All Christians: simply stated
are to live like Christ.
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize
with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.* Be tenderhearted,
and keep a humble attitude. 9
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult
you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to
do, and he will grant you his blessing.
10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see
many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling
lies. 11 Turn away from
evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord
watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord
turns his face against those who do evil”* (1 Peter 3:8–12).[1]
3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be
sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. NIV
In saying finally, Peter was
obviously not concluding the epistle; rather, he was summing up a series of
exhortations concerning submission (which began in 2:18). After speaking
to slaves (2:18–25), wives (3:1–6), and husbands (3:7),
Peter next turned back to all of you, referring to his audience of all
believers (1:1–2; 2:11).
How can believers unify, and stand together through thick and thin regardless of circumstances? How can people with such diverse personalities and backgrounds be closer than earthly brothers and sisters? Peter listed five building blocks for unity as Christians lived in their pagan culture. These blocks explain how to build relationships among any group of believers regardless of circumstances, personalities, and differing cultural backgrounds.
1. Live in harmony, also
translated “have unity of spirit,” refers to working together for the
common goal of spreading the gospel, having common attitudes and ideas. While
there were many types of Christians from many types of backgrounds in Peter’s
audience, Peter knew that harmony would be possible. Just as different notes
form chords to make beautiful harmonies, so different people can live and work
together for God. (See also Romans 12:16; 15:5; Philippians 1:27; 2:2.)
2. Be sympathetic means being willing to share in others’ needs
and being responsive to their feelings, having sensitivity and compassion
toward others. The believers to whom Peter wrote, although scattered across the
world and unknown personally to one another, lived and worked in “sympathy”;
that is, they understood and appreciated one another because of their mutual
relationship with Jesus Christ. (See also Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26;
Hebrews 4:15.)
3. Love as brothers means loving fellow Christians (brothers and
sisters in Christ). The Greek word is philadelphos,
referring not only to family love, but to the special love that should draw all
Christians together. (See also 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10.)
4. Be compassionate,
like “sympathy” (above), means to be conscious of others’ needs but includes a
drive to alleviate the need in some way. The Greek word eusplagchnos comes from splagchna,
literally the internal organs, and refers to one’s deepest feelings. Believers
ought to be deeply touched and moved by the hurts, pain, needs, and joys of
fellow believers and then act to help them. They should be affectionate and
sensitive, quick to give emotional support (Matthew 11:29).
5. Humble means having an honest estimate of oneself before God.
Humility does not negate one’s own worth or abilities, nor does it inflate
them. Instead, a humble Christian can honestly view his or her characteristics
and abilities with thankfulness to God. Humble people can encourage one another
and rejoice in each other’s successes. (See Matthew 11:29; Ephesians 4:2;
Philippians 2:3–8.)
Peter developed the qualities of compassion and humility the hard way. In his early days with Christ, these attitudes did not come naturally to his impulsive, strong-willed personality (see Mark 8:31–33; John 13:6–9 for examples of Peter’s blustering). But the Holy Spirit changed Peter, molding his strong personality to God’s use and teaching him compassion and humility.
When iron is rubbed against a magnet it becomes magnetic. Just so, love is caught, not taught. One heart burning with love sets another on fire. The church was built on love; it proves what love can do. <>< Frank C. Laubach
LIFE
APPLICATION <>< LIVING EVIDENCE ><>
Where is God? How can we know God is real? Who says the
Bible is any better than other holy books?
To answer these questions, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ,
as living evidence. God also chose Peter and others to show what a difference
true faith makes in the real world. So here the once rash, belligerent,
domineering, and arrogant Peter bears witness to a life of harmony, compassion,
love, and humility. What a difference God makes.
You, too, are God’s witness to skeptical people. Let your
life be evidence of God’s truth. Let your pride become humility and your
insensitivity give way to genuine affection for others.
3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with
blessing, because to this, you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
NIV
After describing how Christians
should act toward one another, Peter described how they should act toward those
in the pagan culture—a culture that would soon (if it hadn’t already) become
very hostile toward them. While it would be most natural to repay evil with evil and to
return insult with insult, Jesus had taught and exemplified
otherwise: “But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone
strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also… . Pray for those who
persecute you” (Matthew 5:39, 44 NRSV). The word “insult” can also be
translated as “revile” or “abuse” and refers to derisive speech. When Jesus
“was abused, he did not return abuse” (2:23), so believers should follow
his example, not repaying abuse for abuse or insult for insult. Peter had
already encouraged his readers to follow Christ’s example: “For to this you
have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,
so that you should follow in his steps” (2:21 NRSV). Believers were not
to retaliate but were to do good, even to those who harmed them.
