1 Peter 2:11–3:7: Be Subject for the Lord’s Sake
Introduction
In a period of history with unprecedented prosperity, opportunity, and regard for human rights and freedoms, we find endless reasons to be offended. From the stories published by our news outlets, to the content promoted by algorithm on social media feeds, to the topics of conversation in our closest relationships, we live in what many call an “outrage culture.” We no longer “fight the man”—we end up fighting all the men and all the women, at every moment, and for any reason. Peter calls that kind of “outrage” at injustice the “passions of the flesh which wage war against your soul,” and he urges us to abstain from them (2:11). This does not mean that Peter advocates for a passive approach to life, but only that he urges us to approach injustices in our lives from a different perspective: be subject to earthly authorities for heaven’s sake.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think that Peter calls us “beloved” at this juncture (2:11a)? What are the “passions of the flesh” (2:11b)? How do they “wage war against your soul” (2:11c)? What kind of honorable conduct does Peter have in mind (2:12)? What does it mean to “be subject” (2:13a)? How do we be subject to “for the Lord’s sake” (2:13b)? In what sense are we free if we must still live in subjection to the civil rulers (2:16)?
2. Why do you think that Peter does not say more to oppose the institution of slavery here (2:18ff)? What is Peter’s primary purpose in writing this, if not to end the institution of slavery? Why is it a “gracious thing” to endure “sorrows while suffering unjustly” (2:19)? What was the “example” of Christ (2:21)? In what way did Christ go about “entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (2:23)? Where do you struggle most to follow his example?
3. What might suggest that Peter did not write a comprehensive treatment of marriage in 3:1–7? What is his emphasis to wives (3:1)? Why and how might unbelieving husbands be won “without a word” (3:1)? What does (and doesn’t) Peter forbid in 3:3? What kind of adornment does Peter advocate instead of clothing and jewelry (3:4)? Why does Peter say so little to husbands? What part of Peter’s teaching on marriage do you find most challenging?
4. Where do you face injustices in your own life? How do you feel when you experience those injustices? How might Peter’s warning about the passions of the flesh shed light on the nature of your feelings (2:11)? To what degree do you indulge (rather than abstaining from) those passions? Do you recognize any damage that these passions do to your soul? What is one source of outrage that you may need to remove from your life?
