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1 Peter Studies (8)                                                                                    1 Peter 3:8-17     

Verse 8 Having addressed specific groups (slaves, wives, husbands), Peter now addresses the believers generally. The first thing he requires is that we be in harmony, to be of one mind. That doesn’t mean that we must agree on all minor points of doctrine or interpretation, but on the main things. “The plain things are the main things” in the Bible. The major and important points of doctrine and life should be maintained among Christians.

Next, Peter wants us to be sympathetic (‘to suffer with’), to have compassion (fellow-feelings) for our believing neighbours. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). Don’t be jealous of someone whom God has blessed abundantly; rejoice! Be loving brothers and sisters. Peter uses the same word (philadelphia) as he did in 1:22. We are to be compassionate and humble, just like Jesus. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Verse 9 We are given a straightforward command: do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. When Jesus was mocked and insulted on the cross, he did not reply in kind. He even asked his Father to forgive them! We are asked instead to bless, in order that we might inherit a blessing. Taking revenge will not result in better relationships; it will only perpetuate the evil.

Verses 10-12 This is a quotation from Psalm 34:12-16. If we desire a life full of good days, we must control the tongue, so we won’t speak evil. James has the same idea: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26 and all of chapter 3). See also Psalm 15 for the positive side of a controlled tongue:

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbour,
    and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person
    but honours those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
    will never be shaken.

Proverbs 10:19 speaks on the same subject: “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Peter has already warned against deceit (2:1) and reasserts it by quoting Psalm 34.

The believers must turn aside from evil, and instead ‘do good.’ They must actively and intentionally ‘seek peace and pursue it.’ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

God watches the believers; his eyes are lovingly upon us. The picture is of God bending down to earnestly listen to our prayers, eager to answer them and help us. God is always willing to hear our prayers. That should give us confidence to pray. When we are blessed with the Aaronic blessing, we hear: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).  By contrast, the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Verses 13-14 In view of the fact that God is watching over us, who is going to harm us if we are zealous to do good? However, if we should have to suffer for righteousness’ sake, we are blessed. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).

We should not be afraid when we know that God is watching over us. We can be at peace, not troubled or agitated.

Verses 15-16 The NIV is somewhat lacking when it says, “But in your hearts acknowledge Christ as the Holy Lord.” The Greek uses ‘sanctify.’ To sanctify is to set apart for holy purposes: we are set apart for God. Christ is set apart in our hearts so that he may be Lord over our lives. Peter’s readers, and we, are to be ready to give an answer to persecutors and others, for the hope within us. The term ‘give an answer’ was used as a legal term in the courts. It was a verbal defence. This defence of Christ and his Word must be conducted in a spirit of meekness and fear, with gentleness and respect. Those who have maliciously slandered a Christian who gave a gracious answer, will then be ashamed of their slander. If the answer is given in a domineering, self-righteous way, it will not soften the heart of the listener. In this, we must also be like Jesus, “I am gentle and humble in heart.”

We must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech. Jesus promised to help us: “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:12-15). Peter’s teaching will be of comfort to us when we remember Jesus’ promise. Martyrs like Ridley, Latimer, and Cranmer in the 16^th century, as well as all those who are currently being martyred for their Christian faith, should inspire us to stand firm in the faith also.

The Christian’s hope is more than wishful thinking, as in “I hope it won’t rain on our picnic.” It is a secure expectation of what God has promised. In Hebrews it says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb.6:19). When a boat is anchored to the seabed, it may still bob up and down in a storm, but it will stay secure. Troubles and suffering may disturb us, but Christ is our security.

In addition to meekness and fear, the believer needs to have a good conscience. So that in the matter that we are spoken against, the mockers may be put to shame for their slander and insults about our good behaviour.

Verse 17 If it should be God’s will for us to suffer, it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. This idea repeats what Peter wrote in 2:19-21, when he addressed the slaves. The theme of suffering runs right through this letter.

Questions:

What may be the place of creeds in expressing and preserving the unity of Christians? Are creeds sufficient?

How are we to defend the faith while following Peter and James concerning speech? How should we respond to the aggressive or hostile unbeliever?

Can you give some examples of how to be compassionate as well as truthful?

Are ‘white lies’ ever allowable?

– Alida Sewell