1 Peter 3-5

Notes compiled with my BSF group


1 Peter 3-5


http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1840&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Peter


Matthew Henry
Wherein the apostle describes the duties of husbands and wives one to another, beginning with the duty of the wife (v. 1-7). He exhorts Christians to unity, love, compassion, peace, and patience under sufferings; to oppose the slanders of their enemies, not by returning evil for evil, or railing for railing, but by blessing; by a ready account of their faith and hope, and by keeping a good conscience (v. 8–17). To encourage them to this, he proposes the example of Christ, who suffered, the just for the unjust, but yet punished the old world for their disobedience, and saved the few who were faithful in the days of Noah (v. 18 to the end).


1 Peter 3:1–2
In the previous passage (1 Peter 2:13-25), we learned how Jesus submitted to authorities. Wives are to submit to husbands in the same way.


1 Corinthians 11:3 says, “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Furthermore, both men and women are a part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). We are all equals, but we have different roles. As defined by God, the role of men is to lead his household with love as Christ led the Church with love, and the role of women is to follow her husband with love and support, as Church is taught to follow Christ with love and support.
Biblically, husbands leading well and wives following well are important because GOD SAID SO. This is what God considers a Biblical marriage.


Practically, husbands leading well and wives following well are important because these factors ensure a healthy marriage that would last an eternity.


1 Peter 1:3
Peter is stressing that beauty comes from our inner self, not from what we wear.


Back in Peter’s time, ungodly women or prostitutes used their outer beauty to seduce men. They wore shiny jewelry and braided their hair so that they would stand out. It is not wrong to be physically beautiful, for we are all children of God, and God created each one of us with purpose. However, it is sinful to use our assets to cause others to stumble. For example, we know that marriage, under God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. How then, could a woman of God use her physical beauty to seduce multiple men? Furthermore, the sacred marital relationship between a husband and a wife is based on love and respect. What then, is the kind of relationship between a man and a woman that is established on sexual seduction?


Here, Peter is telling us that true beauty is the beauty of our soul. We should cultivate our minds by following God and allow our inner beauty shine through. Paul spoke against wearing jewelry and braided hair because those represented ungodly women and prostitutes who thought beauty is what we see on the outside. Peter is telling us not to dress like them but focus on our inner beauty.


Matthew Henry
In preferring the ornaments of the mind to those of the body. [1.] He lays down a rule in regard to the dress of religious women, v. 3. Here are three sorts of ornaments forbidden: plaiting of hair, which was commonly used in those times by lewd women; wearing of gold, or ornaments made of gold, was practised by Rebecca, and Esther, and other religious women, but afterwards became the attire chiefly of harlots and wicked people; putting on of apparel, which is not absolutely forbidden, but only too much nicety and costliness in it. Learn, First, Religious people should take care that all their external behaviour be answerable to their profession of Christianity: They must be holy in all manner of conversation. Secondly, The outward adorning of the body is very often sensual and excessive; for instance, when it is immoderate, and above your degree and station in the world, when you are proud of it and puffed up with it, when you dress with design to allure and tempt others, when your apparel is too rich, curious, or superfluous, when your fashions are fantastical, imitating the levity and vanity of the worst people, and when they are immodest and wanton. The attire of a harlot can never become a chaste Christian matron. [2.] Instead of the outward adorning of the body, he directs Christian wives to put on much more excellent and beautiful ornaments, v. 4. Here note, First, The part to be adorned: The hidden man of the heart; that is, the soul; the hidden, the inner man. Take care to adorn and beautify your souls rather than your bodies.Secondly, The ornament prescribed. It must, in general, be somethingnot corruptible, that beautifies the soul, that is, the graces and virtues of God’s Holy Spirit. The ornaments of the body are destroyed by the moth, and perish in the using; but the grace of God, the longer we wear it, the brighter and better it is. More especially, the finest ornament of Christian women is a meek and quiet spirit, a tractable easy temper of mind, void of passion, pride, and immoderate anger, discovering itself in a quiet obliging behaviour towards their husbands and families. If the husband be harsh, and averse to religion (which was the case of these good wives to whom the apostle gives this direction), there is no way so likely to win him as a prudent meek behaviour. At least, a quiet spirit will make a good woman easy to herself, which, being visible to others, becomes an amiable ornament to a person in the eyes of the world. Thirdly, The excellency of it. Meekness and calmness of spirit are, in the sight of God, of great price-amiable in the sight of men, and precious in the sight of God. Learn, 1. A true Christian’s chief care lies in the right ordering and commanding of his own spirit. Where the hypocrite’s work ends, there the true Christian’s work begins. 2. The endowments of the inner man are the chief ornaments of a Christian; but especially a composed, calm, and quiet spirit, renders either man or woman beautiful and lovely.


