First Peter Chapter 3

Transcription

1 First Peter Chapter 3 In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives; In like manner - Or likewise, ye wives, (This is an important transition!) - He had just exhorted servants to be in subjection to their masters and for all Christians to be submissive to government. o In like manner.. he now exhorts wives to be in subjection to their husbands. o Women of this time did not have a position in society much above that of a slave. o But.. Through the leaven of Christianity this also was to change over time. be in subjection to your own husbands - It is quite likely that many times both the husband and wife were converted together. o But. there would always be that occasion when only the wife would become a Christian while here husband remained a pagan. - Because of this Paul found it necessary to impress upon the Corinthian church that this incompatibility of religion did not justify dissolution of marriage. o Guy N. Wood s makes this statement The word own in the text, is emphatic and significant. Christian women, with heathen husbands, might be tempted to despise their husbands and exhibit contempt for them, feeling obligated only to those Christian men with whom they were associated in the church. The effect of such an attitude would be disastrous, not only to the church, but also to the family and to 1

2 society in general. Though Christians, and in an enviable position, they were not to forget the obligations that are fundamental and vital to the permanence of society. even if any obey not the word - Many of these husbands.. had heard and were familiar with the gospel demands. - But some were: o Stubborn. o Some were rebellious. o Some were just plain disobedient. o Others just didn t want to believe. (Tony Coffey s book Page 79 Making Disciples Who Make A Difference. ) Lest we become overwhelmed with discouragement when rejection comes our way, let me share the following incident with you. Several years ago, the newspapers, radio and television were filled with the story that an Irish Catholic bishop, Eamon Casey was the father of a seventeen year old boy. When the news broke, Bishop Casey boarded a plane for Rome for a meeting with Pope John Paul II. Having resigned his office he moved to South America. Several months later Annie Murphy, the mother of the child, appeared on television talk show. In the audience was the woman who had been the bishop s secretary. When asked for her views, she insisted that the bishop was not the father of the child. There was no way she would believe this event to be true. Yet Bishop Casey says he is the father of the child, the Pope believes the bishop s acknowledgement and relives him of his office, Annie Murphy says he is the father of the child, and the boy is the image of the bishop. But the bishop s secretary refuses to believe! She remains unconvinced! Why? Was credible evidence lacking? Were there grounds for reasonable doubt? Certainly not! Then why didn t she believe? For the simple reason that she did not want to believe. Often our message is rejected, not because our case is weak or flawed, but because there will be some people who just don t want to believe no matter how persuasive the evidence. 2

3 they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives - Revised Standard Version - Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, - New International Version - Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, o Not the word as in some translations. o No definite article (the). o Without a word (from the wife) is the meaning. - James McKnight - the Scottish preacher and Bible scholar ( ) in his commentary on the epistles paraphrases this verse like this: o Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that even if any of them obey not the gospel, they, without speech may be won by the behavior of the wives. - Raymond Kelcy says much the same thing in his commentary: o He says. In the phrase obey not the word Peter has reference to the gospel; in the phrase without a word he has reference to that which is spoken by the wife. In the latter phrase there is no definite article in the Greek. Peter is conveying the thought that a Christian woman may, without attempting to convince or persuade her husband with words, influence him to give ear to the word of the gospel and be saved by obedience to it. This she is to do by the manner of her daily life before him. - Instead of making repeated requests or demands. o That tends to degenerates into nagging. - They may be won by the conduct of their wives. o Be won! o Or be gained in other words a soul saved. 3

4 - By the conduct of their wives. o Behavior (daily action) - This is an instance when silent eloquence is more effective than heated debate. o It s often easy to win the battle and lose the war! - Two verses came to mind as I thought about this situation.. One from a positive standpoint and the other from a negative one. o Negative Proverbs 21:9. It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a contentious wife in a lovely home. NLT Being contentious is not conducive to soul winning. o Positive Just 3 verses away. 1 Peter 3:4. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God s sight. NIV It shows a strength recognized by God and man. beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear. Beholding - Or.. when they observe. o It s more effective than telling. o But. It takes more time and patience (daily example) - This word beholding or observe suggests the idea of: o Close observation. o Examination. o Evaluation. chaste behavior - Or.. chase conduct. (Pure) o Sweet tempered. 4

