Session 6
1 Peter 3:13-22
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:15
“That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is a trite statement, and yet there is at least an element of truth to it when it comes to living as a Christian in an environment that is hostile to one’s faith. By enduring suffering like Jesus, it may be that the very people who persecute us begin to marvel at the hope that is in us
(1 Pet. 3:15) and inquire as to how it can be their own. That which they reviled becomes that which they desire.
How, then, can we suffer like this? By regarding Christ as holy. The fear of God, not the fear of man, leads to the salvation of men and the glory of God. As you study this session, reflect on times when you’ve suffered or felt persecuted for your faith. What impact did it have on you? How did God use it to make an impact on others. Consider sharing your responses with the adults in your Bible study this week.
People sometimes refer to the first hour after a medical or tragic disaster as the golden hour. At that moment, hope is at its highest. As time passes, hope diminishes. Medical responders and emergency responders work furiously because of that hope. On the other side of the equation, those who have experienced the emergency sometimes struggle to keep hope alive. As believers, we have a solid reason for hope even in the midst of suffering. (PSG, p. 55)
Peter wrapped up 3:12 by assuring his readers that the righteous will receive the Lord’s favor, while evildoers will face punishment. It may not come in our timing, but it will come. We have to trust God to do things His way and on His schedule. This underscores the eschatological theme that runs throughout Peter’s letter.
The apostle also used this concept of impending judgment and blessing to set up his instructions about suffering, starting in 1 Peter 3:13. Peter noted that those who consistently do good shouldn’t fear harm in the long run. The promise of an eternal reward ensures that the troubles of this life won’t have the final say. By “good,” he wasn’t talking about being saved by good works. That runs counter to the larger teaching of Scripture. Instead, he was focusing on the good that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. As James noted in his epistle, our good works demonstrate our salvation to the world (Jas. 2:14-26).
Verse 14 reinforces the importance of endurance. Believers who remain faithful in the face of suffering and persecution will be blessed by God and will eventually receive a heavenly reward. Therefore, in verse 15, Peter encouraged his readers to avoid giving in to fear and anxiety, even during difficult situations. Instead, they should dedicate themselves to Christ, responding to inquiries about their faith with humility and reverence. Suffering for righteousness can open doors for evangelism, so Christ followers must be prepared to explain why they are willing to suffer for the name of Jesus. Their exemplary behavior will shame those who oppose them. But Peter emphasized that this only works when believers suffer for doing good.
In verses 18-22, Peter discussed Christ’s journey from suffering to glory. He argued that suffering isn’t a punishment, but a pathway to honor. Christ suffered for the unrighteous, making it possible for humans to be restored to God. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus triumphed over death, ascending to glory. Believers share in Christ’s victory and need not fear suffering, even to the point of martyrdom. For believers, death is not really the end of anything. It is the beginning of a life greater than we can imagine.
Like Noah, God’s people can face hostility with the assurance that their future is secure. Peter mentioned baptism and Christ’s sacrifice as testimonies of God’s desire to redeem and restore people to Himself. Jesus’s death opened the door for salvation, and baptism serves as a public confession. It’s an outward testimony of the inward cleansing God has provided. Like suffering, this has the potential to move people toward their own personal relationship with God.
Read 1 Peter 3:13-22, noting the times suffering is mentioned. What is the difference between undeserved suffering and suffering we bring upon ourselves? What kind of suffering is this passage talking about? (PSG, p. 56)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
13 Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
(v. 13) Who then will harm you: Peter drew in his listeners with a rhetorical question. The literary and historical context of the letter demands that one interpret Peter’s question as referring not only to the earthly life of a believer, but also to the final day of judgment. God will eternally reward the faithfulness of those who do good in the face of suffering (1 Pet. 3:12). Such rewards will snuff out the memory of suffering.
(v. 13) Devoted: The word translated devoted literally means “zealous” (zelotai), which more strongly speaks to the commitment believers have toward doing good in the midst of ongoing suffering. Despite persecution, believers are called to be zealous for righteousness. Knowing that nothing can ultimately harm the believer is a balm for the suffering soul. No one can be against those whom God defends (Rom. 8:18-39).
(vv. 14-15) Blessed: God sets His favor on those who suffer for Christ. In this light, believers can respond to persecution with gratitude. This does not mean that the suffering itself is a blessing. Rather, Peter pulled the gaze of suffering believers toward their eternal end, where God forever blesses them.
