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Category: 1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3:13 – Zealous Followers

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Will

And who is he who harms you if you are eager to do good?

Truth to Learn

The real lesson for today is, let us live our lives as examples of the goodness of God, knowing that He is watching over us. In doing so, we can truly give God the glory for anything that happens to us knowing that our future is secure!

Behind the Words

The King James translation of today’s verse is: “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” The word translated “followers” is mimētai, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “someone who is an imitator or follower.”

The New International translation of this verse is: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” The word translated “eager” is dzēlōtai, from which we get our English word “zealous.” This is what is called a transliteration, a word that is transferred literally from one language to another. It means “ardently active, devoted, or diligent.”

The only difference in the Greek text for these two translations of today’s verse is this one word. But, no matter which translation you prefer, the meaning is essentially the same.

The verb translated “harm” comes from the Greek kakuō. Sound familiar? It comes from the same root as a word we looked at in verse eleven, the word kakos, which means general badness or evil.

Meaning Explained

Peter is saying that if you are zealous about doing good (or if you are followers of doing good), who is there that will harm you for this?

The answer to this question in not “no one!” (Excuse the double negative.) That is, Peter is not saying nothing bad (as we see it) will ever happen to those who are benevolent and keep their tongue under control. What he said in the previous verse is that God will watch over and listen to those who live their life in such a manner. God is a good God, one who truly loves us. Peter is telling us that since God is watching over us when we are zealous for good or when we follow goodness, who can really do anything bad to us without God allowing it for His eternal purpose.

Let us look at Christ as our supreme example. He surely was zealous for good, He was the epitome of goodness, and yet, at least from a human perspective, bad things were done to Him. These bad things, however, resulted in glorious goodness for all who believe, so they weren’t really bad in God’s eyes.

The other way to look at this is to realize that we already have been declared righteous in God’s book (if we have truly been saved). And, we have already been adopted into His family, which includes the promise of spending eternity with Him in heaven. Therefore, if we behave the way His children should, there is no permanent badness that can be done to us!

Application

Are you a follower of what is good? Are you zealous to do good things? If not, then you are not behaving like a child of God. If you are, no real eternal harm can possible happen to you. You’re in good hands!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:12 – Blessing Eyes, Condemning Face

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Will

Because the eyes of the lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the lord is against those who do evil."

Truth to Learn

God is watching over and listening to His righteous children, but He frowns on those who aren’t.

Behind the Words

“Eyes” is from the Greek word ophthalmos, meaning “eye.” It is derived from the verb optanomai, meaning “to see.”

The Greek word epi, meaning “on, over, or upon” appears twice in this verse. The first time it is translated “on” and the second time it is translated “against.” The reason for this is explained below.

The word translated “righteous” is dikaios, which means “one who does right” or “one who is just.”

“Prayers” is from the Greek word dēomai, meaning “to make known one's particular need.”

The word “face” is translated from prosōpon, which is made up of pros, meaning “toward” and ōps (derived from optanomai, “to see”), referring to the area of the face around the eyes. Prosopon is nearly always translated “face.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse and the previous two verses are taken from the book of Psalms where it says:

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil … (Psalms 34:12-16a)

This demonstrates that even this common fisherman (Peter) had studied and memorized the scriptures of his day. Let us not use the excuse that the Bible is too complicated or too difficult to understand as our reason for not studying and memorizing it, since this common, uneducated fisherman was able to do it!

Isn’t it interesting that the Greek translation of this Old Testament passage used the same word (epi) for the eyes of the Lord being “on” the righteous and the face of the Lord being “against” evil doers. Here’s why. The Hebrews of that day believed that having God’s eyes on you indicated the presence of His blessing whereas having God’s face on (or over) you was an indication of His condemnation and coming wrath.

If you study the book of Romans, you will find that it is because of our faith in the blood of Jesus that we have been declared righteous by God. We have this righteousness credited to us the same way Abraham was declared righteous, because he believed God. Because we believe God’s message about His Son (He died in the cross to pay for our sins, and He arose from the grave), His eyes of blessing are on us. But those who reject God’s message regarding His Son will suffer His wrath because His face is over them watching all their faithless sin.

Application

Are God’s eyes on you or is his face against you? It all depends on your position in Christ. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, His eyes are on you. Otherwise …

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:10 – Innocent Language

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Will

For the one determined to love life and to see good days, let him stop his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.

Truth to Learn

The way we speak and the things we say will have an effect on the way we live.