5 o Dutiful in every respect. o This chase conduct was produced by the influence of the gospel. (2Peter 1:5-11) - The effect of this type of conduct was this: o They (their husbands) would have to entertain a good opinion of a religion that could produce such positive effects. coupled with fear - Or accompanied by fear. o The RSV says.. when they see your reverent and chaste behavior. o Respectful submission is the meaning intended. - We see the same type of usage in Eph. 5:33 where Paul says: o Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. NKJV - From Clement of Alexandria born about the middle of the 2 nd century comes this comment: o The wise women, then, will first choose to persuade her husband to be her associate in what is conducive to happiness. And should that be found impractical, let her by herself earnestly aim at virtue, gaining her husband s consent in everything, so as never to do anything against his will, with exception of what is reckoned as contributing to virtue and salvation. 3 Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; - I like how the NKJV translates it: o Do not let your adornment be merely outward arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel NKJV o The idea is.. let it not be the outward adorning only. o This is not... a complete prohibition of these things. 5

6 But it is.. a matter of priority! - Much like John 6: When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, Rabbi, when did you come here? 26 Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal. RSV o He did not expect them to stop eating. o It was a matter of priority! - If this verse were taken literally and without qualifications it would forbid the putting on of clothing. o As the verse just read from John would forbid the working for our food. - Paul, in 1Tim. 2:9-10. speaks of modest apparel and good works. He says: o I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. NIV - He is warning against a showy display for the purpose of drawing attention. o They are not to depend on a display of finery for their attractiveness. (To hold their husbands attention) o Instead they are to adorn themselves with modest apparel and good works. 4 but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. - I like the NKJV translation rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. - He says. The hidden person (man) of the heart 6

7 - In scripture.. the heart is represented as the seat, not of passion and affection, but of intelligence, reason, and will. o As in Luke 24:25 where Jesus says.. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: KJV o And in 2Cor. 4:16 Paul says.. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. NIV - How???? o Eph. 4: who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye did not so learn Christ; 21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. ASV1901 Put on the new man Applies to all Christians. Both men and women. - In this particular text he specifically addresses women. - The.. Incorruptible ornament KJV (Apparel in others) Of.. a gentle and quiet spirit. - Is measured against The corruptible ornaments Of.. outward adorning jewels, gold and costly apparel. The things that fade away! - a gentle and quiet spirit - Gentle (or meek) o Strength under control the opposite of weak. (Jesus) The ASV1901 translates the word this way. a meek and quiet spirit. 7

8 o A meek spirit is one not characterized by: Self will. Envy. Pride. Presumption or obstinacy. o But instead, one characterized by: Bearing provocation patiently. o Quite spirit One that is: Calm. Tranquil. And at peace. o Which is very precious in the sight of God Of great value. Of great price. - The same word is used in Mark 14:3. o To describe the value of the ointment. (pure nard very costly) which Mary used to anoint the Lord beforehand for his burying. Mark 14:3.. And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head. ASV For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye now are, if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror. 8

9 - McKnight s commentary.. I believe, once again, gives the best comments on this text: o For thus anciently, the holy women also, who were eminent for piety, adorned themselves, not with apparel only, but chiefly with meekness and quietness, being in subjection to their own husbands; a method of adorning which hath always been the prevailing fashion in the family of God; Even as Sarah adorned herself by obeying Abraham, calling him Lord, in token of her subjection. Whose daughters ye Christian women have become, by behaving well toward your husbands, and not being frightened to actions contrary to your religion through fear of displeasing them. - Of all the godly women of the Old Testament Peter selects Sarah as an example. o By obeying Abraham. she acknowledges his place of leadership. Burton Coffman makes this statement of interest: It should not be thought that Sarah s obedience to Abraham was in any sense servility. On one occasion she ordered Abraham to Cast out the bond women and her son, a request that sorely grieved and distressed Abraham; but he obeyed her, God himself commanding Abraham to do it (Gen.21:10-12). Nevertheless, there was the utmost respect and honor accorded her husband by the noble Sarah. o By addressing him as lord.. she indicates her recognition of his headship. Col. 3:18. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. NKJV o By saying whose daughters you are (NIV).. it is recognized that the Jewish women considered Sarah an illustrious pattern of a faithful wife. But. they qualified as daughters of Sarah only if they imitated her example. - The latter part of this verse is a little hard to understand: 9

