Example (5261) (hupogrammos from hupo = before + grapho = write) (only used here in NT) literally means “writing under” and was used of words given to children to copy, both as a writing exercise and as a means of impressing a moral. More specifically hupogrammos referred to a line of writing at the top of a tablet written by the teacher so that the child could write under it and make his letters like the master. Sometimes it was used with reference to the act of tracing over written letters. Hupogrammos is used in the non-canonical book, 2 Maccabees 2:28, describing the outlines of a sketch which the artist fills in with details. Figuratively as used by Peter hupogrammos signifies a model or example of conduct to be imitated or to be avoided. What is the example? Although not a popular teaching, suffering unjustly is the example believers are to be willing to follow (see note Romans 8:17) Barclay writes that hupogrammos... can mean two things—an outline sketch which the learner had to fill in or the copyhead of copperplate handwriting in a writing exercise book which the child had to copy out on the lines below. A T Robertson notes that... Clement of Alexander (Strom. V. 8. 49) uses hupogrammos of the copy-head at the top of a child’s exercise book for the child to imitate, including all the letters of the alphabet. The papyri give many examples of hupographÄ" and hupographō in the sense of copying a letter. UBS Handbook adds that... The word for example is used only here in the whole New Testament; in classical Greek literature, it has two meanings: (1) a piece of writing from a teacher which a child is expected to trace or imitate, and (2) an artist’s sketch which is prepared for others to color and complete. Christ therefore left a perfect model, upon which the Christian is expected to pattern his own life. (The United Bible Societies' New Testament Handbook Series or Logos) Vincent writes that hupogrammos is... A graphic word, meaning a copy set by writing-masters for their pupils. Some explain it as a copy of characters over which the student is to trace the lines. ><> ><> ><> Tale of the Goats - A former missionary told the story of two rugged mountain goats who met on a narrow pathway. On one side was a chasm 1,000 feet deep; on the other, a steep cliff rising straight up. There was no room to turn around, and the goats could not back up without falling. What would they do? Finally, instead of fighting for the right to pass, one of the goats knelt down and became as flat as possible. The other goat then walked over him, and they both proceeded safely. In a sense, this is what Jesus Christ did for us when He left heaven's glory and came to this earth to die for our sins. He saw us trapped between our sin and God's righteousness with no way to help ourselves. He came in human likeness and took the form of a servant (Php 2:5, 6,7-note). Then, by dying for sinful mankind, He let us "walk over Him" so that we could experience forgiveness and receive eternal life. Peter pointed to Christ as an example of humility. When we are mistreated for Jesus' sake, we must learn to be humble enough to let others walk over us if need be. This is not a sign of weakness but of strength and true humility. Such a response, when done for Christ's sake, brings glory to His name. —D C Egner Blessed Savior, make me humble, Take away all sinful pride; When I suffer from injustice, Help me stay close by Your side. —DJD The Example of Christ Is perfect -Hebrews 7:26 CONFORMITY TO, REQUIRED IN Holiness -1Peter 1:15,16; Romans 1:6 Righteousness -1John 2:6 Purity -1John 3:3 Love -John 13:34; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 3:16 Humility -Luke 22:27; Philippians 2:5,7 Meekness -Matthew 11:29 Obedience -John 15:10 Self-denial -Matthew 16:24; Romans 15:3 Ministering to others -Matthew 20:28; John 13:14,15 Benevolence -Acts 20:35; 2Corinthians 8:7,9 Forgiving injuries -Colossians 3:13 Overcoming the world -John 16:33; 1John 5:4 Being not of the world -John 17:16 Being guileless -1Peter 2:21, 22 Suffering wrongfully -1Peter 2:21, 22, 23 Suffering for righteousness -Hebrews 12:3,4 Saints predestinated to follow -Romans 8:29 Conformity to, progressive -2Corinthians 3:18 FOR YOU TO FOLLOW: hina epakolouthesete (2PAAS): For (2443) (hina) introduces a purpose clause explaining the reason or purpose for Christ's example. We are not just to stare at it or to read about it, but to do it!