1 Peter 3:8-22
Q.1. How can Peter’s application of the Old Testament quotation help us in relationships? What practical advice did he give to inspire success? – (1 Pet.3:8-12 c.f. Ps.34:12-16)
Peter had explained the various authority structures ordained by God: human government (1 Pet.2:13-17); employment relationships (1 Pet.2:18-20); family relationships (1 Pet.3:1-7). They all hinge on the example of Christ, as He suffered injustice (1 Pet.2:21-25). In a similar way to Jesus, all our relationships should be Christlike. This curbs the natural tendency to pay others back in kind. It is the reason why our relationships should be moderated by grace – not returning evil for evil or insult for insult but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing (1 Pet.3:9). To further support his teaching, Peter quoted from Psalm 34:12-16. This Psalm urged the godly to use their words constructively, and to act for the good of others. We must always keep in mind – “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Pet.3:12).
Q.2. About what should believers be zealous? How should we approach sharing our faith? Should we be prepared to pay the price for following Christ? (1 Pet.3:13-18)
Believers should be zealous to do that which is good. However, Peter was aware that this may well bring on suffering. However, since God is the rewarder – For it is better, should it be God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong (1 Pet.3:17). Peter gave insightful advice for Christians to observe in a hostile environment – but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Pet.3:15). Peter did not advocate witnessing in all circumstances. We must firstly keep our hearts right. Then we should be prepared to respond to everyone who asks us to explain the basis for our hope. We should avoid being contentious, but rather conduct ourselves with courtesy and respect. Again Peter presented Jesus as the model for bringing people to God, but at great personal cost to Himself (1 Pet.3:18)
Q.3. In what way did the sacrifice of Jesus cover all the dispensations? How can Peter’s reference to Christ’s proclamation to those who perished in Noah’s Flood help us to be faithful witnesses? – (1 Pet.3:18-20)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just relevant to those living after Calvary, but also applies to the pre-Flood generations (1 Pet.3:15-16 c.f. 1 Pet.3:18-20). Peter summed it up brilliantly this way – For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit … who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him – (1 Pet.3:18 & 22). Peter addressed the issue of suffering saints. He pointed to Christ’s unjust suffering, and also explained what Christ achieved in bringing us to God. He then applied the Gospel to the ancient generations, by following verse 18 with – 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water (1 Pet.3:19-20). What Peter seemed to be alluding to was that the death of Jesus not only cancelled out our sins, but as Paul wrote – When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him (Col.2:141-5). The risen Christ preached His triumph to these fallen angels who – did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day (Jude 6 c.f. Gen.6:1-4; 2 Pet.2:4). Christ’s triumph supported the faithful ministry of Noah, in his witness against the wickedness of his day.
Q.4. To what does water baptism testify? In what way does baptism affirm faith in the resurrection and glorification of Jesus Christ? – (1 Pet.3:21-22)
Peter likened this to the witness of baptism to a person’s salvation – … not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience–through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Pet.3:21). Baptism is a testimony to a believer’s faith in the atoning death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ on their behalf.