Category: 1 Peter

“Likewise…” If you’ve been playing along on the home game, alarms and whistles should be going off here. When sentences start with therefore, so, likewise, your immediate reaction should be to start looking for context. In this case, likewise tells us that what he is about to say about wives is similar to something he’s already talked about. On the more difficult side, the thing that is similar is his recent discussion on servants and their masters. (And…cue open season on reading this text lazily.)

Keep the whole sentence in context. Peter says wives should obey their husbands even if they don’t obey God’s word so that the respectful and pure conduct may be enough to win the husband to Jesus. See the connection now? Peter was advocating for the same thing for servants, that they persist in doing good even in the face of someone who is not treating them in the way they deserve. It’s a continuing theme as this was the same point Peter was making about abstaining from passions of flesh to remain a good example to those who don’t know Jesus.

The point is continued in the talk of not focusing on external adorning. The point is not that ladies can’t wear gold jewelry or nice clothing, it’s that true beauty that never dies and is precious in the sight of God are the things of the heart and the spirit. It is these same things that are intended to influence the husband who doesn’t know Jesus. It is a virtue to show honor to your husband (that’s what the Sarah submitting to Abraham story is for, “lord” is a reference of respect and honor).

Husbands, similarly, are called to show honor to their wives, living with them in a knowledgeable and understanding way. (This means you don’t get to be some kind of ape, you have to “know” your wife, do your best to understand her, care about what’s going on, etc.) Peter says she’s the weaker vessel, which seems to be a point of contention for some. However, ask any 8 year old and they will be able to tell you that, generally speaking, fellas are stronger than ladies. (Weaker “vessel”, think “container”. It’s a physical description, don’t over-invest beyond that.)

If ladies don’t follow Peter’s instruction, they may draw the wrong kind of attention and not make any progress with their non-believing husbands. If fellas don’t follow and care for their wives who share the grace of life with them, God may stop listening to their prayers. With the honor comes the responsibility, boys. And this doesn’t change the general description of Jesus for you to be a servant of all, that includes your wife. Jesus has high expectations for you as an example, fight for it.

This idea of sacrificing, perseverance and persistence in faith continues holistically. Peter encourages the church to stick together, love one another, care for and be kind, and don’t think higher of yourself than you should. You see evil or people hating, you don’t respond in kind. In fact, you bless them and in return you will be blessed. (I mean dang, evil comes your way and you are supposed to bless in return. Only in the Kingdom of Jesus can that be right. In any other circumstances it’s just foolish. Jesus makes all the difference, though.)

The quote is from Psalm 34. Read the whole Psalm, it certainly reinforces the point Peter is making here and is a cool reminder of how God is with us in our suffering. (I mean it, go read it. The point of studying Scripture isn’t speed or a false sense of human accomplishment, soak it in.) v.13 and forward continue on the same trajectory as the quoted Psalm.

Peter tells us we need to be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Now, although we often use this verse as a foundation for having a good apologetics framework (the study of the defense of Scripture and the truth it contains), I think in context the real thrust is hope in the context of suffering. When folks see us persisting in good even in the midst of evil, in trust of God even when by the world’s standards things are not going well, can we provide an answer? Psalm 34 is exactly the type of answer we could provide, even further fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. So yes, it’s great to know and study answers to people’s big questions about God, faith, science, creation, etc., just remember that Peter’s more relevant point is faith in the goodness of God, the hope in his sovereignty, even in the face of danger, mistreatment, and evil.

And how do we give that defense? With gentleness and respect, with a clear conscience. Why? Because when people attempt to slander you because of what you believe and the things you are saying, your conduct will testify on your behalf. You may still suffer for it, yes, but Peter says it is better to suffer for doing good than to suffer anyway and do the wrong thing. We do it because Jesus did it first and we follow Jesus.

Then Peter talks about Jesus proclaiming to spirits in prison. How to understand this one will get you in a shank fight at a theologian’s Bible and brew event somewhere on the West coast. Some tie it to the connected Noah story and say that Jesus was proclaiming to those just prior to the flood “through” Noah and other prophets. I mean, ok, but that really seems to jump context since this “proclaiming” seems to follow Jesus’ death in Peter’s description. Other options include Jesus going to hell and giving people or angels second chances, which you’d kind of have to bend other Scripture around to make that seem reasonable. I probably lean on “they” being a broad group of people (those who rejected God’s promise to be rescued through water) who are now listening based upon the life and example of Jesus (and they are now rescued through baptism, identifying with this community of believers that follow Jesus.) This explanation makes a whole lot of sense relative to what Peter has been talking about the last two chapters (saying the example of persistence and suffering helps change folks.)

