Comparing Peter’s Epistle to Isaiah 53:4

In Isaiah 53:4, the prophet, writing 700 years before the cross, foretells the suffering of the Messiah:

 “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.” Centuries later, the apostle Peter, writing specifically to Jewish believers, reinforces this prophecy.

Peter’s Confirmation in I Peter 2:21–25

In I Peter 2:21–25, Peter addresses Jewish Kingdom believers (Jews who believed Jesus was Israel’s promised Messiah and the Son of God), emphasizing that Christ suffered for them, leaving an example to follow:

I Peter 2:21–25

‘For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 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; 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. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’

These verses parallel Isaiah’s prophecy, depicting Jesus’ innocence (in other words, He wasn’t crucified for anything He did), humility, and sacrifice, fulfilling the foretold suffering.

Paul’s Insight in II Corinthians 5:21

Shifting to a broader audience (all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, apart from the law), through Paul’s epistle, II Corinthians 5:21 proclaims a truth for all mankind:

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, reveals the culmination of God’s plan of redemption for the entire world. Christ, sinless and bearing the sins of humanity, exemplifies the redemption foretold in Isaiah 53.

Returning to Peter’s Epistle and Isaiah 53:4

In I Peter 2:23–25, Peter echoes Isaiah’s words, portraying Christ’s humility and sacrifice:

“Who, when he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but he committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 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 you were healed.”

The imagery aligns with Isaiah 53:4, where the suffering servant bears the sins of many.

Spiritual Healing in I Peter 2:24

Contrary to physical healing, Peter clarifies that the healing in I Peter 2:24 refers to spiritual restoration:

“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 you were healed.”

This healing mirrors Isaiah’s prophecy, bringing the once-veiled message into sharp focus after the fulfillment of the cross.

Sheep Led Astray and Returning to the Shepherd

Drawing from Isaiah 53 and the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:10–14), Peter describes Israel as sheep led astray:

“For you were as sheep going astray; but now you are returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

In I Peter 2:25, he emphasizes their return to the Shepherd, their Messiah, who is also the Bishop of their souls. This shepherd’s imagery aligns perfectly with Isaiah’s depiction of the suffering servant.

Understanding Prophecy After the Cross

Peter, writing to Jewish believers, and Paul, addressing both Jews and Gentiles apart from the law, provide post-cross insight into Isaiah 53. The fulfillment of these prophecies clarifies their once-veiled nature. Before the cross, comprehension of Isaiah 53 eluded Israel. Now, with the crucifixion behind them, the apostles reveal the profound connection between prophecy and its realization in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Supernatural Precision of God’s Word 

As you study Isaiah 52 and 53, along with the writings of Peter (under the law) and Paul (under grace), we encounter a supernatural precision that spans centuries. Isaiah, writing some 700 years before the cross, prophetically unveiled the intricate details of the Messiah’s redemptive work. This prophetic truth finds stunning confirmation in the writings of the apostles Peter and Paul.

The graphic details of Isaiah’s prophecy resonate vividly in Peter’s epistle to Jewish believers and Paul’s broader teachings to both Jews and Gentiles. The foretelling of Christ’s bearing of sins, His innocence (in other words, He didn’t die for anything that He did), and the spiritual healing through His stripes echo seamlessly across these different portions of Scripture.

Crucial to unraveling this divine plan of redemption is the principle of rightly dividing the Scriptures. Understanding who the writer is, their audience, and the context of the passage is paramount. Peter addresses Jewish believers under the law, while Paul’s words encompass a broader audience apart from the law, including both Jews and Gentiles. This distinction is essential to grasping the progressive revelations of God’s redemptive plan.

Moreover, it’s imperative to approach Scripture with an “in time” perspective, recognizing the progressive nature of God’s revelation. Attempting to leap ahead or imposing later revelations on earlier texts can distort the intended message. The Bible unfolds progressively, unveiling God’s plan with precision at the appointed times.

In this symphony of divine revelation, the Bible goes far beyond human wisdom, revealing the supernatural orchestration of God’s plan for humanity. The prophetic preordained plan written through Isaiah, Peter, and Paul magnificently showcases the supernatural precision of the Scriptures. It serves as a profound testament to the divine nature of God’s Word and underscores the importance of approaching it with discernment, rightly dividing the Word of Truth one passage at a time.

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God bless.