10 if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror. ASV1901 if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. NIV - Proverbs 3:25. Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh: ASV1901 o Peter seems to be saying: Avoid an attitude of fear. (Shuddering fear or terror) - Guy N. Woods makes this statement: o Those who had unbelieving husbands would often have heavy burdens to bear, and much abuse to hear, and if they exhibited terror in the presence of such husbands as if constantly expecting curses or blows, such an attitude might provoke the very thing they were seeking to avoid. Hence, Peter instructed them to do well and then to proceed with their daily tasks with calm, unruffled spirit, whatever might be the attitude of the their husbands. 7 Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered. - Likewise or in like manner. (Again this is an important transition.) o Remember how he used this same transition in 3:1 as he began to instruct wives to be in subjection to their husbands. o He had just exhorted servants to be in subjection to their masters and for all Christians to be submissive to government. - Also. There is always in the background the concern for the behavior or conduct of Christians in the world. 10

11 o 1Peter 2: Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king ASV1901 dwell with your wives according to knowledge - Or.. with understanding. o That is to say with Christian or Biblical knowledge of the husband/wife relationship. As contrasted with the prevailing non-christian view. - Pagan position of wives. o Lower status. Possession like slave. - Jewish/Christian view of wives. o Both are vessels of God. o He says. giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel The weaker vessel refers to physical strength only. For women to strive for equality with man in every way is to be shortchanged. (Alan) As Coffman says.. There is nothing better than the holy reverence that Christians have for the person and personality of women, and particularly their wives. 11

12 - Joint heirs of the grace of life. o In Jesus Christ there is no difference. (Both Christians) Gal. 3: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ s, then are ye Abraham s seed, and heirs according to the promise. KJV o Help meet. (This applies to all married couples) They complement each other. Where one is lacking the other takes up the slack or fills the void. Mutual respect and appreciation each showing proper regard for the other. - Prayers not hindered. Different roles both discharging the duties of their particular roles. o If these Christian principals are heeded. a real Christian home will be created. Prayers and turmoil don t go together. o As Kelcy noted.. This is another example illustrating the fact that one cannot be right with God when his relations with another human being are wrong. General Exhortations 3: Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: - Finally.. directs our minds back to the different classes of people that he has been trying to exhort and encourage. o In particular.. Slaves, Christian wives and husbands. 12

13 - They were all to treat each other honorably for their sake, as well for the sake of those whom they had influence over. o 1Peter 2:12.. Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. RSV - He now exhorts all Christians in general, concerning their relationships with each other. - He says: o be ye all likeminded The Greek word occurs only here in the New Testament and means literally of one mind. o compassionate To be likeminded. is to be devoted to the same cause and purpose. It is to be in agreement. on the major details of the Christian life and activity. Dedicated. to the same Lord. Striving.. for the same goal and victory. We get our word sympathy from the Greek word used here. - loving as brethren It is the attitude of mind. that shares the feelings of others. o Rom. 12:15. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep RSV o John 13:34-35 says it all.. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also 13

14 love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. RSV - tenderhearted o Literally goodhearted. Acutely sensitive. to the needs and burdens of others. Easily touched by the needs of his fellow man. Hearts full of pity. for all that are suffering. - Humbleminded o The opposite of arrogance and pride. Matthew 11:29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. RSV Phil. 2:3-8. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. RSV 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. not rendering evil for evil - Not rendering means literally not giving back. o Retaliation is always forbidden whether in word or deed. 14

15 Proverbs 20:22. Do not say, I will repay evil wait for the LORD, and he will help you. RSV o This echoes the spirit as well as the words of the Sermon on the Mount. o Also: Matthew 5:39. But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; RSV 1Thes. 5:15... See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all RSV or reviling for reviling o Matthew 27: And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. RSV To revile means to rail at to abuse with harsh or insolent words. Christ, when reviled did not answer back with reviling; he did not, when suffering, retaliate with threats. but contrariwise blessing o Or. but on the contrary bless RSV - By saying this. He now turns to the positive side of the Christians conduct. o 1Cor. 4: To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure RSV 15