Behind the Words

The word translated “determined” (“wants” or “wills” in some translations) is the Greek verb thelō, which means “to desire, implying active volition and purpose.” In other words, it means “to determine.” There is another word translated “will” or “want” in the New Testament. It is the Greek verb boulomai, which means “to want” or “to desire.” Whereas boulomai means “to be disposed or to intend, but not pressing on to execute that decision,” thelo implies a determination that produces action. It is a subtle, but important, distinction especially in today’s verse.

“Stop” is translated from the Greek word pausato, which means “to stop” or “to bring to an end.” The implication is that something is already happening and we need to stop doing it.

The word translated “guile” is dolon, which means “trickery or deceit.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Peter admonished us not to retaliate when people do or say bad things against us. Instead, we are to respond with “good words.” As we have discussed before, we Christians will suffer persecution on this earth. This world is not our home and we are not of this place. Our home is in the heavenlies and we are but strangers and wanderers on this earth. As such we will be treated as aliens by those who are of this world. If we have a witness that we are Christians, then the inhabitants of this world will do evil to us and they will insult us. It’s their nature.

As Christians, however, we must be ever mindful that we are the children of the King and we are His ambassadors. Since we represent Him, people should see Him in us, particularly in our actions. Not only is He the great King but He is Almighty God who is in control of all things. He knows what will make us truly happy, and in these verses Peter tells us how to be that way.

Peter is not saying that if you desire to love life, then do the following. He is saying that if you have determined to love life, then do the following. It is not a wishy-washy hope that you might love life, rather a determination that you will love life and see good days. Isn’t this what we all want (desire)? If so, then let us decide (determine) to do what it takes to have it.

Peter says, if you want to love life and see good days, you must stop using your tongue for evil and your lips from speaking guile. That is, we need to stop speaking worthless or injurious things and stop trying to trick or deceive people with our words.

Application

If you remember what we learned in our study of James, you will recognize how difficult it is to control the tongue, so what Peter is telling us, though it sounds easy, really isn’t. But that shouldn’t stop us from trying! Let your language reflect your spiritual position (in Christ) not your physical surroundings.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:9 – Blessings for Insults

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Will

not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but on the contrary blessing, because you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Truth to Learn

The proper response when someone insults you is to bless them.

Behind the Words

The word translated “returning” is the Greek word, apodidantes, which means “to give away” or, as in this case, “to give back.” The notion is that it is not self-initiated action but reaction.

The word “evil” is from kakos, which means “worthless, bad, or evil.”

“Insult” is translated from loidoria, which refers to “insulting language or verbal abuse.”

The expression “on the contrary” is from the Greek word tounantion, which literally means “the opposite.”

The word translated “blessing” comes from our old friend, eulogeo, which literally means “good words.”

“Inherit” is translated from the verb klēronomeō, which is made up of klēros, meaning “a lot” or “a portion” and nemō, meaning “to hold” or “to distribute.” klēronomeō refers to the distribution of an inheritance to those who rightfully deserve it.

Meaning Explained

After telling us how we should behave, Peter now tells us how we shouldn’t behave. Few of us go around looking for people we can do bad things to or people we can cast a vicious insult at. On the other hand, how quickly we seem to react to the pain inflicted by others with a little pain infliction of our own. How effortlessly we can deliver a quick and powerful (and stinging) response to others when we are simply defending ourselves.

However, Peter says we should do just the opposite. We should respond with a blessing when we are insulted or when someone does something bad to us. We should eulogize them, we should respond with kind words (Yeah, right! That’s what I want to do when someone slams me!) The point is, the action we should take is not what we want to do, it is what God tells us to do.

“Why should I say something nice to someone who just did something bad to me?” you may ask. Peter says, in effect, that this is our purpose in life. Unto this we were called. Here’s what the Apostle Paul said to the Christians in Rome:

But whom He predestinated, these He also called; and whom He called, those He also justified. And whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:39)

Because God chose us and called us, He also declared us as just, or righteous, and in God’s mind at least, He has already glorified us. Because of this calling, however, we are also expected to behave in a certain manner. We were called to inherit a blessing, that is, justification, glorification, and salvation! Therefore, we certainly should return a blessing on those who do bad things to us in light of what God has already done for us and in light of what He is going to do for us.

Application

The next time someone does something bad to you or insults you try saying something nice to them in return. You may be surprised by what happens!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:8 – Christ-Like Attributes

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Will

Finally, all of you be like minded, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

Truth to Learn

God has specific expectations regarding how we are to treat each other.

Behind the Words

The construction of this verse is very interesting. He says “Finally,” summing up what he has been saying about how we are all to live in relation to one another. This is followed by a series of adjectives. There is no verb present. It is implied as a command “to be.” Thus, the translation “Finally, all of you be.”

