Disciples in Distress

2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

• Delivered or recorded by Silas (1 Peter 5:12), a friend and coworker of the apostle Peter

1 Peter 5:12 NLT

• Sent from Rome identified by the code name Babylon. (1 Peter 5:13)

1 Peter 5:13 NLT

13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.

• Written shortly before the outbreak of the Neronian persecution in a.d. 64-65.

• Addressed an audience made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians, with the majority Gentile.

• Written during a time of political, social, and personal persecution.

• Emphasizes the reality of suffering in the lives of Christians, but also offers words of encouragement and challenge.

• Has suffering as a primary theme, mentioning it sixteen times by using eight different Greek terms.

B- AUTHOR PROFILE: PETER (1 Peter 1:1)

1 Peter 1:1 NLT

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

• Simon, a fisherman, who followed John the Baptist until his brother Andrew introduced him to Jesus

• Name changed to Peter by Jesus, signifying the rock-like character that would ultimately dominate Peter’s personality

• Natural leader and spokesperson for the disciples

• Impulsive, sometimes selfish, and short-tempered

• Emerged as primary figure in the early church after the day of Pentecost

• Traveled widely in ministry

• Tradition indicates he was crucified upside down in Rome during the persecution by the emperor Nero, around a.d. 68.

C- BOOK OUTLINE:

1- Enduring Distress as a Christian (1 Peter 1:1–2:10)

2- At Home, But Not in This World (1 Peter 2:11–3:12)

3- Suffering—The Road to Glory (1 Peter 3:13–4:19)

4- Final Exhortations and Greetings (1 Peter 5:1–14)

I. Enduring Distress as a Christian (1 Peter 1:1–2:10)

A. The Hidden Inheritance, the Hidden Lord. (1 Peter 1:1–9)

1 Peter 1:1–9 NLT

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

1- Chosen people

a. Chosen people (ἐκλεκτοῖς) who are living as foreigners (παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς) who are scattered (on foreign soil). (1 Peter 1:1)

1 Peter 1:1 NLT

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

2- Chosen by God the Father

a. Chosen by God the Father (θεοῦ πατρός) because of His knowledge of you in the past (πρόγνωσιν).

(1 Peter 1:2)

1 Peter 1:2 NLT

3- Made holy by the Holy Spirit

a. Made holy by the Holy Spirit (ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος) through obedience and acceptance of the work of Christ. (εἰς ὑπακοὴν καὶ ῥαντισμὸν αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ·)

(1 Peter 1:2)

1 Peter 1:2 NLT

4- Given a new birth by his mercy which is guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ. (1 Peter 1:3).

1 Peter 1:3 NLT

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,

5- An inheritance is guaranteed to the believer. (1 Peter 1:4)

1 Peter 1:4 NLT

4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

6- Divine protection is given to the believer through faith (1 Peter 1:5)

1 Peter 1:5 NLT

5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

7- Joy is available to the Christian in the middle of distress. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

1 Peter 1:6–9 NLT

6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

B. Preparation for Action (1 Peter 1:10–2:3)

1 Peter 1:10–2:3 NLT

10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. 21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

1- Don’t take your salvation for granted. (1 Peter 1:10-12)

1 Peter 1:10–12 NLT

a. The Gospel was something that was progressively revealed to the prophets, but not fully understood by any of them. (Hebrews 11:32-39)

Hebrews 11:32–39 NLT

32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

This is what the Apostle Paul referred to as the mystery of the Gospel.

(Ephesians 1:9)

(Ephesians 3:2-10)

Ephesians 3:2–10 NLT

2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. 8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

They did not understand about Christ’s suffering (beatings, death and resurrection).

They did not understand about the Kingdom of God being open to all people (Jews and gentiles).

They did not understand the ultimate glory of Christ’s coming kingdom.

b. The Gospel is announced through Holy Spirit-empowered witnesses. (Acts 2)

c. The Gospel is so wonderful that the angels of heaven are amazed.

2- Live out your salvation in the midst of distress. (1 Peter 1:13-25)

a. Pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:13-17)

1 Peter 1:13–17 NLT

13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

Pursue holiness by preparing the mind for action and discipline.

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control.” (v. 13 a)

(ἀναζωσαμενοι τας ὀσφυας τῆς διανοίας = [an idiom, literally ‘to bind up the loins of the mind’] to prepare oneself for learning and thinking—‘to get one’s mind ready for action, to be ready to learn and to think, to be alert.’ διὸ ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας τῆς διανοίας ὑμῶν ‘so then, have your minds ready for action’

(νήφοντες = ‘to be sober, to not be drunk,’ probably not occurring in the NT; see 88.86) to be in control of one’s thought processes and thus not be in danger of irrational thinking—‘to be sober-minded, to be well composed in mind.’

