& & & Teaching Notes Book of 1 Peter Chapters 4 to 5 Hugh Wood, Atlanta, Georgia
& & & The first Quarantine in the USA since 1918 continues. It is Day 38. & & & "The grass withers and the flower [fades], but the word of [the Lord] endures forever." Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25.
& & & Book of 1 Peter.
Papyrus 81 Papyrus 74 Papyrus of 1 Peter (See teaching Notes on 1 Peter 1 to 3 for links to these papyri & & &
Chapters
4, 5. The Fiery Trial of Christians
Be
Armed for Suffering, 4:1-6. It was a time of Persecution.
The
special exhortation of this Epistle was for Christians to be
ready
for it. But there is comfort here for Christians who live
in
normal times; for very few people get through life without а
good
deal of Suffering of one kind or another: physical suffering.
mental
suffering, heart suffering. One of the strange ways of
Providence
is that many people have to suffer in the very way in
which
they would rather not have to suffer, have to go through
life
denied the one thing that most of all they would rather not
be
denied. Such people may very properly comfort themselves in
the
assurance that when God is bearing down extra hard in His
grinding
it is that the finished diamond may be extra bright and
beautiful.
Christian
Love, 4:7-11, the Supreme Virtue of Life. Peter’s
exhortations
to Love are beautiful. Love one another from the
Heart
Fervently, 1:22. Honor a1l men; Love the Brotherhood.
2:17.
Loving as Brothers, Tenderhearted, 3:8. Above all things
being
Fervent in your Love among yourselves, 4:8. Brothers in
a
common Glorious Hope, be real Brothers to one another in
time
of Suffering.
The
Fiery Trial, 4:12-19. Nero's Persecution of Christians was
the
direct work of the Devil, 5:8. Nevertheless, in the mysterious
Providence
of God, it would turn out for the good of the Church,
a
Trial more Precious than gold, 1:7. There have been many
Persecutions
since, many of them more brutal and widespread
than
Nero’s, in which unnumbered millions of Christians have
endured
every conceivable kind of torture. When we think of
this
we ought to be ashamed of ourselves for our fretfulness over
our
petty troubles.
Mark,
13, was with Peter at the time. He is thought to have
written
his Gospel under Peter’s direction, possibly about the time
Peter wrote this Epistle.
& & &
Bible Project Book of 1 Peter & & &
1
Peter 4 New International Version (NIV)
Living
for God
4
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same
attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result,
they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but
rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing
what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join
them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they
will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now
dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to
the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you
may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks,
they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves,
they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may
be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and
ever. Amen.
Suffering
for Being a Christian
12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to
test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice
inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be
overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the
name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on
you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other
kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a
Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it
is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us,
what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If
it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the
sinner?”[a]
19
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
1
Peter 5 New International Version (NIV)
To
the Elders and the Flock
5 To
the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings
who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock
that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because
you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager
to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of
glory that will never fade away.
5 In
the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of
you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God
opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up
in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be
alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is
undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after
you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong,
firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final
Greetings
12
With the help of Silas,[b] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written
to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of
God. Stand fast in it.
13
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and
so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace
to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
1
Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
& & &
Note: The Citation to Mark at 1 Peter 5:13. It may be that Mark wrote the "Book of Mark" while he was with Simeon / Peter during this time.
& & & Teaching Notes Book of 1 Peter Chapters 1 to 3 Hugh Wood, Atlanta, Georgia
& & & The first Quarantine in the USA since 1918 continues. It is Day 37. First Sunday after Easter. The Octave of Easter is the eight-day period (octave) in Eastertide that starts on Easter and concludes with the following Sunday. The Octave Day of Easter refers only to that day. Another name is White Sunday. It is also called Low Sunday, particularly in the Anglican Communion. (Anglican). & & & "The grass withers and the flower [fades], but the word of [the Lord] endures forever." Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25.
The Brief Story of St. Peter. From a Catholic Site & & &
1
PETER
To a
Persecuted Church
In Asia
Minor (Now Modern Western Turkey)
There are
no Scriptural notices other than his two Epistles. From Jesus
word in John 21: 18 we judge he must have died
a martyrs 5 death.