“Like minded” is from homophrōn, made up of homo, meaning “all the same” and a form of phrēn, which specifically refers to the feelings, but by extension it refers to “the mind.” Hence, this means “the same mind” or “the same thinking.”

The word translated “having compassion for one another” is sumpatheis, from which we get out English word “sympathy.” It is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of pathos, meaning “strong feelings, either good or bad.” Hence, it literally means “feeling joys and sorrows with each other.”

The next word is philadelphos, which is made up of a form of philos, meaning “friend” and adelphos, meaning “brother.” Hence, it refers to being “brother friendly.” The noun form of this word is often translated as “brotherly love.”

The word translated “tenderhearted” is eusplangchnos, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and splangchnos, which literally refers to “the intestines.” This may seem strange to us, but in the first century it was believed that emotional feelings came from the intestines. Hence this word refers to “good emotions” toward one another.

“Courteous” is translated from tapeinophrones, made up of tapeinos, meaning “low, particularly in attitude or social position” and a form of phrēn, referring to the mind. So this word literally means “humble minded.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now summarizes how we all are to behave in this life. A few verses back Peter said that Christ was our example of how we ought to suffer patiently when we suffer for doing good. He is, in fact, our ultimate example of living. Think of how Christ lived his life here on earth as you read this translation of today’s verse concerning how we are to live our lives:

And in conclusion, all of you be agreeable, be sympathetic, be a friend to your brothers, be compassionate, be humble minded.

The world will not treat you this way! In fact, if you behave this way you will probably suffer for it. Will you suffer patiently?

Whether He was a baby in a manger, a teacher, a healer or a savior on the cross, Jesus was always… agreeable, sympathetic, brotherly friendly, compassionate, and humble.

Application

Do these words describe you in your relationships with other Christians? If not, then pray to the Father to help you develop these attributes in your daily walk.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:7 – Understanding Co-Heirs

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Will

Husbands, in the same way, dwelling together with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the gracious gift of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Truth to Learn

Though our wives are our equal, joint heirs of God, we husbands have a greater responsibility than they do in the marriage relationship.

Behind the Words

The word translated “understanding” is gnosis, which means “knowledge or understand.” We are to live with them in a knowing, or understanding, way.

“Honor” is translated from timē, meaning “value, esteem, or honor.” It refers to something that we consider of great worth.

The word “vessel” is from the Greek word skeuos, referring to “something which can be filled.” It is a reference to our very being, which can be filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 9:15, God refers to Saul (later called Paul) as a chosen vessel.

“Heirs together” is from sugklēronomos, meaning “those who inherit together.” We have an equal inheritance with our wives.

The word translated “hindered” is ekkoptō, which literally means “to cut out.” By application it refers to something that has been made ineffective or nonexistent.

Meaning Explained

Okay, men, this is where Peter drops the other shoe and it falls squarely on our toes. Earlier he started off this third chapter with “In the same way” as he talked to wives, and he now starts off with the same connective as he talks to husbands. He is not connecting this with what he said to wives; rather he is connecting this to his previous message on how to humbly live within society as a witness of God’s grace.

Peter tells us to dwell together with our wives knowingly, in an understanding way. We are to put effort into understanding their feelings and emotions and living in such a way as to take these things into account. Our responsibility in the marriage relationship is actually much greater than that of our wives. They are to voluntarily place themselves under our authority, but we are to be ever mindful of them. We are to give them special honor and we are to recognize that they are physically weaker, treating them as precious because of it. Also, the Apostle Paul says we are to love them:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, (Ephesians 5:25)

This word for “love” is agapaō, the self-sacrificing, unconditional consideration for another, having more concern for their welfare than our own. If we don’t treat our wives with proper respect and loving care, Peter tells us that our prayers may become ineffective.

Christianity is the only major religion that places women in a position of equality with men with respect to the promises and blessings of God. We husbands are to model that to our wives, and to the world.

Application

Let me ask you men, does it sometimes feel like God is not listening to your prayers? Could it be the result of your not treating your wife with understanding and honor?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:6 – Sarah’s Example

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Will

as Sarah was obedient to Abraham, calling him sir, whose daughters you are doing good and fearing no terror.

Truth to Learn

Sarah is Peter’s example of a wife who is submissive to her husband.

Behind the Words

The word translated “obedient” is the Greek word, hupakouō, which literally translates to “hear under.” It is the picture of a student attentively learning from a teacher.

The word “sir” is from kurios which means, “lord, master, or sir.” It does not show Sarah as an abject slave of Abraham, calling him “master,” so much as it shows her as giving respect to him as the family spiritual head, calling him “sir.”