The words are similar to Paul’s
recommendations for how believers should act when persecuted for their faith
(all verses quoted from NIV):
•
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse” (Romans 12:14).
•
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful
to do what is right in the eyes of everybody” (Romans 12:17).
•
“When we are cursed, we bless; when we are
persecuted, we endure it” (1 Corinthians 4:12).
• “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Instead, evil and abuse ought to be
repaid with blessing. How would these believers “bless”
their enemies? Believers’ speech should always be characterized by blessings,
never curses, but “blessing” refers to more than words of kindness. The
spiritual sense of the word refers to believers offering the gospel to those
who persecute them.
The phrase because to this you were called has puzzled scholars. Some
suggest that Peter was referring to his previous words about believers being
called to nonretaliation, to repaying their persecutors with gracious words
instead of cursing. Thus Peter was saying that believers should bless their
persecutors because they were called to do so by Christ. Then it is the
persecutors who inherit a blessing. Other scholars, however, explain that “to
this you were called” refers forward to “inherit a blessing.” They believe
Peter was saying that believers should bless their persecutors because the believers
have been called to inherit a blessing. They bless because God blessed them.
Both options are appropriate in this context.
Finally, so that you may inherit a blessing has also caused discussion.
What does “blessing” mean? Was Peter referring to eternal life, the final and
most important “blessing” of all, or was he referring to blessings in this
life?
Some commentators favor the first
option, using the word “inherit” to refer to believers’ heavenly inheritance:
“an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you” (1:4
NIV). The word translated “inherit” (kleronomeo)
can be used to describe the inheritance that Christians look forward to—eternal
life with God.
But the word kleronomeo can also mean to obtain or inherit something in this life (see Hebrews 12:17). Believers already know that they have the inheritance of eternal life. If they will live peacefully, however, as Peter recommended, their right actions will produce blessings in this life. Scholars who support this viewpoint to the following quotation of part of a psalm (see 3:10) that focuses on God’s blessings for those who live righteously. Yet it must be understood that these blessings do not assume freedom from persecution. Believers still may be persecuted, but they can depend on God’s blessings, whether physical or spiritual.
LIFE APPLICATION <>< GETTING
BACK ><>
Peter says not to retaliate, but a child’s first impulse is
to hit back, especially when the aggressor is a sibling. Adults do their
hitting back in more sophisticated ways, by shunning or gossiping or making
backroom deals. But retaliation is not the Bible’s way.
Do you have a complaint? Have you been hurt? Has a
committee colleague been bad-mouthing your work? Notice the Bible’s way to
respond: Show cordial respect; give the opponent the benefit of the doubt; then
figure out how to boost your antagonist’s social stock by being gracious. It’s
such a radically positive way of getting back that everyone will assume that
you have an ulterior motive. And that gives you the opportunity to witness to
the motive God has given you!
3:10 For “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them
keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit.” NRSV
Verses 10–12 are a quotation
of Psalm 34:12–16.
11Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.[2]
(Peter also quoted from this Psalm
in 2:3.) The theme of Psalm 34 is that God hears and helps those who
are afflicted or in trouble—a perfect psalm considering the theme of this
letter. Peter quoted these verses as his “proof text” for his words in 3:8–9,
thus he began verse 10 with the word for.
The phrase those who desire life and desire to see good days may refer to
people who trust God and who are (or want to be) enjoying their earthly lives
no matter what the outward circumstances. These people have found contentment
in God and can live “good days” no matter how bad their situations might
become. The words “life” and “good days” also can refer to eternal life
(depending on how 3:8–9 are interpreted). In any case, the answer to
such contentment and enjoyment is found in living righteously, as suggested by
both the psalmist and the apostle.
In order to do so, watch what you
say. People who desire life and good days keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit. As reported by James, people who don’t
keep their tongues under control can cause all kinds of problems (see James
3:3–12). The word “evil” could refer to any type of speech that is
displeasing to God; “deceit” means to deliberately trick or mislead by lying.
Thus Peter was telling the believers not to return insult for insult (3:9),
and to rid themselves of malice, deceit, and slander (2:1).