16 o Luke 6:28. But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. RSV o Matthew 5:44. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, RSV Kelcy says.. The word bless carries with it the ideas of speaking well of and of calling God s blessing down upon a person. for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. o I like Guy N. Wood s comment on this part of verse 9. He says Christianity is, itself, a blessing which it offers and thus should ever be blessing others themselves. Our Father blesses us; we must, then, bless others; from him we receive forgiveness for our sins; therefore we must be constantly forgiving others. Retaliation for evil done us operates to deprive us of the blessing to which we, as Christians, have been called. Eph. 4:32.. and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. RSV 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil. - For.. in verse 10 seems to show that he views the quotation as giving reason for obeying the exhortation of verse 9. o This quotation is taken from Psalms 34:12-16: What man is there who desires life, and covets many days, that he may enjoy good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil, and do good; 16

17 seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. RSV - It seems clear that both Peter and the psalmist are describing the path one must walk if he desires a good and happy life here on earth.. in this present life. - Wood s says. the phase he that would love life is literally, he that willeth to love life, that is, who now loves life and wishes to continue to do so. o He will find life. gratifying, full of meaning and purpose, and worthily spent good days are days of happiness. o But.. To see those good days he says one must: Keep (refrain) your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Evil speaks to that which is morally low or base while deceit (guile) has reference to treachery. The tongue has great potential for making life miserable. Speaking to the Pharisee s Jesus said.. Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. RSV James 3:5.. So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! RSV The evil to be refrain from includes all perverse speaking and all deception. And let him turn away from evil, and do good 17

18 - The Christian must, therefore. shun, avoid, and turn aside from all appearance of evil and do only that which is good. o 1Thes. 5: but test everything; hold fast what is good, 22 abstain from every form of evil. RSV Let him seek peace, and pursue it - Kelcy says That peacemaking is a positive endeavor and one which requires great effort is emphasized by the admonition pursue it. o Heb. 12:14.. Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. RSV For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil - This goes back. to the statement of verse 9 which says that you should inherit a blessing as well as verse 10 which states the path to be taken in order to love life and see good days. o This is one of those places in scripture that plainly speaks of God s providential care. He says here the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication. John 9:31. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. RSV (see also Acts 10:1-4) He also says But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil. Proverbs 28:9.. If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. RSV This third and final section deals with the subject of trials and Peter s exhortation to these Christians who would likely suffer trials for the sake of righteousness. (3:13 5:11) 18

19 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good? - Zealous here means eager or enthusiastic for. o Peter is describing people who are eager to do good works. Titus 2: describes such people: For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, 12 training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13 awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. 15 Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. RSV o The question is then.. who is he who would harm you? The answer is obvious and rhetorical.. it would be a rare thing for anyone to have the desire to harm such a person. o It may be that he is claiming. As a rule. Men do not harm others for doing right. o It may also be that he is claiming. Though physical suffering and bodily harm should come to the Christian, he still will not be really harmed since man can harm only the body. Luke 12:4-5. I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him! RSV 14 But even if ye should suffer for righteousness sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; 19

20 - This appears to clarify what he just said in verse13. o They were not to have any erroneous thoughts that no difficulties would come their way. - If they do end up suffering.. because of their obedience to the Lord he says they will be blessed. o Matthew 5:10. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. RSV o Acts 5: So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. RSV - He says Neither be troubled. o It is an exhortation. to be composed in the face of bitter and evil enemies. McCord s translation renders the last part of this verse. Be courageous and undisturbed. 15 but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: - To sanctify is to set apart. o The RSV translates this part of verse 15 like this but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. - Consequently.. to sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart is to hold him in reverence and awe befitting the Lord of glory. o 2Cor. 4:5.. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. RSV being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you 20

21 - Peter has just told them not to be troubled. o They were to be courageous, composed and undisturbed. - He now proceeds to tell them what to do. o Give answer literally means to make a defense. Some have thought.. that this statement had special reference to being called into a court of law to give an account. However. the phase give answer to every man that asketh does not support that view very well. All types of situations arise at different times that might require a ready answer. Not just in court! o Being ready always means to be constantly ready. o It is interesting to note. that we are to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason. Not necessarily to every scoffer and heckler who lacks the sincerity of honest inquirers. o But to the honest inquirer we should be ready to give: a reason concerning the hope that is in you That is The Christian hope: 1Peter 1:3.. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, RSV o This answer of hope. is to be given based on the grounds on which the hope is based. o Guy N. Wood s makes this comment This obligation implies sufficient acquaintance with the word of God to substantiate one s hope therewith, and godliness of life consistent with its teaching. It is said 21