“Fearing” is from the Greek word, phobeō, from which we get the English word “phobia,” which means “to fear.” This is the word used when we are commanded to “fear God.” It carries with it the sense of “to be in awe of” or “to revere.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verses Peter has been talking about wives voluntarily ranking themselves under their husbands, specifically unsaved husbands, with the view in mind of being a witness that may result in the salvation of their husbands. The whole purpose is to minister for the glory of God.

Peter then gets very specific about the type of outward adornment that is appropriate for the wife, which is itself less important than the inner adornment of a humble and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

He then uses the women of ancient time as an example of this inner adornment and now cites Sarah as the supreme example of this type of spirit in her adornment and submission to God through her submission to Abraham.

Remember that Peter started this particular treatise in chapter 2 with instruction on how to be built up as a spiritual house. How we behave with respect to government, our own bosses, and even how we conduct ourselves within our own family are an indication of how we are allowing ourselves to be used in the construction of this spiritual building.

He finishes this section on the behavior of wives with a word of encouragement that by behaving in this manner you wives are demonstrating that you are the spiritual daughters of Sarah. He caps it off by saying that wives who behave in this manner are doing well if it is done in fear without alarm.

But ladies, if your husband is treating you in such a way as to cause you to fear him, whether he claims to be saved or not, then this verse is not addressed to you. You are not commanded to be his doormat and certainly not expected to take abuse from your husband, either physical or emotional.

Application

Western society today does not like this message. The message of the world is to stand up for yourself and do your own thing. If your “thing” is to be faithful to God and to be obedient to Him, then you women are to place yourselves under your husband’s authority. But, if you’re more focused on yourself than on God, you can ignore Peter’s message. It’s up to you.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:5 – Exemplary Holy Women

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Will

For in this manner, in the past, the holy women who were hoping in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

Truth to Learn

The example of proper adornment is in the Old Testament women.

Behind the Words

The Greek word hagiai, is translated here as “holy.” It is the feminine plural form of hagios, which we have studied in the past, meaning “holy” or “pure.” It carries with it the idea of being separated from the things of the world and from sin. It is also the word that is translated “saint” throughout the New Testament. These are those wives in the Old Testament who had set themselves apart from the things of the world to the things of God.

“Adorned” is translated from a form of kosmos, which as we have recently learned means “an orderly arrangement.” It is used here in the imperfect tense indicating past, repeated action.

The word translated “were hoping” is elpidzō which comes from the primary word elpo, meaning “to anticipate, usually with pleasure.” Elpidzō means “to hope with full expectation of fulfillment.” These women were not simply hoping that God was going to take care of them, they trusted God’s promises.

Meaning Explained

Peter now makes a reference which sounds like a grandfather talking to his grandson, “Why, I remember in the old days wives used to …” Actually, Peter’s reference is to the times of the patriarchs, which we know because he uses Sarah as an example in the next verse. What was it about these women, and Sarah particularly, that interests Peter? First of all, they were holy. They did not succumb to the temptations of their day to assert themselves as something special independent of their husbands. They were not swayed by the fads and trends of those around them. Instead, they were committed, first to God, then to their husbands.

Secondly, these women “hoped in God.” They fully expected that God would be pleased with them because of their obedience to Him and because of their submission to their husbands. Today we would say that they were women of faith. Not only did they believe in God, but they also had such a confident expectation that God would take care of them that peace ruled in their lives no matter what happened.

These holy women of faith used to adorn themselves with a humble and quiet spirit, being subordinate to their husbands, according to Peter. These were not women who were interested in glorifying themselves, but God. They were not subordinate to their husbands because they were forced to, but because they knew that it was God’s will for them.

Application

Ladies, let me say once again that it is not wrong to arrange your appearance in an orderly manner (adorn yourselves). A Christian woman should present herself as set-apart for God’s use. Not by means of elaborate clothing and jewelry, and not by means of plain, drab clothing, long straight hair, and no make-up. Her outward appearance is to be modest, and the attitude of her heart, her submission to God and to her husband, is what makes her attractive to others.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:4 – Great Inward Value

Posted on January 2, 2017 by Will

but let it be the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great value in the presence of God.

Truth to Learn

God places great value on a humble and quiet spirit.