On baptism, certainly Jesus work on the cross saves you (Peter says that it is through the resurrection of Jesus you have the ability to appeal for a good conscience), but he is pretty clear on getting baptized. More Bible and brew debates aside, Jesus says to do it and we obey Jesus so just get it done. Think of it as the public celebration of you entering the Kingdom. If you haven’t done it as an adult, let’s figure it out directly, always a good reason to have a celebration!

Peter’s still building on what has come before it. We ended the last chapter with a reminder of what Jesus has done and what He is now doing (ruling over stuff), and are now presented with Him as an example of suffering. Of course, this order brings the servanthood and suffering of Jesus into stark relief given his true position in the grand scheme of things (compared to us who have no throne to descend from and who ultimately cause most of our own suffering.) In either case, we’re to follow Jesus (as always, that’s more literal than we tend to take. Do the things he did for the people he did in the way he did it.) In this case, we’re potentially suffering at the hands of people who don’t like to hear true things or who don’t like to stop doing things that they enjoy, even though they’re bad for them.

So, we follow Jesus, even in suffering. Doing so is pretty good evidence that you’ve taken up your cross and generally pretty alright on not following human passions (most people don’t consider suffering a passion except…well, nevermind.) I don’t think this sentence is intended to imply folks have stopped sinning completely just because they suffer, I think the gist is that when you’re being selfless and sacrificing for Jesus sin doesn’t present the same level of temptation. Kind of an idle hands kind of thing, just up a couple of notches.
So, we don’t end up living how those who aren’t part of the Kingdom live, no orgies or drinking parties or lawless idolatry. (Note that I gave three things from the list, one of which you know for sure is problematic, one you may not completely understand, and one you may consider a gray area up for debate. Peter doesn’t make those additional qualifications, just for the record.) Not being part of this kind of thing is surprising to those who are doing it but note that ol’ Pete says you still say out of it and that there’s ultimately a right and wrong side of things that that powerful judge of a character from the end of the last chapter will hold them to account.

Theology and Brews debate #3 comes from the gospel being preached to the dead. Although there are other viable options, I most lean on this being a sinner=dead, Kingdom person=living/spirit kind of action. The gospel goes to those who are dead (us, sinful humanity) that they might live (…in the spirit the way God does, ultimately us redeemed in Christ). Other options include Jesus preaching in hell or other types of oddness. Either way, I’m not too concerned that we’re missing the heart of Jesus by not having a firm grasp on what Peter is getting at here.

And in case the preaching to the dead thing doesn’t grab your attention, Peter brings to reminder that the end of all things is at hand. This ties a little into how you may believe Jesus second coming is to occur but I generally read this to be an acknowledgment that all the things that needed to be completed prior to Christ’s return are done. He could show up at any time and close down the whole show. I don’t believe it requires us to think that Peter believed Jesus would return imminently in that time.

Notice, though, that he introduces the fact that the end of all things is at hand just so he can use a “therefore” to tell you how we should live in light of that. The Lord could return at any time so keep it under control, play it cool for the sake of your prayers (so if you can’t keep it cool and don’t know how to treat your wife, Peter basically implies you’re talking to yourself when you’re praying.) Above all of that, love each other, forgive each other, show hospitality to one another without complaining.

The gift thing is kind of interesting, the implication is that your gifts are intended to serve others and it is through those that, at least in part, God’s grace is distributed to the world. When you don’t use your gifts in that way, you’re a poor steward of what the Lord has given you. Dang, fellas. Focus on that over the next few days/weeks. Petition God, see if you can discover anywhere where you are denying grace to the world and being a poor steward of your gifts. They aren’t there to glorify you, that’s for sure. Put them to proper use.

Then back to suffering. Peter expects suffering so much that he posits some kind of Christian doofus who would act surprised that a trial has come upon him (a fiery one at that.) Not only should we expect it, we should rejoice in it! When we share in the same suffering that Jesus did, Peter says the glory of God is revealed. (This is interesting, certainly, in light of Peter’s own death on a cross where he asked to be crucified upside down, not feeling worthy to die in the exact same way as Jesus did.)