22 that every citizen of Athens was expected to keep himself sufficiently informed in civic affairs to be able to participate intelligently in any discussion thereof. Christians should be equally well informed in the things of God and as skillful in their presentation. yet with meekness and fear - The answer for our Christian hope. is to be given modestly, meekly and reverently with reason and logic. o There is no room for. defiance, arrogance, pride, scorn or bitterness in this defense. Col. 4:5-6. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. RSV o Question: Do we sometimes have the tendency to hate or at least dislike people who think differently than we do or who disagree with us on a subject.. even fellow Christians? Is that reasonable? Does that defeat our effectiveness? What s the cure? - The fear he mentions here has reference to God in judgment. All that would teach should have this fear? o James 3:1.. Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. RSV 16 having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ. - Having a good conscience.. enjoins all that has been said thus far plus a firm conviction of the righteousness of the faith that he is defending and a belief that his actions are in harmony with his belief. o One s speech and life must harmonize if the defense or answer of our faith is to be effective and convincing. 22

23 - However A clear conscience if no guarantee that what one is doing is right. o Paul had a clear conscience while persecuting Christians: Acts 23:1.. And Paul, looking intently at the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience up to this day. RSV o But it is a guarantee.. that one is sincerely trying to live up to what he knows. o Again.. One s life must be consistent with his belief. - Wood s makes this statement concerning those who revile your good manner of life in Christ : o The word revile in this passage. does not designate formal accusations, but wild, unfounded charges. Those who indulge in such. will eventually be put to shame because they will be exposed as lairs, slanders and calumniators of those who are good. 17 For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. - Kelcy says.. In the expression, if that should be God s will, Peter again, as in verse 14, uses a Greek construction which denotes a contingency, not a certainty. He recognizes that his readers may have to suffer for doing right. In case it comes within the will of God to permit his people to experience such suffering, Peter assures his readers, this is better than to suffer for doing wrong. o To suffer a penalty for wrongdoing is a just reward. 1Peter 2:20. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. NIV o To suffer for well-doing is common theme in scripture. 23

24 It is a distinct possibility that one will suffer for doing what is right. (this is commendable before God) It is in imitation of Christ. (vs.18) if the will of God should so will o It may well be that God has some purpose in mind when he lets his people suffer. Esther 4:14.. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? RSV 18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; Because Christ also suffered for sins once o 1Peter 2: He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. RSV The just for the unjust or (the righteous for the unrighteous) In order that he might bring us to God. Eph. 2:13. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. RSV Heb. 9:28.. so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. RSV being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit 24

25 - The meaning of the first part of this statement is agreed upon by most. (This is a continuation of his discussion of the death of Christ.) o The flesh.. man can kill the flesh and here it seems to refer to the crucifixion. His natural earthly life.. was ended. But. Death affected only his flesh. - The meaning of the second part of this statement is not as readily agreed upon. (Small s, Large S. ---???) o The problem. Barnes said. "So far as the mere use of this word (spirit) is concerned, it might easily refer to his own soul, to his divine nature, or to the Holy Spirit." - Translation examples of both verses 18 and 19 (part of the problem becomes evident as you look at these verses): o For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, RSV o Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, ASV1901 o For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; KJV o For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison NIV Footnote.. or alive in the spirit, through which. o The spirit.. (Man cannot kill) if indeed this speaks of the spirit of Jesus, which inhabited his body. Many believe this is the contrast being made. 25

26 Roman 1:4. and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Footnote or who as to his spirit NIV Kelcy makes this statement It is a continuation of his discussion of the death of Christ. Some suppose that by spirit Peter means the Holy Spirit. However, the Greek makes a rather vivid contrast between flesh on the one hand and spirit on the other. It seems certain that Peter makes reference to the body of Jesus and to his spirit which inhabited his body. Wood s says At death the spirit passes into a new sphere of existence, hence was said to have been made alive. B.W. Johnson, says Put to death in the body his spirit was quickened (made alive). Having life in himself, as soon as the body failed through weakness the power of the indestructible life began to show itself. 19in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, - In which = in spirit. And preached = herald abroad or proclaim. o 1Peter 1: Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. ASV1901 o 2Peter 2:4-5.. For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; ASV1901 unto the spirits in prison, - This tells us the preaching was done unto spirits in prison. 26

