How God blesses us when we face trials and persecution for the sake of doing good? Let us reflect upon 1 Peter 3:8-18 for insights.

Biblical scholars suggest that there are two kinds of audience to whom Peter wrote this epistle – first, Jewish Christians who were scattered throughout the world ever since the Babylonian captivity of 586 B.C. The second group of audience was gentile Christians in Asia Minor, who were also considered by the author as Jews. But, the word “And finally, all of you” which is the translation of the Greek in verse 8, includes everyone, either a Jew or a gentile. In this passage Peter admonishes the whole community of believers to pursue good and he gives assurance of blessing when they face suffering for doing good.  He wrote this letter to prepare Christians for a fiery trial’ of persecution, Yet his approach was optimistic and positive. In this passage Peter gives three instructions to follow, in order to experience Joy in times of suffering. 

Cultivate Christian Love  

1Pet.3:8-12 talks not only about God’s Love for us, but also of our love for others. The word ‘finally’ in verse 8 sums up the whole of human relationships in terms of love. This love is evidenced by unity of spirit, a humble mind and sympathy which leads us towards a sincere feeling “for and with” the needs of others. In the Roman Empire this was not a quality that was admired; but the Christian message changed all that. As Christians we may set our life according to the law, which requires ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’, but we have been called to set our lives on the basis of love and mercy. 

Practice the lordship of Christ  

In 1Pet.3:13-15, Peter talks about how the lordship of Christ enables us to be good during times of pain and persecution. To back up his admonition, he quoted a reference from the book of Isa.Ch.8:13-14. Here Ahaz, king of Judah, faced a crisis because of an impending invasion by the Assyrian army; so, King Ahaz wanted to submit himself to the Assyrian army. In that situation prophet Isaiah warned him and urged him to trust in God. As Christians, during the time of crisis, we are tempted to succumb to our fears and make wrong decisions. But, if we practice the lordship of Christ in our hearts, we need not to fear any circumstances. 

Maintain a good conscience  1Pet.3:16-18. The conscience is the internal judge, which approves or accuses our actions. A good conscience is one that accuses when we think to do wrong and approves when we do right. We may think, how does a good conscience help us in times of trial and opposition? It gives us courage because we know about our right actions before God and our fellow human beings. So, we need not be afraid. A good conscience also gives us peace in our hearts, and when we have peace with in, we can face any challenge that is ahead of us. Then we can always be ready to answer anyone for any case; that gives us strength in times of persecution and difficulty. 

May the Lord enable us to cultivate love, empower us to practice the lordship of Christ and equip us to maintain a good conscience. Amen! 

Copyright © Feb 2010. Joseph Devaraj

Author: Mr. Joseph Devaraj is doing his theological studies at The United Theological College, Bangalore.