As leader of the Twelve it seems likely that
he visited leading
Church centers of the Roman World.
Some
church historians think there is no sufficient evidence
that
Peter was ever in Rome. Most of them, however, agree that
it
is probable that, about the last year of his life, Peter did go
to
Rome, either by order of Nero, or, of his own accord to help
steady
the Christians under the terrific blows of Nero’5 Persecu
tions.
The
“Quo Vadis" tradition:
Quō
vādis? (Classical Latin:, Ecclesiastical Latin:) is a Latin phrase meaning
"Where are you marching?". It is also commonly translated as
"Where are you going?" or, poetically, "Whither goest
thou?". It also may refer to a Christian tradition regarding Saint Peter.
Italian
Painter: Annibale Carracci. 1601 – 1602.
has
it that Peter, being overcome
by
the solicitation of friends .to save himself,“ was fleeing from
Rome,
and in the night, out on the Appian Way, in a vision, he
met
Jesus, and said, “Lord, whither goest thou?” Jesus answered,
“I am
going to ‘Rome to be Crucified again” Peter utterly
ashamed and humiliated, returned to the city,
and was Crucified
head downward, feeling not worthy to be
Crucified as his Lord
was.
This is only a tradition, and we do not know how much of
historical fact it may contain.
Tradition
also has it that Peter’s wife, named Concordia, or
Perpetua,
suffered martyrdom, as Peter encouraged her to be
brave,
saying, “Remember, dear, our Lord."
To
Whom Written was 1 Peter written:
To
Churches in Asia Minor, 1: 1, Which, in the main, had been
it
is not so stated, we presume that founded by Paul. Though
Peter had sometime or other visited these
Churches.
To
some of them Paul had written Galatians, Ephesians, and
Colossians,
I Peter has some striking similarities to Ephesians.
Later,
to some of these Churches John addressed the book of. Revelation.
1
PETER
To a
Persecuted Church
In
Asia Minor (Now Modern Western Turkey)
There are no Scriptural notices other than his
two Epistles. From Jesus
word in John 21: 18 we judge he must have died
a martyrs 5 death.
As leader of the Twelve it seems likely that
he visited leading
Church centers of the Roman World.
Some
church historians think there is no sufficient evidence
that
Peter was ever in Rome. Most of them, however, agree that
it
is probable that, about the last year of his life, Peter did go
to
Rome, either by order of Nero, or, of his own accord to help
steady
the Christians under the terrific blows of Nero 5 Persecu
tions.
The
“Quo Vadis" tradition:
Quō
vādis? (Classical Latin:, Ecclesiastical Latin:) is a Latin
phrase
meaning "Where are you marching?". It is also
commonly
translated as "Where are you going?" or, poetically,
"Whither
goest thou?". It also may refer to a Christian tradition
regarding
Saint Peter.
Italian
Painter: Annibale Carracci. 1601 – 1602.
Quō
vādis? has it that Peter, being overcome
by
the solicitation of friends .to save himself,“ was fleeing from
Rome,
and in the night, out on the Appian Way, in a vision, he
met
Jesus, and said, “Lord, whither goest thou?” Jesus answered,
“I am
going to ‘Rome to be Crucified again” Peter utterly
ashamed and humiliated, returned to the city,
and was Crucified
head downward, feeling not worthy to be
Crucified as his Lord
was.
This is only a tradition, and we do not know how much of
historical fact it may contain.
Tradition
also has it that Peter’s wife, named Concordia, or
Perpetua,
suffered martyrdom, as Peter encouraged her to be
brave,
saying, “Remember, dear, our Lord."
To
Whom Written was 1 Peter written:
To
Churches in Asia Minor, 1:1, Which, in the main, had been
it
is not so stated, we presume that founded by Paul. Though
Peter had sometime or other visited these
Churches.
To
some of them Paul had written Galatians, Ephesians, and
Colossians,
I Peter has some striking similarities to Ephesians.
Later,
to some of these Churches John addressed the book of. Revelation.
Where
was it Written? Probably Rome.