(1 Th 5:6.)

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT

6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Pursue holiness by putting all of your hope in the completed gift of salvation.

(τελείως, ἐλπίσατε ἐπὶ τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.= completely put all of your hope in the grace coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.)

Pursue holiness by persevering in obedience.

(Luke 6:46)

Luke 6:46 NLT

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

Pursue holiness by perceiving the example for life.

Pursue holiness by planning life with your eternal home in view.

b. Remember the high cost of your salvation (1 Peter 1:18-20)

1 Peter 1:18–20 NLT

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

God paid the ransom to save you.

From the empty live you inherited from earthly ancestors.

The ransom was not paid with things of temporal value.

The ransom was paid with the blood of Christ.

Jesus was the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

Jesus’ death and resurrection was determined before the world began.

c. Seek to reflect the transformed character God has placed within you. (1 Peter 1:21-2:3)

1 Peter 1:21–2:3 NLT

21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Reflect a transformed character through demonstrating sincere love (1 Peter 1:21-22)

1 Peter 1:21–22 NLT

Reflect a transformed character through obedience to the Word of God. (1 Peter 1:23-25)

1 Peter 1:23–25 NLT

23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

Reflect a transformed character through radical pursuit of spiritual growth. (1 Peter 2:1-3)

1 Peter 2:1–3 NLT

1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Forsake behavior that contradicts your profession of faith in Christ! (1 Peter 2:1)

1 Peter 2:1 NLT

1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

Cultivate an insatiable craving for consuming and activating scriptural teaching in your life. (1 Peter 2:2-3).

1 Peter 2:2–3 NLT

2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

C. The Hidden Spiritual House (1 Peter 2:4–10)

1- Jesus is the cornerstone. (1 Peter 2:4, 6-8)

1 Peter 2:4 NLT

4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

1 Peter 2:6–8 NLT

6 As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

4 Πρὸς ὃν προσερχόμενοι, λίθον ζῶντα, ὑπὸ ἀνθρώπων μὲν ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον παρὰ δὲ θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον

6 διότι περιέχει ἐν γραφῇ· Ἰδοὺ τίθημι ἐν Σιὼν λίθον ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον, καὶ ὁ πιστεύων ἐπʼ αὐτῷ οὐ μὴ καταισχυνθῇ.

7 ὑμῖν οὖν ἡ τιμὴ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν· ἀπιστοῦσιν δὲ λίθος ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

8 καὶ λίθος προσκόμματος καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου· οἳ προσκόπτουσιν τῷ λόγῳ ἀπειθοῦντες· εἰς ὃ καὶ ἐτέθησαν.

a. Rejected by unbelieving people.

(1) Rejected (ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον = to judge someone or something as not being worthy or genuine and thus something to be rejected—‘to regard as not worthy, to reject.’

(Mark 8:31)

Mark 8:31 NLT

31 Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.

b. Embraced by believing people.

(1) προσερχόμενοι = to move toward a reference point, with a possible implication in certain contexts of a reciprocal relationship between the person approaching and the one who is approached—‘to move toward, to approach, to come near to.’

c. Chosen by the God the Father

(1) παρὰ δὲ θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον = chosen by God as precious and valuable.

(Ps. 118:22, 23)

Psalm 118:22 NLT

22 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.

Psalm 118:23 NLT

23 This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.

( Is. 8:14)

Isaiah 8:14 NLT

14 He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.

(Isa. 28:16)

Isaiah 28:16 NLT

16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

(Luke 2:34)

Luke 2:34 NLT

34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.

2- Disciples are building blocks that are used to build God’s temple. (1 Peter 2:5, 9-10)

1 Peter 2:5 NLT

5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

1 Peter 2:9–10 NLT

9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

(1 Cor. 3:16)

1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT

16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

(Ephesians 2:22)

Ephesians 2:22 NLT

22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

(Matthew 16:18)

Matthew 16:18 NLT

18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

a. Christ’s disciples are precious to Him:

Chosen People (γένος ἐκλεκτόν = γένος- a large group of genetically related people [as in a race] , ἐκλεκτόν- chosen, choice)

Royal Priests (βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα= royal, kingly priesthood, to be a priest)

Holy Nation (ἔθνος ἅγιον = ἔθνος- the largest unit into which the people of the world are divided on the basis of their constituting a socio-political community—‘nation, people.’ ἅγιον- pertaining to being holy in the sense of superior moral qualities and possessing certain essentially divine qualities in contrast with what is human—‘holy, pure, divine.)

