers were serving in domestic capacities, such as cooks, seamstresses, teachers, chariot drivers, etc. This meant they had two enemies. Those who served Hebrew masters were rejected because they believed Christ was the Messiah. of Israel, while those who were employed by Gentile masters were resented because they were Jews.

Although they suffered for who they were and what they believed, these followers of the Messiah were to go about their responsibilities without complaining. Even if their master was unreasonable, they were to submit themselves to him and respect his position, knowing not if they would have an opportunity to bring him into a knowledge of the truth. …

The term “thankworthy” [commendable] here is actually charis or “grace” in the original language. Basically the apostle is saying it is an evidence of grace working in your life if you don’t seek revenge when you are wronged. — Sadler, page 92.