Life Application Study Bible:
* 1 Peter 3:1-7 A changed life speaks loudly and clearly, and it is often the most effective way to influence a family member. Peter instructs Christian wives to develop inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about their outward appearance. Their husbands will be won over by their love. This does not mean that Christian women should be dowdy and frumpy; it is good to take care of oneself and look one's best. But far more important is the developing of an inner spirit of godliness. Live your Christian faith quietly and consistently in your home, so that your family will see Christ in you. True beauty begins inside (Proverbs 31:30).


1 Peter 3:7
Women are generally physically weaker than men. This is why one of the husbands’ roles is to protect his wife. For details, check out Pastor Mark Driscoll's  detailed analysis of 1 Peter 3:7.


I think Driscoll described it best here: "Generally speaking, a woman is like a fine crystal glass and a man is like a thermos. One is not better than the other, but they are different. And, if you slam them together, the thermos always wins."



Life Application Study Bible
*1 Peter 3:7 When Peter says that women may be "weaker" than men, he was not implying moral or intellectual inferiority, but was recognizing women's physical limitations. Women in his day, if unprotected by men, were vulnerable to attack, abuse, and financial disaster. Women's lives may be easier today, but women are still vulnerable to criminal attack and family abuse. And in spite of increased opportunities in the workplace, many women still earn less than men, and the vast majority of the nations' poor are single mothers and their children. A man who honors his wife as a member of the weaker sex will protect, respect, help and stay with her. He will not expect her to work full-time outside the home and full-time at home; he will lighten her load wherever he can. He will be sensitive to her needs, and he will relate to her with courtesy, consideration, insight and tact.
*1 Peter 3:7 If a man is not considerate and respectful to his wife, his prayers will not be heard, because a living relationship with God depends on right relationship with others. Jesus said that if you have a problem with a fellow believer, you must make it right with that person before coming to worship (Matthew 5:23, 24). This principle carries over into family relationships. If men use their position to mistreat their wives, their prayers will e hindered.



1 Peter 3:8–22
Desirable characteristics for Christians in dealing with each other:
- Live in harmony
- Be sympathetic
- Love as brothers
- Be compassionate and humble
- Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.


Life Application Study Bible:
*1 Peter 3:8 Peter lists five key elements that should characterize any group of believers: (1) one mind - pursuing the same goals; (2) sympathy - being responsive to others' needs; (3) love - seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters; (4) tenderness - being affectionately sensitive and caring; and (5) humility - being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other's successes. These five qualities go a long way toward helping believers serve God effectively.
*1 Peter 3:8, 9 Where is God? How can we know God is real? Who says the Bible is any better than other holy books? To answer these questions, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, as living evidence. God also chose Peter and others to show what a difference true faith makes in the real world. So here the once rash, belligerent, domineering, and arrogant Peter bears witness to a life of harmony, compassion, love, and humility. What a difference God makes! You, too, are God's witness to skeptical people. Let your life be evidence to God's truth. Let your pride become humility and your insensitivity give way to genuine affection for others.


1 Peter 3:9-12
Benefits of Christlike behavior:
- Inherit a blessing
- The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer


Life Application Study Bible:
*1 Peter 3:9 In our fallen world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. Peter, remembering Jesus' teaching to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), encourages his readers to pay back wrongs with a blessing, such as praying for the offenders. In God's Kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them.
*1 Peter 3:11 Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace by building good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. The peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, they are brought into the open and dealt with before they grow unmanageable. Making peace is hard work - you have to search for it and work to maintain it - but it results in God's blessing.


1 Peter 3:13-17
We should not fear, because our heart follows Jesus. We should always be prepared to answer, but we should answer with gentleness and respect. We should keep a clear conscience and continue to do God’s work, so that when we stand in front of God, we will be declared righteous whereas those who slander us will be judged. As Peter said, “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).


