1 Peter 3:8–22: Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake
Introduction
The previous passage was perplexing. Why must we be in subjection to every human institution? How do we subject ourselves to every human institution for the Lord’s sake (1 Pet. 2:13)? While Peter’s main goal run that passage was practical application in various spheres of life (government, work, and marriage), he now takes a step backward to explain the rationale behind our subjection. Ultimately, he grounds our subjection to all human institutions in the Lord Jesus Christ—in his example, his work, and his exaltation that has put all those institutions under his subjection. As we seek to honor Christ among even the most unjust settings, Peter calls us to seek spiritual blessing through earthly suffering.
Discussion Questions
1. What does “finally” connect with (v. 8a)? What virtues does Peter commend to us in v. 8b? Why do you think that he selects these specific virtues? How do these virtues contrast with repaying evil for evil or reviling for reviling (v. 9a)? On what basis might we bless (v. 9b)? Read Psalm 34. How does Psalm 34 in its entirety (and in the specific portion that Peter quotes in vv. 10–12) strengthen the argument that Peter is making throughout this section?
2. Since believers are routinely persecuted, how should we interpret Peter’s encouragement in v. 13? In God’s economy, how are we blessed by suffering for righteousness’ sake (v. 14)? What kind of blessing is there in maintaining a good conscience before the Lord (vv. 15–16a)? In what ways will those who slander our good behavior be put to shame (v. 16b)? How does the reality that everyone will suffer encourage us to endure temporary suffering (v. 17)?
3. What do you think it means that Christ was “put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (v. 18)? How does this language connect with Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 15:45? What do you think Peter means about how Christ went in the spirit (Spirit?) to preach to spirits in prison as God’s patience waited in the days of Noah (v. 19–20)? In what way does baptism correspond to all of this (v. 21)?
4. How does the subjection of all earthly and heavenly powers to Christ qualify what Peter said about our subjection to every human institution for the Lord’s sake (v. 22; cf. 1 Pet. 2:13)? How does Christ’s power protect us against all unchecked evil? How does Christ’s grace transform even the most unjust suffering we experience into something that he will use to build us up in him? For what in your life does this help you gain perspective?