Given God’s favor, such suffering is not something to fear. Believers need not give in to the intimidation that accompanies such tactics. God should be feared, but not other humans (see v. 15). The antidote for such fear is to regard Christ the Lord as holy. See also Luke 12:4-5.
(v. 15) Give a defense: Confidence takes root in the hearts of believers who fear the Lord more than people. Such confidence manifests itself in an effective defense of the faith. Every Christian, not merely “full time professionals,” are in view in this passage. All believers should know how to share why they believe the gospel of Jesus Christ to be true and beautiful.
(v. 15) Hope: Biblical hope (elpis) best describes the reason believers respond to suffering as they do. It explains the reason for their attitudes. Christ followers do not put their hope in agreeable circumstances, but in the God who controls them.
(v. 16) Clear conscience: The command to “defend” the faith might be interpreted to justify a degree of harshness. However, a proper balance between gentleness and reverence allows Christians to maintain a clear conscience before the Lord and an effective witness before the world.
Of course, the example of godly conduct can be (and often will be) rejected. Yet, in the last days, those who reject it will be put to shame.
(v. 17) Suffer for doing good: It is never God’s will for a Christian to do evil. It is often God’s will that we suffer at the hands of evil people for doing good. Such suffering is not an excuse for doing evil. It is inconsistent with the way of Jesus. The opposition believers face is never outside of God’s sovereignty or providence.
Praying Scripture
1 Peter 3:15
Spend time praying Scripture using 1 Peter 3:15. Read the verse, then respond to these questions:
- How does God reveal Himself in this verse?
- How should I respond to what He reveals?
Example:
Thank God for your salvation. Ask Him to give you courage and clear thinking as you have opportunities to give an answer for your faith to those who need to know Jesus.
During the session, invite adults to pray this Scripture, as well.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
Be Assured (1 Peter 3:18-20)
18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison 20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few-that is, eight people-were saved through water.
(v. 18) Christ also suffered: Despite sinless perfection, Jesus suffered at the hands of unrighteous people. Believers can expect no better treatment by the world. Christian suffering is real, but it also unites believers with Christ as they follow His example by enduring persecution with godliness. Suffering provided the path to exaltation and glory for Christ, and it provides a similar path to honor and glorification for His followers.
Though Jesus endured physical death, He was made alive by the Spirit. Likewise, followers of Christ, though they encounter suffering, will ultimately partake in His resurrection. This would have been both a comfort and an encouragement to the persecuted saints in Asia Minor.
(v. 18) Righteous for the unrighteous: Peter emphasized two things regarding Jesus’s sufferings. First, He died for sins. This was a common part of the Christian confession in the first century and remains a foundational element of faith. Second, Jesus died for all. Jesus’s suffering was unique in that it was redemptive. While believers experience suffering, they do not suffer as Jesus did. Our suffering can never atone for sin. It only serves to conform us to His image.
(v. 19) Made proclamation . . . spirits in prison: Interpreting verse 19 and the first part of verse 20 has been challenging for scholars through the centuries. Many, such as Augustine, believe Peter was talking about Christ preaching through Noah in the days before the flood. If so, the spirits’ imprisonment was more metaphorical in nature. Others contend the captive spirits were Old Testament believers freed by Jesus between His death and His resurrection.
Most evangelical scholars hold that Peter was highlighting Jesus’s proclamation of victory over the powers of evil and sin. Likely, He spoke to angels who were imprisoned until their time of judgment in the last days.
Key Teaching
Rejecting Heresy
In addition to the possible interpretations for verse 19 mentioned, some scholars lean toward an explanation that crosses the line into heresy. These individuals believe that Jesus went to hell to share the gospel with evil people who died-particularly those who died during the flood. It is their contention that these individuals were given a “second chance” to repent. Taken to its logical extreme, this would mean that everyone who died without Christ would be given a second chance, a “spiritual mulligan.”
But this position contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. As Peter noted, Christ died for sin once for all. The opportunities humans have to embrace salvation are reserved for this lifetime. For example, in Jesus’s story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man had no hope for escaping torment and recognized that his brothers needed to repent before they died (Luke 16:19-31).
(v. 20) Saved through water: Peter compared the salvation of a small number (Noah’s family) to the judgment executed on a vast number of individuals during the flood. His intent was to assure the believers in Asia Minor that they were like the eight who had been spared, even though they had to endure the flood. They were among the few saved while others were condemned to death.