“Babylon”, 5:13 Some take this to be the
literal Babylon of
the
Euphrates. But quite generally it is thought to mean Rome,
figuratively
called Babylon. In Rev 17:5,18 Rome is called Babylon.
In
those times of persecution, Christians, for prudence' sake, had
to
be careful how they spoke of the ruling power, and had a
name
for it that they, among themselves, but not an outsider,
would
understand.
Mark
was with Peter at the time, 5:13: and, from II Tim 4:11.
We
assume that Mark may have been in Rome about
the
time 1 Peter was written.
Occasion
of Writing
Nero's
Persecution of Christians, 64-67 A D, was very severe
in
and around Rome, but not general over' the Empire. However,
the
example of the Emperor encouraged the enemies of Christians
everywhere
to take advantage of the slightest-pretext to Perse-
cute.
It was a trying time. The Church was about 35 years old.
It
had suffered Persecutions in various localities at the hands
of
local authorities. But now Imperial Rome, which had hitherto
been
indifferent, even in some cases friendly, had accused the
Church
of a terrible crime, and was undertaking to punish it.
The
Church was undergoing a world trial, 5:9. It seemed as if
the
end had come. It was-literally a “fiery
trial”; 4:12. Christians
were
being burned nightly in Nero’s gardens. It did look as if the
Devil,
as a "roaring lion”, 5:8, was about to devour the Church.
It
is thought, possibly, that Peter may have written this Letter
immediately
after Paul’s martyrdom, about 66 AD, and sent it-
by
Silas, 5:12, who had been one of Paul’s helpers, to these
Churches
which Paul had founded, to encourage them to beat up
under
their Suffering, Silas personally carrying" the news of
Paul’s
martyrdom to Paul’s Churches.
Thus
the Book or Letter was born in the atmosphere of Suffering,
shortly before Peter’s own martyrdom,
exhorting Christians not
to think it strange that they had to Suffer,
reminding them that
Christ did His work by Suffering.
Chapter
I. The Christian’s Glorious Inheritance
A
Magnificent chapter. Almost every word fraught With pre
cious
meaning.
“Strangers”,
1:1, seems to mean Scattered Jewish Christians.
But 2:10 indicates that they were, mainly,
Gentiles. Peter ad-
dresses them as Sojourner’s, Pilgrims,
Citizens of Another World,
living for a little while in This World, away
from Home, Journey-
ing along toward their Home Land.
Suffering
and Glory, 1:7. The greater “our Suffering in This
World
the greater will be our Glory in the Next World. Trials
here.
Glory at the Coming of the Lord, 1:7. Again and again
Suffering
and Glory are paired. The Sufferings of Christ, and the
Glory
that should follow, 1:11. Partakers of Christ's Sufferings
1
PETER
Will
Rejoice with Exceeding Joy at the Revelation of His Glory,
4:13.
Peter, a witness of Christ’s Suffering, will be a partaker of
His
Glory, 5:1. After you have Suffered а while, Eternal Glory,
5:10.
This was also Paul’s comfort: Our Light Affliction works for
us a
far more exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory, II Cor
4:17.
"Precious”,
а favorite word with Peter. Trial of Faith more
Precious
than gold, 1:7. Redeemed with the Precious Blood of
Christ,
2:19. Precious Lord, 2:4,7. Precious Faith, II Pet 1:1. Great
and
Precious Promises, II Pet 1:4.
Christ,
Himself, Personally, Whom, not having seen, you Love,
“lts,
in Whom you Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of
Glory,
1:8, by Whose Power you are Kept for Final Salvation,
1:5, Christ Himself is the Center of Heaven’s
Glory, 1:3-9. Set
your
Hope perfectly on HIM and His Coming, 1:13.
Chapters
2,3. The Christian's Earthly Pilgrimage
Christians,
Born into a Glorious Inheritance, by the Word of
God,
1:23, in Journeying along through this world toward their
Heavenly
Home Land, still, for Nourishment,
Guidance, and
Strength,
need Constantly to Feed on God’s Word, 2:2; thus, along
the
way, Tasting and Experiencing that their Precious Lord, by
their
side, is Gracious, Kind, Loving, and Helpful, as He leads
them
onward, 2:2,3.
