Free Bible Commentary
“First Peter 3:13-18”
Categories: First Peter"Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit”
---End of Scripture verses---
It is unlikely that people will “harm” us if we are “zealous for what is good” (verse 13). More often than not we will be praised and admired for a passionate commitment to doing what is right. While it is true that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), it is improbable that we will suffer serious, bodily harm for our righteous faith. But Peter assures us that “even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed” (verse 14). When we suffer harm for following Jesus we are privileged to share in the likeness of the sufferings that provided our eternal salvation. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Instead of cowering with “fear” in the face of “intimidation” we should “sanctify Christ as Lord in” our “hearts” (verse 15). Times of suffering can have one of two opposing effects on our faith. They can cause us to falter, doubt and stumble or they can reaffirm our dependence upon Christ and draw us closer to Him. To sanctify Christ in our hearts is to give Him the place of preeminence in the core of our being, knowing and affirming that He is the Lord, God, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and our lives. At least two blessings can arise when people observe us courageously responding to trials and tribulations with composure and righteousness. First of all, it may pique the interest of some and provide us an opportunity to “make a defense” of our faith, and “give an account for the hope that is in” us (verse 15). Secondly, others may be “put to shame” and silenced (verse 16).
Some people will “revile” (slander) us for our “good behavior in Christ,” but if we “keep a good conscience” by keeping God’s word, they will have no legitimate accusations to level against us in the sight of our righteous Judge. If we are going to suffer, let’s make certain that it is “for doing what is right” rather “than for doing what is wrong” (verse 17). That is the way that Christ lived and the way that He died. Jesus lived a perfectly righteous and “just” life so that He could die a sacrificial death, “the just for the unjust” (verse 18). Friends, the list of “unjust” people that Jesus died for includes you and me, not just those who oppose Christ and revile His followers. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Christ died for the “unjust” that He might bring “us” to God. So, when we are dealing with ungrateful and ungodly people, let’s do so with mercy and kindness remembering that we once walked in their shoes.
Please read 1 Peter 3:19-22 for tomorrow.
May the Lord fill you with His goodness!
-Louie Taylor