Life Application Bible Study:
*1 Peter 3:15 Some Christians believe that faith is a personal matter that should be kept to oneself. It is true that we shouldn't be boisterous or obnoxious in sharing our faith, but we should always be ready to give an answer, gently and respectfully, when asked about our faith, our life-style, or our Christian perspective. Can others see your hope in Christ? Are you prepared to tell them what Christ has done in your life?
*1 Peter 3:16 You may not be able to keep people from speaking evil against you, but you can at least stop supplying them with ammunition. As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and only embarrass them. Keep your conduct above criticism!


1 Peter 3:19-20
This verse is a difficult study, and my groups wasn't sure what to make of it. I found the following references that may be helpful:
http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/99-preaching-to-the-spirits-in-prison
http://www.gotquestions.org/spirits-in-prison.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/where-was-Jesus.html
http://www.biblicalstudies.com/bstudy/expostudy/prison1.htm


Life Application Study Bible:
*1 Peter 3:18-20 The meaning of preaching "to the spirits in prison" is not completely clear, and commentators have explained it in different ways. The traditional interpretation is that between his death and resurrection, Christ announced salvation to God's faithful followers who had been waiting for their salvation during the whole Old Testament era. Some think that this passage says that Christ's Spirit was in Noah as Noah preached to those imprisoned by sin (but now in hell). Still others say that Christ went to Hades to proclaim his victory and final condemnation to the fallen angels imprisoned there since Noah's day (see 2 Peter 2:4). In any case, the passage shows that Christ's Good News of salvation and victory is not limited. While some Bible passages, such as this one, may remain unclear, we can discover certain truths from the along with the context of the rest of Scripture. In this passage, we discover that: (1) God speaks. While we puzzle over what, where, and how, we can see that God is communicating to the world. (2) God triumphs. Christ victoriously preached, indicating his power, control, and transcendence over all creation. (3) God saves. God exerts himself to rescue those who desire him. This mysterious passage tells us at least this much - and that is much indeed. 
*1 Peter 3:21 Peter says that Noah's salvation from the Flood symbolized baptism, a ceremony involving water. In baptism we identify with Jesus Christ, who separates us from the lost and gives us new life. It is not the ceremony that saves us; instead, the ceremony is evidence of our faith in Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism is a symbol of the cleansing that happens in the hearts of those who believe (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12). By identifying themselves with Christ through baptism, Peter's readers could resist turning back, even under the pressure of persecution. Public baptism would keep them from the temptation to renounce their faith.


1 Peter 4
Matthew Henry
The work of a Christian is twofold—doing the will of God and suffering his pleasure. This chapter directs us in both. The duties we are here exhorted to employ ourselves in are the mortification of sin, living to God, sobriety, prayer, charity, hospitality, and the best improvement of our talents, which the apostle presses upon Christians from the consideration of the time they have lost in their sins, and the approaching end of all things (v. 1–11). The directions for sufferings are that we should not be surprised at them, but rejoice in them, only take care not to suffer as evil-doers. He intimates that their trials were near at hand, that their souls were in danger as well as their bodies, and that the best way to preserve their souls is to commit them to God in well-doing.


People living apart from God’s Word will have to give the following account: Living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.


Peter’s point here is that people who don’t follow God’s Word lead destructive lives. They cheat, lie, fall into lust, drunkenness, sexual immorality – essentially, all kinds of “destestable idolatry.”


Followers or non-followers of God, we all have to face God one day and either be judged or rewarded. Followers will not be judged because Jesus was judged in our place when He drank from the cup of wrath on the cross. Followers of God are still sinners, but we are declared righteous through Jesus. Therefore, instead of being judged, we will be rewarded instead based on the good deeds we have done in God’s name.


Non-followers of God, which in this passage are represented by the Pagans, however, will be judged because they refused salvation offered by Jesus. That is, they have to be judged for their own sins because they rejected Jesus, and therefore rejected placing their inequities on Jesus’ shoulders. That is, they chose to carry their own sins on their own shoulders.


Therefore, Peter ended this passage by saying, “For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6).


That is, Jesus told us to preach the gospel because He hopes that everyone can be saved through Him. He wants people to know that they do not need to shoulder their own sins. He wants people to know that He is here to carry all that burden. He willingly died for us, and He wants us to know that.