As a result of this salvation, Christians must persevere, relying on God’s care and proclaiming His patience toward those who have not yet repented. The same way that Noah’s salvation was brought about through the flood, our salvation will survive judgment. Of course, scholars also see a connection to baptism, which is fleshed out in the following verses.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
Show Others (1 Peter 3:21-22)
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.
Key Word
Corresponds
In the Greek, the word translated corresponds in verse 21 is actually a noun and relates to a pattern or a symbol. It referred to a type or image that represents a larger truth or principle. In this context, Peter was using baptism as a counterpart for the flood during Noah’s day.
The flood was a catastrophic event that resulted in the deaths of many people who refused to accept God’s plan for rescue. Baptism by immersion offers a different public proclamation of death, that of a believer to his or her old way of life. As Paul noted in his letter to the Romans, those who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:1-4). Unlike the evil ones who died under the waters of the flood, Christ followers are brought out of the water to new lives transformed by His power and grace.
(v. 21) Baptism: As noted, Peter used the image of the physical flood to symbolize the spiritual death associated with baptism. The word used here means to dip or to sink. It involves complete submersion, validating immersion as the proper means of Christian baptism.
It should be emphasized that Peter’s reference to being saved through water in verse 20 does not suggest that baptism has any redemptive power. The spiritual benefit of baptism rests in the opportunity it provides for Christians to demonstrate obedience and to publicly proclaim their death to sin and renewal in Christ. (See “Key Doctrine.”) The symbolic association with Jesus’s death and resurrection reflects the salvation He provides. Rather than removing dirt from the body, baptism emphasizes a spiritual cleansing from sin. Peter’s focus was on internal purification, not external appearances.
(v. 22) Right hand of God: In traditional thought, the right hand was the seat of authority and power. Here, Peter stressed that Jesus’s death and resurrection affirms His authority over angels, authorities, and powers. These terms all refer to supernatural entities. The anonymous writer of Hebrews noted that Jesus is superior to angels (Heb. 1:1-14). This would include even fallen angels who deny His authority and attempt to lead people into sin. In fact, given that one would expect heavenly angels to submit to Christ, it is likely demonic forces were what Peter had in view here.
(v. 22) Subject to him: Peter made it abundantly clear that the resurrected Christ is Lord of all. As noted, no force-whether natural or supernatural-could overcome Him or stand in the way of His plans being worked out on behalf of His children.
Knowing that Jesus was still in control would have helped the Christians in Asia Minor to navigate persecution and suffering. It still should provide encouragement to believers today. Jesus hasn’t surrendered His people to the power of evil, even if they suffer until they die. Jesus defeated every wicked force when He died and came back to life. So, believers will also rule with Him.
Challenge
Summarize:
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 63 of the Personal Study Guide:
- Believers should be ready to give a reason for the faith they have.
- Believers can be confident that Christ’s death was sufficient to obtain salvation.
- Believers are to be baptized as a testimony of their faith in Christ.
Discuss:
Remind adults that Peter’s original audience was undergoing persecution. Spend some time talking about how the truths of this session could encourage believers enduring such suffering.
Discuss:
Guide the group to discuss the second set of questions on page 63 of the PSG. Emphasize that baptism is only one way we can testify to what God has done in our lives. Challenge adults to find ways to share the hope they have in Jesus each day.
Pray:
Invite the group to gather in groups of three or four and close in prayer. Thank God for Jesus Christ, who suffered, died, and rose to bring us closer to Him. Commit to being ready to share and defend your faith in Christ whenever the opportunity arises. Urge adults to continue using the prayer prompts for 1 Peter 3:15.
AFTER THE SESSION
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group and encouraging them to share their faith throughout the week. Challenge adults to be sensitive to places and situations where they could share, including times they may not have thought about prior to the session. Replying with examples to everyone may be a catalyst for others to be observant and bold in their journey through the week. Also remind them that you are available to speak with anyone who has questions about salvation or baptism.
KEY DOCTRINE:
Baptism
Baptism is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. (See Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-13.)
BIBLE SKILL:
Memorize a verse and apply it to a real-life situation.
Memorize 1 Peter 3:17 in your preferred Bible translation. Then write the verse in your own words. Finally, write a couple of sentences here or in a journal, stating how the verse can help you make a tough decision or face a difficult situation today, particularly one in which you are tempted to act in anger or hurt toward someone persecuting you for your faith.
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