God’s very own possession- λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν- Carries the connotation of being His personal possession, prized above all other people.

(Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18)

Exodus 19:5 NLT

5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT

6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT

2 You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 26:18 NLT

18 The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

b. Christ’s disciples are in a unique position:

A changed standing before God (1 Peter 2:10)

1 Peter 2:10 NLT

10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

( οἵ ποτε οὐ λαὸς νῦν δὲ λαὸς θεοῦ, οἱ οὐκ ἠλεημένοι νῦν δὲ ἐλεηθέντες.)

A challenging purpose from God (1 Peter 2:9)

1 Peter 2:9 NLT

Ὑμεῖς δὲ γένος ἐκλεκτόν, βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, ἔθνος ἅγιον, λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν, ὅπως τὰς ἀρετὰς ἐξαγγείλητε τοῦ ἐκ σκότους ὑμᾶς καλέσαντος εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς·

II. At Home, But Not in This World (1 Peter 2:11–3:12)

1 Peter 2:11–3:12 NLT

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. 18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

A. The Christian’s Inner Self (1 Peter 2:11–12)

1 Peter 2:11–12 NLT

1- Remember that you are citizens of another world system!

a. Peter points out that we are “temporary residents” and “foreigners” in this world. (1 Peter 2:11)

1 Peter 2:11 NLT

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

(Ἀγαπητοί, παρακαλῶ ὡς παροίκους καὶ παρεπιδήμους ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν σαρκικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν, αἵτινες στρατεύονται κατὰ τῆς ψυχῆς·)

(Ephesians 2:19-22)

Ephesians 2:19–22 NLT

19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

(Hebrews 11:13-16)

Hebrews 11:13–16 NLT

13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

(1) The Apostle John described that homeland in the book of Revelation.

(Rev 21:1–22:5)

b. Peter warns us to avoid the pursuit of worldly desires. (1 Peter 2:11)

1 Peter 2:11 NLT

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

παρακαλῶ = to ask for something earnestly and with propriety—‘to ask for (earnestly), to request, to plead for, to appeal to, earnest request, appeal.’

ἀπέχεσθαι = to be at some distance away from—‘to be away from, to be off from.’ ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος ‘he was still a long way from (home)’ Lk 15:20.

σαρκικῶν = pertaining to behavior which is typical of human nature, but with special focus upon more base physical desires—‘worldly, base.’

ἐπιθυμιῶν = to strongly desire to have what belongs to someone else and/or to engage in an activity which is morally wrong—‘to covet, to lust, evil desires, lust, desire.’

στρατεύονται κατὰ τῆς ψυχῆς· = engage in warfare against the soul (ψυχῆς).

στρατεύονται = to engage in war or battle as a soldier—‘to battle, to fight, to engage in war, warfare.’

(1 Corinthians 3:3)

1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT

3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

c. Peter warns that the pursuit of worldly desires is self-destructive for the believer. (1 Peter 2:12)

1 Peter 2:12 NLT

12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

(τὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἔχοντες καλήν, ἵνα, ἐν ᾧ καταλαλοῦσιν ὑμῶν ὡς κακοποιῶν, ἐκ τῶν καλῶν ἔργων ἐποπτεύοντες δοξάσωσι τὸν θεὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἐπισκοπῆς.)

καλήν = pertaining to a positive moral quality, with the implication of being favorably valued—‘good, fine, praiseworthy.’

ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν = you [behave properly] among [unbelieving] peoples.

καταλαλοῦσιν = to speak against, often involving speaking evil of—‘to speak evil of, to slander, slander.’

ἐποπτεύοντες = to see, to observe

καλῶν ἔργων = good, praiseworthy works

δοξάσωσι = to speak of something as being unusually fine and deserving honor—‘to praise, to glorify, praise.’

τὸν θεὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ = God in heaven

(Matthew 5:16)

Matthew 5:16 NLT

16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

(Galatians 5:16-24)

Galatians 5:16–24 NLT

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

B. A Life of Submission (1 Peter 2:13–3:7)

1 Peter 2:13–3:7 NLT

13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. 18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1- The believer is to submit to civil authorities. (1 Peter 2:13-17)

1 Peter 2:13–17 NLT

a. The disciple of Christ is to exhibit a meek and godly attitude toward those in civil authority.

b. The disciple of Christ is to submit in obedience to governmental authorities as long as it does not involve denial of Christ. (Matthew 10:32-33)

Matthew 10:32–33 NLT

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

c. The purpose of submission is a positive testimony to the lost. (1 Peter 2:15-17)

1 Peter 2:15–17 NLT

15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.