Non-followers of God may not understand why followers choose to live by God’s Word, to live righteously, instead of like them, who appear to live completely free lives, not limited by rules. They think followers live “dead” lives because they don’t know how to “enjoy total freedom.” They think that because they are judging followers by the body, not knowing that they are dead in the spirit. That is, they may live physically unlimited lives, but once their bodies die, their souls are condemned in Hell. What kind of freedom is that? If our souls live forever, shouldn’t we focus more on the eternal life of our spirit, which is governed by God?



Life Application Study Bible
*1 Peter 4:1, 2 Suffering helps us be like Christ, yet people will do anything to avoid pain. Followers of Christ, however, should be willing and prepared to do Gods will and to suffer for it if necessary. We can overcome sin when we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do. Pain and danger reveal our true values. Anyone who suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering has made a clean break with sin.
*1 Peter 4:3, 4 People whose lives change radically at conversion may experience contempt from old friends. They may be scorned not only because they refuse to participate in certain activities but also because their priorities have changed and they are now heading in the opposite direction. Their lives incriminate their friends' sinful activities. Mature Christians should help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by helping them to be faithful to Christ, surround them as new friends, and encouraging them to develop new habits and activities that are not only enjoyable but positive for their spiritual growth.
*1 Peter 4:5 The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus (Acts 16:31), but the basis for judgment is how we have lived. All people will be judged; believers for the rewards they will receive; unbelievers for punishment. Those who inflict persecution are marked for punishment when they stand before God. All will give an account to God, so we must be ready. This may give you a new perspective on your activities and actions today. Are you prepared to explain them to God?
*1 Peter 4:5, 6 Many people in the early church had concerns about life after death. In Thessalonica, Christians worried that loved ones who died before Christ's return might never see Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Peter's readers needed to be reminded that the dead (both the faithful and their oppressors) would be judged. The judgment will be perfectly fair, he pointed out, because even the dead have heard the Good News (see also 3:18, 19). The Good News was first announced when Jesus Christ preached on the earth, but it has been operating since before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) and, it affects all people, the dead as well as the living.

*1 Peter 4:7-9 We should live expectantly because Christ is coming soon. Getting ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and for others (see Jesus' summary of the law in Matthew 22:37-40). It is important to pray regularly and to reach out to needy people. Your possessions, status, and power will mean nothing to God's Kingdom, but you will spend eternity with other people. Invest your time and talents where they will make an eternal difference.
*1 Peter 4:10, 11 Our abilities should be faithfully used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. Peter mentions speaking and serving. Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, and Ephesians 4:11. Even as you seek to discover your gifts, if you see a need in the church, seek to meet it. You may find gifts in areas you might not have guessed!
*1 Peter 4:11 How is God glorified when we use our abilities? When we use them as he directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and glorify him for the help they have received. Peter may have been thinking of Jesus' words, "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16).


1 Peter 4:17
Zechariah 13:7-9
Malachi 3:1-5
Before the physical return of Jesus to reign on Earth for 1000 years, the Great Tribulation will take place. This period of time is also known as a time of Jacob’s troubles (Jeremiah 30:7). This means, this is a time of trial for the Israelites but not the Church. Hence, before the Tribulation, the Church will be raptured. And during this period of trial, many Israelites will be tested. 2/3 of them will die. Only 1/3 of them will survive. The purpose of this trial is for them to finally recognize who God is and for them to stop their idolatry and recognize the sovereignty of God. That is, the Israelites, as Isaiah has predicted, will finally be forever restored in God.


Life Application Study Bible:
*1 Peter 4:17, 18 This refers not to final judgment but to God's refining discipline (Hebrews 12:7). God often allows believers to sin and then experience the consequences. He does this for several reasons: (1) to show us our potential for sinning, (2) to encourage us to turn from sin and more constantly depend on him, (3) to prepare us to face other, even stronger temptations in the future, and (4) to help us stay faithful and keep on trusting him. If believers need earthly discipline (judgment) from God, how much more will unbelievers receive it? If the righteous are barely saved (only because of God's mercy), what chance have those who reject Christ?
*1 Peter 4:19 Everywhere the Bible counsels that we trust God - in good times and bad, during sunny skies and thunderclouds, when we have a pocket full of change and a pocket full of sawdust. How does trust work? (1) Trust overcomes fear. Genuine trust in God says, "Whatever mess I'm in, my heavenly Father will lead me." (2) Trust overcomes depression. No matter how overwhelming the situation or how low it makes you feel, God can draw you back to the light. (3) Trust overcomes hate. When careless or cruel people hurt you, sometimes irreparably, you can hate forever or you can trust God, but you can't do both. God is there to steady even the worst situation - always with a promise, always with hope. Commit your life to him for safekeeping. Rely on him when you face your worst circumstances.


