1 Peter 3-5
What I Noticed Today (1 Peter 3-5)
1 Peter 3
In verses 1-6, Peter gives instructions for wives regarding their Christian conduct:
- “In the same way” refers back to the previous section.
- Wives, submit to your husbands, even if some disobey the Christian message, so they may be won over by the way their wives behave.
Note: The instruction is specific to wives submitting to their own husbands, not to men in general. The purpose of maintaining their Godly behavior is to restore their husbands, or if they are unbelievers, to win them to Christ.
- Wives, your true beauty is not found in outward appearance, but the gentleness of spirit that resides in your heart.
- Peter refers to Sarah, who submitted to Abraham as an example of a Godly woman.
- You have become Sarah’s children (like Sarah) when you do what is good and are not fearful (putting their trust in God).
In verse 7, Peter instructs husbands “in the same way” live with your wives and show them honor as coheirs of grace so your prayers will be answered.
Note: It is not clear if Peter’s reference to “grace of life” (or “gift of life”) refers to wives that are Christians or unbelievers. If Christians, it refers to their salvation. If unbelievers, it suggests treating them well may lead them to a life with Christ and answered prayer.
Note: The word “weaker nature” relates to physical strength, not moral or intellectual capacity.
1 Peter 3:8-4:19
In the first two chapters, Peter’s emphasis was on practical matters of Christians living in a pagan society. In this next section, Peter warns of increased persecution against faithful Christians and how they should respond.
In verses 8-12, Peter directs the next section to everyone (“Finally”):
- You should be like-minded, sympathetic, love other believers, compassionate, humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult or insult.
- Rather, you should give a blessing. You were called for this so you can inherit a blessing. (Verses 8-9 summarize Psalm 34:12-16)
- Peter then quotes Psalm 34:12-16 making three points. If you love life:
- Then keep your tongue from evil and from speaking deceitfully.
- Turn away from evil; do what is good.
- Seek peace and pursue it.
- Because the eyes and ears of the Lord are upon the righteous and their requests but He opposes those who do evil.
In verses 13-22, Peter discusses the believer’s response to underserved persecution results in blessing:
- Even if you should suffer for righteousness, you will be blessed.
- Do not fear (Isaiah 8:12) but honor the Lord.
- Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks about your Christian belief.
Note: The Greek word used for “defense” is apologian. It is where we get the English word apology, which originally meant to give a reasoned argument or a defense.
- But do it with respect and gentleness so that those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame.
- It is better to suffer for doing good when it is God’s will than do evil.
- For Christ suffered for the sins of all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God.
- Verses 19-20 are difficult to interpret. Some scholars believe the reference was to Christ when He descended into Hell between His death and resurrection. Others believe it references Christ’s descent into Hell after His crucifixion to declare victory over fallen (evil) angels.
- Peter equates God waiting to save Noah and the eight people in the ark through the water with baptism, which now saves you through the resurrection of Christ.
- Christ is now at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.
1 Peter 4
In 1 Peter 4, Peter’s focus is on Christian’s willingness to suffer as Christ did, to minister to one another, and to maintain their faith in God.
In verses 1-6, Peter discusses the Christ-like attitude:
- Therefore (referring to Christ’s suffering), since you know Christ suffered in the flesh, you should also be resolved to suffer, not for human desires, but for the will of God.
- You lived like pagans in the past, but now you must separate yourself from that lifestyle (debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and idolatry).
- They (the pagans) are surprised you don’t live as they do anymore, so they slander you.
- They will give an account to God. For this reason, the Gospel was preached to everyone. Some will reject it, but some will accept the Gospel and live by God.
In verses 7-11, Peter discusses Christ-like service:
- The end of all things is near (refers to Christ’s second coming).
- Therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer.
- Maintain intense love for one another (Proverbs 10:12).
- Be hospitable without complaining.
- Use your (spiritual) gifts to serve one another as good managers (stewards) of God’s grace.
- If anyone speaks, it should reflect God’s words. If anyone serves, it should be through God’s strength.
- Whether speaking or serving, it should be done to the glory of God.
In verses 12-19, Peter discusses the importance of enduring Christ-like faith:
- Do not be surprised when persecution (fiery trials) comes against you.
- Instead, rejoice that you share in the suffering Christ suffered so you can also rejoice at the revelation of His glory.
- If you are ridiculed in the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of the glory of God rests on you.
Note: This refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when someone makes a confession of faith in Christ.
- None of you should suffer for evil acts (murderer, thief, evildoer, meddler). Christians should behave in such a way that they are not guilty of these things.
- If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but glorify God.
- For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s people. How much worse will the judgment be for those who reject God? (Proverbs 11:31)
- So those who suffer in God’s will, while doing good, should trust their faith in God.
1 Peter 5
In 1 Peter 5, Peter discusses new responsibilities within the church because of the coming persecution, the need for elders to care for the people, for young men to submit to their elders, and for everyone to maintain their faith.
In verses 1-4, Peter, as a fellow elder, addresses the elders:
- Shepherd God’s flock not out of compulsion but freely according to God’s will, not for money but eagerly, not lording over those entrusted to you but as examples.
- When the chief shepherd (Jesus) appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory.
In verses 5-7, Peter addresses young men:
- Younger men, be subject to elders.
Note: The word for elders in verse 5 may refer to older, more senior men, not the office of an elder.
- Practice humility with one another because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34).
- Humble yourselves under God so He can exalt you at the proper time.
- Put your cares on Him because He cares for you.
In verses 8-10, Peter concludes the letter with his final admonition to be strong in the faith:
- Be alert! The Devil is looking for anyone he can devour.
- Resist him and be firm in the faith.
- Know that you are experiencing the same sufferings as other believers around the world.
In verses 11-13, Peter issues his benediction and final encouragement:
- The God who called you into His glory in Christ Jesus will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you in your suffering.
- Take your stand in the true grace of God.
- The church in Babylon, also chosen, sends greetings as does Mark, my son.
- Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all who are in Christ.
Note: The Babylon Peter referred may be a disguised reference to Rome, or it may be the actual city of Babylon on the Euphrates River. In Revelation, the city of Babylon refers to Rome (Revelation 17:1, 18:10, 21).
Note: Mark was not Peter’s biological son, but John Mark, his son in the faith.
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- Christians continue to live in difficult times. Our testimony is demonstrated by the example we show as we live out our lives in Christ.
- With regards to our lifestyle, are we of the world, or have we separated ourselves living to God’s glory?
- Whatever suffering we endure for His name’s sake is nothing compared to His suffering on the cross. Nonetheless, it will earn us a crown of glory in heaven.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
All the notes for the book of 1 Peter have been compiled into a single pdf document. You can download it by clicking here.
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Tomorrow: 2 Peter 1-3
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