This passage of scripture is difficult for African Americans. It was used against us to justify slavery and demand obedience. The slaves connected with Christ and although they hated their masters they loved their Jesus. Most of this social control was done when most blacks were illiterate. But as churches started Sunday schools and more blacks became literate, the bible had much more to say about freedom and human equality than submission to unjust slave holders. 

What strikes me about what Peter is saying is how the character of Christ is emulated in the slave. It is the American black that has born the sins of America. When we look at the Western World’s slave history we see Christ lived through the slave! So what does that make the slave master?

Lord thank You for giving my ancestors the place of honor and righteousness in history

1 Peter 2:18-24 (NLT) 18 You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect.* Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.* 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 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.