Pilgrims,
2:11, Elect, Holy, 2:9, a people of Good Works, 2:12;
3:13,
who, by their Manner of Life, Glorify God, 3:16. It reminds
us
of Jesus’ word, in Matt 5:14-16, that the Light of the World is
the
Good Works of His Disciples.
Be a
Good Citizen, or Subject, as far as possible, of the Earthly
Government
under which you live, Law-Abiding and Obedient,
to
promote the good name of your religion, even though the
Government
be headed by a Nero, 2:13-17.
Christian
Servants, 2:18-25. There were many Slaves in the
first
century Church. They are exhorted to be Good Slaves, even
to
brutal masters, and to endure, without resentment, any suffer-
ing
wrongfully administered.
Christian
Wives, 3:1-6. “Calling him Lord”, 6, surely is not
to
be construed as meaning abject slavery to her husband, but
rather
unselfish devotion, so as to win his admiration and af-
fection,
and, if he is an unbeliever, by her loving tact will win him
to
Christ. We do not understand verses 3-4 to prohibit a woman's“
desire
to be attractive in personal appearance, but rather a caution
against
overdoing it, remembering that no amount of finery can
be a
substitute for gracious Christian Personality. See more on this
at Eph
5:22-33.
Christian
Husbands, 3-7. It is Manly to be Tender toward the
gentler
sex. God’s plan is that Marital Love be Mutual, each con-
siderate
of the other. If either has a mean disposition or tongue,
that
makes it all the harder for the other to be considerate. “That
your
Prayers be not hindered”, 7. Nothing extinguishes the flame
of
Prayer like marital friction.
Christ
Preached to Spirits in Prison, 3:18-22. This passage seems
to
say that Jesus, in the interval between His death and resurrec-
tion,
preached to the imprisoned spirits of the disobedient 01
Noah's
day. Or, it may mean that the Spirit of Christ was in
Noah
preaching to the antediluvians.
& & &
Bible Project Book of 1 Peter & & &
1
Peter 1 New International Version (NIV)
1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To
God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the
foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to
be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance.
Praise
to God for a Living Hope
3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he
has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or
fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are
shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be
revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a
little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These
have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than
gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you
love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are
filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end
result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to
come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find
out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was
pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that
would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves
but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who
have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even
angels long to look into these things.
Be
Holy
13
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the
grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As
obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in
ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]
17
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out
your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not
with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the
empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the
precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen
before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your
sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and
glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have
sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For
you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through
the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All
people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of
the field;
the
grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures
forever.”[c]
And
this is the word that was preached to you.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 1:16 Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2
1
Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart
1
Peter 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8 (see Septuagint)
1
Peter 2 New International Version (NIV)
2
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and
slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so
that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that
the Lord is good.
The
Living Stone and a Chosen People
4 As
you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and
precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a
spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See,
I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and
the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”[b]
7
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not
believe,
“The
stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”[c]
8
and,
“A
stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”[d]
They
stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined
for.
9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you
are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have
received mercy.
Living
Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
11
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires,
which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans
that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and
glorify God on the day he visits us.
13
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the
emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to
punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s
will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;
live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of
believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
18
Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to
those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it
is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because
they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a
beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you
endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because
Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his
steps.
22
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e]
23
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered,
he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to
sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For
“you were like sheep going astray,”[f] but now you have returned to the Shepherd
and Overseer of your souls.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit
1
Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
1
Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
1
Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
1
Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
1
Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:4,5,6 (see Septuagint)
1
Peter 3 New International Version (NIV)
3
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any
of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the
behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate
hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should
be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of
the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted
themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called
him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way
to fear.
7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat
them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious
gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Suffering
for Doing Good
8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be
compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.
On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so
that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever
would love life
and see good days
must
keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a]
13
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should
suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do
not be frightened.”[c] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear
conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in
Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s
will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered
once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was
put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made
alive,[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those
who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah
while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were
saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you
also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience
toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has
gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers
in submission to him.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
1
Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
1
Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
1
Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
1
Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience