1 Peter 3:8 - Meaning and Application

The apostle now moves from special duties to broader ones. He teaches Christians how they should treat one another, and he calls them to be of one mind. That means agreeing in the main truths of the faith and in the practice of true religion. Since many believers were suffering at that time, he also tells them to care for one another, love as brothers and sisters, show pity to the hurting, and be courteous to everyone.

Christians should work toward unity in the great matters of faith, in real affection, and in Christian conduct, according to Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5), not according to human preference, but according to God’s Word. Even when Christians cannot agree on every detail, they should still have compassion for one another and love each other as family. They must not hate or persecute one another, but should show more than ordinary kindness. Christianity also requires pity for those in distress and courtesy toward all. Anyone who refuses civil kindness must be a serious sinner or a very shameful apostate, that is, someone who has turned away from the faith (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 John 1:10-11).

He next teaches how believers should act toward enemies. Peter knew Christians would be hated and treated badly for Christ’s sake. So he warns them not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Instead, when people speak against them, they are to speak well in return. Christ has called them, by both his teaching and his example, to bless those who curse them. He has also appointed blessing as their lasting inheritance, even though they were undeserving. Patiently bearing wrong and blessing enemies is the path to receiving God’s blessing.

To repay evil for evil, or insult for insult, is sinful and unchristian. The magistrate may punish wrongdoing, and private people may seek legal help when wronged, but private revenge is forbidden (Proverbs 20:22; Luke 6:27; Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). To rail means to attack someone with bitter and shameful words. But this is not the same as a minister sharply rebuking sin or preaching strongly against the sins of the time. The prophets and apostles did that often (Isaiah 56:10; Zephaniah 3:3; Acts 20:29). The law of Christ requires us to answer railing with blessing (Matthew 5:44). We are to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who persecute us. That does not mean we approve of their sin, but it does mean we give them whatever justice and charity require. We must pity them, pray for them, and love them even when they speak against us.

A Christian’s calling gives him great privileges, but it also lays on him hard duties. All true servants of God will surely inherit a blessing. They already enjoy it in part now, but the full joy of it is kept for the world to come.

Peter then gives a good guide for living a happy and peaceful life in this quarrelsome world (1 Peter 3:10). He quotes Psalm 34:12-14. If you want a long life with peaceful and good days, keep your tongue from abusive speech, slander, and speaking evil, and keep your lips from lies, trickery, and pretending. Do no real harm to your neighbor, but always be ready to do good. Overcome evil with good. Seek peace with everyone and keep after it, even when it seems to move away from you. This is the best way to make people speak well of you and live peacefully with you.

The same moral duties bound believers under both the Old and New Testaments. It was right in David’s day, and it is right now, to keep the tongue from evil and the lips from deceit. It is also proper to use the promise of earthly good things as an encouragement to religion. Living faithfully, especially by ruling the tongue well, is one of the best ways to make life peaceful and comfortable. A sincere, harmless, and wise tongue is a great help in passing through the world in peace. Turning from evil and doing good is the path to contentment and happiness, both now and forever. Christians are not only to accept peace when it is offered, but to seek it and pursue it when it is refused. This includes peace among groups of believers, as well as peace between individual people, in opposition to division and strife.

Peter also shows that such patient and harmless conduct will not lead to more cruelty from enemies, because God will be on the side of his people. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous (1 Peter 3:12). He takes special notice of them, rules over them in his providence, and shows them special love. His ears are open to their prayers, so if they suffer wrong, they can bring it to their heavenly Father. He is always ready to hear his servants when they pray in distress, and he will surely help them against wicked enemies. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. His anger and judgment will follow them, because he is a greater enemy of evil persecutors than any human being is.

We should not always hold tightly to the exact wording of Scripture without asking about its meaning, or we may fall into wrong and even blasphemous ideas. We must not imagine that God has physical eyes, ears, or a face, even though Scripture speaks that way. Still, we should understand that God has special care and fatherly love for all righteous people. He always hears the prayers of the faithful (John 4:31; 1 John 5:14; Hebrews 4:16). And though God is perfectly good, he still hates stubborn sinners and will pour out his wrath on those who do evil. He will do justice for himself and for the whole world, and his goodness does not keep him from doing that.

This patient and humble conduct is also urged for two more reasons. First, it is usually the best way to avoid suffering, because who will harm you if you are eager to do good? (1 Peter 3:13). This seems to mean Christians in ordinary times, not during intense persecution. Usually, few people are so wicked and foolish as to harm those who live so innocently and helpfully.

Second, this is the way to make suffering useful.

If you follow what is good and still suffer, then your suffering is for righteousness’s sake (1 Peter 3:14). That kind of suffering will become your honor and your joy, because Christ has promised blessing to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10). So you do not need to be afraid of anything your enemies may do to frighten you, or be deeply troubled by their rage or force.

The lesson is plain. The best way to keep out of harm’s way is to keep doing what is good. To suffer for righteousness’ sake is the honor and happiness of a Christian. To suffer for the truth, for a good conscience, or for any part of Christian duty is a great honor. The pain is less than the comfort that comes with it, the honor is greater than the shame, and the gain is far greater than the loss. Christians have no reason to fear the threats or anger of their enemies. Those enemies are God’s enemies too. His face is against them, his power is above them, and they can do nothing to you except by his permission.

Instead of frightening yourselves with the fear of people, make sure you sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1 Peter 3:15). Let him be the one you fear, and let him be the one you dread (Isaiah 8:12-13). Do not fear those who can only kill the body. Fear the one who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). We sanctify the Lord God in our hearts when we truly and earnestly worship him, when our thoughts about him are full of reverence, and when we trust his power, depend on his faithfulness, submit to his wisdom, and follow his holiness. We also sanctify God before others when our conduct leads other people to honor and glorify him. Both are required (Leviticus 10:3).

When this truth is deeply rooted in your heart, the next duty toward people is to be always ready, willing, and able to give an answer for the faith you profess. You should be able to explain your hope to anyone who asks why you believe as you do, or why you bear such hardship in the world. An awe-filled sense of God’s greatness is the best cure for fear of suffering. If we feared God more, we would surely fear people less.

The Christian’s hope and faith can be defended against the whole world. There is a good reason for religion. It is not a mere feeling or guess, but a wise plan revealed from heaven, made to meet the needs of lost sinners, and centered completely on God’s glory through Jesus Christ. Every Christian is bound to answer for the hope that is in him. Christians should have a reason ready for their faith, so it is clear they are not driven by foolishness or by empty excitement. This defense may be needed more than once, so Christians should always be prepared to make it, whether before a magistrate, if he asks, or before any thoughtful Christian who wants to learn and grow.

These answers about our faith should be given with gentleness and respect. We should defend our religion with humility and meekness, with a careful concern to honor God, a watchfulness over ourselves, and reverence toward those above us.