3:11 “Let them turn away from evil and do good.” NRSV
People’s words are connected to
their actions. Those who “keep their tongues from evil and their lips from
speaking deceit” (3:10 NRSV) have turned away from evil. Their
God-honoring speech is then accompanied by action—they then can do good. Thus Peter called upon the believers to be sympathetic,
compassionate, and humble (3:8) and to return good for evil (repay evil
and insults with blessing, 3:9). Peter emphasized good works in 2:12,
14–15, 20; 3:1. This verse sums up that emphasis. He repeats it in 3:13.
“Let them seek peace and pursue it.” NRSV
Peace means more than simply the absence of conflict, and peacemaking requires an active, not a passive, role. Effective peacemakers must seek peace and pursue it. They build good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. They anticipate problems and deal with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, peacemakers bring them into the open and deal with them before they grow unmanageable. To “desire life and desire to see good days” (3:10), one must actively seek peace. This also pleases God, for Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9 NKJV). Thus Peter was calling upon the believers to live in harmony and to love one another (3:8), as well as to accept and submit to authority (2:13–20; 3:1–7).
LIFE APPLICATION <>< KICK
BACK ><>
Do we always respond peacefully? In this fallen world, it
is deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at
them if they have hurt us. Peter, remembering Jesus’ teaching to turn the other
cheek (Matthew 5:39), encouraged his readers to respond to wrongs by
praying for the offenders. God considers revenge to be unacceptable behavior,
as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above
retaliating against those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these
people, pray for them.
3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are
open to their prayer.” NRSV
Those who do not retaliate, as
described in 3:10–11, can rely on God’s protection. The righteous ones
are God’s people. The eyes of the Lord
are on the righteous means that God not only sees them but also that he
watches over them for their good. God sees all their difficulties and
persecutions. Nothing happens to God’s people that he has not allowed for some
purpose. Whatever happens, God’s people know that his promises of
blessing—whether in this life or in the life to come—are certain.
Not only are the Lord’s eyes open
and watching, but his ears are open to
their prayer. He listens when
his people call to him. He knows all their needs. He hears their prayers in
suffering. These words would have been a great comfort to these suffering
Christians. Not only were they seen, heard, and ultimately protected, but those
who hurt them would be judged.
“But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” NRSV
This warning implies a drastic
threat of imminent judgment, not just God’s disapproval. Leviticus 17:10;
Psalm 34:16; and Ezekiel 14:8 refer to the most severe judgment God could
have on humanity. Therefore, believers are not to retaliate; instead, they must
trust that God will avenge the wrongs his people have suffered.
In these verses, the scattered and persecuted Christians learned that those who trust God and live righteously have no reason to fear. God will reward his followers with blessings (both in this life and in the life to come) and will punish those who have hurt them.
The storm was raging. The sea was beating against the rocks in huge, dashing waves. The lightning was flashing, the thunder was roaring, the wind was blowing; but the little bird was sound asleep in the crevice of the rock, its head tucked serenely under its wing. That is peace: to be able to sleep in the storm! In Christ we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace—at last! <>< Billy Graham[3]
1. All Christians are to be of one mind.
2. All Christians are to sympathize with each
other.
3. All Christians are to love each other as
brothers and sisters, as family.
4. All Christians are to be tenderhearted and
live out humility.
5. All Christians are not to repay evil for evil
but turn the other cheek.
6. All Christians are not to retaliate in kind
when insulted for being Christian.
7. All Christians are to repay those insulting
you with a prayerful blessing.
8. All Christians are to do what the Lord has
called us to do as He enables us to do so.
9. All Christians are to keep from speaking evil
of others.
10. All Christians are to speak the truth and not
lie.
11. All Christians are to turn away from evil and
practice good.
12. All Christians are to seek peace and practice
it daily.
13. All Christians are to do that which is right
and the Lord will hear our prayers.
14. All Christians are to know the Lord will turn
away from those who practice evil.
All Christians simply stated are to live like Christ.
* 3:8 Greek Show brotherly love.
* 3:10–12 Ps 34:12–16.
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. 2015. Holy Bible: New
Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
NIV
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission
of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
NIV
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission
of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
NRSV
Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyrighted, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
America, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
[2] The New King James
Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
NRSV
Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyrighted, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
America, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
NRSV
Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyrighted, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
America, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
NRSV
Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyrighted, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
America, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
NRSV
Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyrighted, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
America, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
[3] Barton, Bruce B. 1995. 1 Peter, 2 Peter,
Jude. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale
House Pub.
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