27 o The Greek word used for prison denotes a place of custody, not a place of punishment. - At the time he was writing they were physically dead. Spirits in prison is a reference to their status at the time Peter wrote. o They were. in the disembodied state. o They were. under restraint. - At the time he was speaking. o They were in Hades. Luke 16: And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted and thou art in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us. ASV that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: that aforetime were disobedient - Consider the following: o These spirits. were once in the flesh. o They were. once upon a time. disobedient. 27

28 They were disobedient for 120 years (Gen. 6:3).. when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah That is.. while the ark was a preparing. o The preaching, which Christ did, was through Noah. In other words. Christ went in spirit in the person of Noah and by him preached to those who were afterwards held in prison on account of their disobedience. Agency.. 1John 4:1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world ASV1901 Paul made the statement that Christ came and preached with reference to apostolic preaching - Eph.2:17.. and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh: ASV1901 Also 1Peter 1:10 and 11 read earlier 10 The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation; 11 they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. RSV wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water - The first think to notice.. is the fact that all but eight rejected the preaching. (Gen. 7:13) o The theme of few will soon be shown to be significant for them and in their situation as well as for our own situation. (Narrow way -- Broad way) o The great majority of the antediluvians.. died in disobedience. 28

29 Consequently.. they were held under restraint in the spirit realm when Peter wrote this epistle. - Only eight obedient ones were saved out of a great multitude: o Gen. 7:13.. In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; ASV They were saved. through water In the ark. o The water. which was a means of destruction to others, became the very means by which Noah and his household were delivered from the old world of corruption and placed upon a cleansed earth. The rest perished. in the water. 21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; - He uses the language of the type and antitype. o Noah s salvation was the type. (Saved through water) o Baptism. is the antitype. o He says that baptism. Doth now save you. See. Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16, Rom. 6:3-5, Matt. 28:19-20 and Gal. 3: Guy N. Wood s makes this statement: The salvation of Noah and those with him is thus made a type of the deliverance, which the sinner receives in passing through the waters of baptism. The likeness obtains in the following manner: (1) the waters of the flood bore up the ark and delivered its occupants from the destruction of the antediluvian world; (2) these waters 29

30 separated those who were saved from those who drowned in them; (3) the flood destroyed the evils of the old world and enabled Noah and his family to emerge into a new existence. In like fashion, (1) baptism is the final condition in a plan through obedience to which one is enabled to escape the condemnation of the lost. (Mark 15:15,16.) (2) Baptism designates the line of demarcation between the saved and the lost. (3) In baptism the old man of sin is buried, and from its watery grave one comes forth to walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4) o Not the removal of dirt from the flesh. Not as a Jewish ceremonial washing.. which was only a purification of the flesh.. but it is the answer of a good conscience. The ASV1901 says.. but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God. The RSV says.. but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience o B.W. Johnson makes this comment.. The Revision says, the interrogation of a good conscience. Inquiry would be still better. The soul seeking the forgiveness of sins inquires. What shall I do to remove the sense of unforgiven sins and to make my conscience void of offence? The answer is Repent and be baptized, etc. Acts 2:38. He who obeys the word of the Lord has the inquiry answered in baptism. - We should also note here that the baptism, which is here declared to save, is water baptism baptism being the antitype of the water of deliverance in the flood. Which also.. is a reference to water, ordinary water, the same kind of water in the flood. - And finally A good conscience is created by.. Obedience to God s commands: o The water obviously doesn t save. Remember Naaman the leper. Better waters in his own country could not avail. 30

31 o But being dipped seven times in the Jordan did avail when he obeyed. His leprosy was gone. o We count the cost. 2Kings 5:14. So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. RSV We comply. We do it God s way.. and he saves us. This is the only way. we can have a good conscience. - He says. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. o Baptism would be meaningless and vain. were it not for the resurrection of Christ. o It points directly to the burial and resurrection of the Lord. (Romans 6:1-6) (1Cor. Chap. 15) 22 who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. - Our hope is in the one with all authority. o Eph. 1: and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; 22 and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all. RSV 31