Where people insult you, you are blessed. It’s the whole deal, the world is turned upside down. This is no half-in Kingdom, we’re rejecting the way the world thinks and trading it for what Jesus thinks. They insult you, Jesus says it’s a blessing. They call it suffering, you call it glory. I didn’t fully feel the weight of these dichotomies until I began thinking of what I was teaching my children, what I was asking them to do and how to live. I’m teaching them to accept insults from the world, to suffer as need be. It puts the demands of the Kingdom and the fealty to Jesus in the right relief to place those same things onto the heads of your children. It kind of hit me hard at the time in the sense that it became more real to me personally as well.

The Old Testament rounds out the chapter with references from Ezekiel and Malachi, as well as Proverbs. Broad point is that there is a purification within God’s people, a refining. Suffering seems to serve this purpose, in addition to being a good witness to those around us. And they need it, because if the righteous are scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?

The normalization and expectation of suffering (even as a potential purifier of the church) leads to a call for those who lead and influence God’s people to stay on their game. Peter’s in this business, has been for a long time, so he knows the right ways to get things done. Basic instructions are to 1.) exercise oversight, basically, do the work, take the responsibility, 2.) do it willingly, 3.) lead humbly for the benefit of those you serve, just like family headship, elder-action is a call to service and sacrifice, 4.) be a an example (we saw this over and over again in Paul’s letters as well. Follow me as I follow Christ, that’s the deal.)

If you’re younger, let faithful folks who the Lord has called lead you. And for both leaders and otherwise, wear humility like a cloak, let it surround you and be with you always. God opposes the proud (it’s really the root of all sin), but God will react with grace when you act in humility. Not to let this slip by too quickly, every thing you’ve ever hidden from someone has pride at its root. Unconfessed sin, fear of sharing good news, lacking of service to others; pride undergirds all of these. Be careful on this. You’re likely not falling for abrasive, obvious pride issues but you are likely susceptible to much more insidious versions of pride (illusions of your own importance, protecting your image in lieu of repentance, half-truths about how things currently are. All risky.)

Humility, Peter tells us, leads to exaltation (by the mighty hand of God, who offers much better exaltation than whoever you’ve been trying to impress up to this point.) And to be clear, humility isn’t asking you to think less of yourself, it’s to act lower than what you are owed in the service of others because that’s how the Kingdom measures greatness. We’re a kingdom of priests, after all, we are certainly lifted up by the good graces of the King. But in response, we follow the example of the King and live in service to Him and the world He is calling to repentance and redemption. He knows what he’s calling you to, and cares for you greatly, so go to Him with your anxieties.
All the same, keep your eyes open and know that there is an enemy who is after you. Although some think there is true application to this broadly, the context here most likely points to buckling under the weight of suffering and anxiety, especially in attempts to retain humility (pride is a very strong temptation, as the Tempter himself could attest.) But be watchful, know that you are surrounded by a community who suffers along with you and a God who will bear you up. (Notice that many of the persecution and martyrdom accounts both inside and outside of Scripture have moments of calm and joy in the midst of them.)

In the end, you’re in God’s hands. You have been called to eternal glory and will be restored, confirmed, strengthened and established by Almighty God. It comes down to faith, trust. If God is who He says He is and keeps his promises, earthly suffering and anxiousness and whatever else are a small price to pay (and price that comes with the honor of serving He who loves better than anyone ever.) If not, well, the suffering is foolish and wasted.

The letter ends with references to a few known characters. Silvanus (or Silas) seems to be the man who delivered the letter for Peter, who thinks highly of him. As with any writer, Peter hopes they read it and, you know, pay attention to what’s in there. Also, he passes on greetings from “she who is at Babylon”. THIS COULD BE SOMEONE SUPER MYSTERIOUS!!! Or, as NT authors tend to do, they refer to Rome as Babylon, a stock OT character for a government or system who opposes God or His authority. The church in Rome says “Hi”. That makes more sense than some conspiratorial anger.

Finally, he mentions Mark, the John Mark who’s Mom likely owned the house the Upper Room from Acts was in and the same Mark who is believed to have written his gospel based upon the sermons/teachings of Peter himself. Peter’s obvious fondness for him (calling him “son”, much like how Paul refers to Timothy) affirms the likelihood the story of his authorship of the gospel as true.

Peter says peace to all those in Jesus, he out.