1 Peter 5
Peter appeal to the church elders as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed. People who elevate Peter above all other apostles should read this again. Peter here is saying he is EQUAL to all other believers. He is not above anyone. He is another elder; he is another witness; he is another child of God who will share in His glory with other children of God.


We should respond to satanic opposition by putting on the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6), and pray for the protection of Jesus Christ.


Life Application Study Bible:
*1 Peter 5:1, 2 Peter, one of Jesus' 12 disciples, was one of the three who saw Christ's glory at the Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13; 2 Peter 1:16-18). Often the spokesman for the apostles, Peter witnessed Jesus' death and resurrection, preached at Pentecost, and became a pillar of the Jerusalem church. But writing to the elders, he identified himself as a fellow elder, not a superior. He asked them to "care for the flock," exactly what Jesus had told him to do (John 21:15-17). Peter was taking his own advice as he worked along with the other elders in caring for God's faithful people. His identification with the elders is a good example of Christian leadership, showing that authority is based on service, not power (Mark 10:42-45).
*1 Peter 5:2-5 Peter describes several characteristics of good leaders in the church: (1) They realize they are caring for God's flock, not their own; (2) they lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of obligation; (3) they are concerned for what they can give, not for what they can get; (4) they lead by example, not force. All of us lead others in some way. Whatever our role, our leadership should be in line with these characteristics.
*1 Peter 5:4 The Great Shepherd is Jesus Christ. This refers to his second coming, when he will judge all people and give rewards to his faithful followers. The "crown," while metaphorical, pictures the glory believers will receive that is eternal and unchanging. What better motivation for selfless service! What better motivation for keeping the faith in the face of suffering and temptation!

*1 Peter 5:5 Both young and old can benefit from Peter's instructions. Pride often keeps older people from trying to understand young people and keeps young people from listening to those who are older. Peter told both young and old to be humble and to serve each other. Young men should follow the leadership of older men, who should lead by example. Respect those who are older than you, listen to those younger than you, and be humble enough to admit that you can learn from others.
*1 Peter 5:6 We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. But Peter advises us to remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise.God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time - either in this life or in the next - he will honor you.
*1 Peter 5:7 Carrying your worries, stresses, and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, and to let others in God's family to help you.Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, he will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances but to the Lord, who controls circumstances.
* 1 Peter 5:8, 9 Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals; they choose victims who are alone or not alert. Peter warns us to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. If you are feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, or if you are so focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks. During times of suffering, seek other Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the devil. Then, says James, "he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
*1 Peter 5:10 When we are suffering, we often feel as though our pain will never end. Peter gave these faithful Christians a broader perspective. In comparison with eternity, their suffering would last only "a little while." Some of Peter's readers would be strengthened and delivered in their own lifetimes. Others would be released from their suffering through death. All of God's faithful followers are assured of an eternal life with Christ, where there will be no suffering (Revelation 21:4).
*1 Peter 5:12 Silas was one of the men chosen to deliver the letter from the Jerusalem council to the church in Antioch (Acts 15:22). He accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40-18:11), is mentioned by Paul in the salutation of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1), and ministered with Timothy in Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:19).
*1 Peter 5:13 Mark, also called John Mark, was known to many of this letter's readers because he had traveled widely (Acts 12:25-13:13, 15:36-41) and was recognized as a leader in the church (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24). Mark was probably with the disciples at the time of Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:51, 52). Tradition says that Peter was Mark's main source of information when Mark wrote his Gospel.
*1 Peter 5:14 Peter wrote this letter just before the cruel emperor Nero began persecuting Christians in Rome and throughout the empire. Afraid for his life, Peter had three times denied even knowing Jesus (John 18:15-27). But here, having learned how to stand firm in an evil world, he encouraged other Christians who were facing persecution for their faith. Peter was martyred for his faith because he lived by the words he wrote. Those who stand for Christ will be persecuted because the world is ruled by Christ's greatest enemy. But just as the small group of early believers stood against persecution, so we must be willing to stand for our faith with the patience, endurance, and courage that Peter exhibited.