In this most sublime epistle of Peter, Peter is writing to believers undergoing persecution during the horrendous reign of Emperor Nero. This letter was addressed to Jews scattered and living in foreign cities, facing extreme persecution. Peter reminds these scattered believers that they were “strangers” because they were temporary residents in a hostile world (I Peter 1:1, 2-11). In spite of being in the midst of persecution, Peter encourages these believers with words of hope, a call to holiness, and a just explanation of the role of suffering in their Christian experience.
Peter stresses the fact that these believers have been born again to a living hope because they serve a living Saviour who also suffered unjustly in a hostile world! Because of the believers’ lofty Christian position, their character and conduct can be above reproach as they imitate the Holy One who called them! The essence of their Christian character can be manifested in actions rooted in the submissive obedience to authorities in the world (I Peter 2:13-25), their conduct in the family (I Peter 3:1-8), their compassionate conduct among one another (I Peter 3:8-12), and to their appropriate response to unjust or undeserved suffering (I Peter 3:13-22)
I Peter 3:13-22 may be outlines as follows: I. Christians Encouraged to Suffer Unjustly in a Hostile World – I Peter 3:13-17; II. The Example of Christ’s Suffering Unjustly – I Peter 3:18-22.
I. Christians Encouraged to Suffer Unjustly in a Hostile World – I Peter 3:13-17
In verse 13, Peter raises a rhetorical question saying: “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” Because of the fact that we are under the complete surveillance of God, no one can harm us without God’s permission! Brothers and sisters keep on doing good in the midst of persecution because no real harm can come to those who belong to God! Even if we are called upon to suffer, we are blessed and we should not be frightened or be in terror, not be troubled (V. 14). As Christians, it is a privilege to suffer and we should not be afraid of what men can do to us.
In Matthew 10:28 Jesus instructs us not to be afraid of the terror of mankind, for verse 28 says: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Rather than being terrified and troubled, Jesus Christ must be recognized as Lord and enthroned in our heats (v. 15). Having acknowledged Jesus’ Lordship in our lives, we must be “ready always” to speak on behalf of our faith! And as you stand in defense of your faith, make sure that those who speak evil of you are in error (v. 16).
In verse 17, the suffering of a persecuted Christian “is better”, or more profitable, than the punishment meted out to an evil doer. It is often God’s will to glorify Himself through suffering believers. Suffering strengthens God’s people (Romans 5:3-4; II Thessalonians 1:4-5, James 1:2-3), preparing them for difficult ministries ahead.
Having discussed “Christians Encouraged to Suffer Unjustly in a Hostile World” – I Peter 3:13-17, now let us discuss “The Example of Christ’s Suffering Unjustly” – I Peter 3:18-22.
II. The Example of Christ’s Suffering Unjustly – I Peter 3:18-22
Jesus’ supreme example of righteous suffering stands as a permanent encouragement to persecuted believers. Christ served as our substitutionary sacrifice for sin: “the Just for the unjust.” The Divine purpose for Christ’s substitutionary work was to reconcile mankind to God. Although Christ was put to death in the body, He was made alive by the Spirit (V. 18).
In verses 19-20, a very important question can be raised: “When did Christ preach to the spirits (unbelievers) in prison?” Christ was preaching through Noah when once the longsuffering of God waited, as Noah warned the people that it was going to rain. He preached for 120 years yet the people renounced his message. In Christ’s day, the spirits of those men to whom Noah had preached were now in prison. For 120 years Noah preached the word of God and these unbelievers rejected it; and in their rejection, they will not be given another chance to believe!
In verse 21, as the flood wiped away the sinful world, baptism symbolizes one’s break from his old sinful life and embracing one’s new life in Christ. Baptism, for the first century Christian, was a public attestation of his commitment to Christ, regardless of being persecuted!
Baptism does not save from sin, but from a bad conscience. With Peter, baptism was more than a ceremonial rite but the pledge of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Finally, in verse 22, having mentioned Christ’s resurrection, Peter affirmed that Christ has gone into heaven; thus, Christ’s faithfulness was richly rewarded, for He is enthroned at God’s right Hand. The grand Apostle Paul also attested to His exaltation after His humiliation, for Philippians 2:9-11 states: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