Behind the Words

The expression, “the hidden person of the heart” is one that I find particularly interesting. The word translated “person” (“man” in some translations) is anthropos, which literally means “man faced.” It is derived from ana trepon opa meaning “turning the face upward.” It refers specifically to human-kind and is used with various descriptors to portray different aspects of our being. Some of these include the inner man in Romans 7:22 (the soul), the outer man in 2 Corinthians 4:16 (the body), the new man in Ephesians 2:15 (regenerate or “saved” man), the old man in Romans 6:6 (unregenerate or “sinful” man), and the hidden man here in 1 Peter 3:4. Some Greek scholars believe that “the hidden man” refers, like “the inner man,” to our soul. I think of it, rather, as the real man. It is our character, that is, who and what we are when we think no one is watching. It is what others who know us well see in us when the acting, the psychological make-up, the pretense, the façade, and the phoniness are all stripped away. It is who we really are on the inside. According to the latter part of this verse, it is the seat of our spirit.

The word “gentle” comes from the Greek word praeos, which means “mild” or “humble,” and “quiet” is from the Greek hesuchios, which literally means “keeping one’s seat.” Hence, by implication it means “still” or “quiet.”

“Of great value” is from the Greek word polutelēs, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “great” and telos, meaning “expense” or “cost.” Hence, this word refers to “great value.”

Meaning Explained

Peter tells us that the thing which is most adorning in wives is the inward quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. It sounds like someone who is at peace with God, doesn’t it? Someone who has such a solid faith in God, even in the midst of the tumultuous storms of life, that she can rest peacefully in the hands of “the One who judges rightly.” Peter says that God considers this type of spirit as being of great value.

And… there isn’t a husband in his right mind who wouldn’t want a wife like this. Unfortunately, finding a man who is in his right mind, who is focused on God instead of himself is a rare commodity indeed. Particularly an unsaved one like the one Peter is talking about in these verses. Therefore, Peter does not make the behavior of wives conditional. He says, in essence, “Wives, instead of focusing your attention on outward adornment, focus on spiritual development, on being who and what God wants you to be, because this witness may be the very message that God uses to speak to your husband.” I personally cannot count the times that God has spoken to me about my own sinfulness through just such a witnessing spirit in my own wife.

Application

Wives, there is nothing wrong with attractive clothing and other outward cosmetic means of looking nice. That is, as long as your real effort to be attractive is applied to being a godly woman with a humble and quiet spirit.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:3 – Simple Adornment

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Will

Do not let your adornment be merely external—such as arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fancy clothing

Truth to Learn

Our outward appearance reflects the attitude of our heart.

Behind the Words

The word “let” is an interesting word. In English we often give this word the meaning of “allow.” However, whenever this word appears in a Greek translation it is an indication of a command.

The word translated “adornment” is the Greek word kosmos. This is the same word that in some places is translated “world” or “world system.” In its root meaning it refers to an orderly arrangement of things. From this word we get our English word “cosmetic.”

“Arranging” is from the Greek word emplokē, which is the noun form of the verb emplekō, meaning “to interweave, to braid-in, or to entangle.” It is a reference here to special attention given to a woman’s hairdo.

Meaning Explained

Note that Peter is not condemning adornment, or ornamentation. In fact, in the following verses he talks about the preferable type of adornment for women. The apostle Paul says a similar thing:

In the same way also, that women adorn themselves in appropriate clothing, with modesty and sensibleness, not adorned with braiding, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing, (1 Timothy 2:9)

Neither Peter nor Paul says that it is wrong to adorn. In fact, in the 1 Timothy passage just quoted, Paul says that women should adorn themselves in “sensible,” “appropriate,” or “modest” clothing (depending on which translation you are reading). This word is from the Greek word kosmios, which has the same root as kosmos. Paul says that women should be adorned in “orderly” apparel.

What both of these writers are saying is that it is wrong to focus solely on the outward adornment. The things which Peter refers to in today’s verse as well as the things that Paul refers to in the passage in 1 Timothy all have to do with expensive adornment. In the first century, only the wealthy women could afford to have their hair put up in fancy braids. The Roman women of that day were known for ridiculous extravagance in the adornment of their hair. This included dying the hair, elaborate braiding or arranging with costly pins and nets of gold thread. It even included the use of false hair additions and blond wigs. It was common for these women to also braid flowers, jewelry, and other attention grabbing items into the hair.

Why do you suppose they did this? Here’s what it says in 1 Samuel 16:7:

For man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart.

These women wanted others to be attracted to them, to their outward appearance and to their wealth. God would rather have people notice our lifestyle, a reflection of what is in our heart.

Application

We Christians should all be careful to present a neat and orderly appearance since we are representatives of (and children of) the Great King and Lord of the universe. But we should represent Him, not ourselves. People who see us should not be wowed by our clothing or jewelry. Instead, they should notice our attitude and behavior, the outward manifestations of our faith in God.

Let us all remember this when we get dressed tomorrow.

In God's service, for His glory,