Silencing false accusations by Godly behavior. (1 Peter 2:15)

1 Peter 2:15 NLT

15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

(ὅτι οὕτως ἐστὶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀγαθοποιοῦντας φιμοῦν τὴν τῶν ἀφρόνων ἀνθρώπων ἀγνωσίαν)·

θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ = it is God’s desire or will

φιμοῦν = put to silence, to cause someone to have nothing to say.

ἀφρόνων = foolish, senseless

ἀνθρώπων = people, individuals

ἀγνωσίαν = lack in knowledge or understanding, ignorant

Freedom does not mean free to do evil. (1 Peter 2:16)

1 Peter 2:16 NLT

16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.

ὡς ἐλεύθεροι, καὶ μὴ ὡς ἐπικάλυμμα ἔχοντες τῆς κακίας τὴν ἐλευθερίαν, ἀλλʼ ὡς θεοῦ δοῦλοι.

κακίας τὴν ἐλευθερίαν= covering or concealment for doing evil

Behaving with love and respect is crucial to a good testimony. (1 Peter 2:17)

1 Peter 2:17 NLT

17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.

“πάντας τιμήσατε, τὴν ἀδελφότητα ἀγαπᾶτε, τὸν θεὸν φοβεῖσθε, τὸν βασιλέα τιμᾶτε.”

φοβεῖσθε = ‘to fear,’ to have profound reverence and respect for deity, with the implication of awe bordering on fear—‘to reverence, to worship.’

τιμήσατε, τιμᾶτε= to attribute high status to someone by honoring—‘to honor, to respect.’

2- The believer is to submit to authority in up-close relationships.

a. Submit to those in authority at work. (1 Peter 2:18-25)

1 Peter 2:18–25 NLT

18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

b. Submission at home. (1 Peter 3:1-7)

1 Peter 3:1–7 NLT

1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

C. The Disciple’s Collective Behavior toward Others (1 Peter 3:8–12)

1 Peter 3:8–12 NLT

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

1- Disciples of Christ are to strive to display godly attitudes toward one another. (1 Peter 3:8)

1 Peter 3:8 NLT

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

a. Like-mindedness (ὁμόφρονες) = pertaining to being of the same mind or having the same thoughts as someone else—‘like-minded, with similar thoughts.’ having the same mindset, thus existing harmoniously.

Philippians 2:2

Philippians 2:2 NLT

2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

1 Corinthians 1:10

1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT

10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Philippians 4:2

Philippians 4:2 NLT

2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.

b. Sympathetic (συμπαθεῖς) = sympathetic, understanding, pertaining to feeling sympathy for someone or something, especially as relating to pain and suffering.

1 Corinthians 1:3-5

1 Corinthians 1:3–5 NLT

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.

c. Loving (φιλάδελφοι) = pertaining to love or affection for fellow believers—‘one who loves fellow believers, loving one another as brothers.’

John 15:12

John 15:12 NLT

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

John 15:17

John 15:17 NLT

17 This is my command: Love each other.

d. tenderhearted (εὔσπλαγχνοι) = compassionate, tenderhearted, merciful, full of loving kindness.

Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32 NLT

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

e. humble (ταπεινόφρονες) = humble-minded

Matthew 18:4

Matthew 18:4 NLT

4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 14:11

Luke 14:11 NLT

11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

2- Disciples of Christ are to respond positively when mistreated. (1 Peter 3:9)

1 Peter 3:9 NLT

9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

a. Don’t seek revenge in actions.

“Don’t repay evil for evil” (μὴ ἀποδιδόντες κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ) κακὸν = to be socially or morally reprehensible

Proverbs 20:22

Proverbs 20:22 NLT

22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

Romans 12:17

Romans 12:17 NLT

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT

15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

Proverbs 17:13

Proverbs 17:13 NLT

13 If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.

b. Don’t retaliate verbally.

“Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you.” (ἢ λοιδορίαν ἀντὶ λοιδορίας) λοιδορίαν = to speak in a highly insulting manner—‘to slander, to insult strongly, slander, insult.’

Proverbs 22:10

Proverbs 22:10 NLT

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

James 3:6

James 3:6 NLT

6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

Ephesians 4:31

Ephesians 4:31 NLT

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

c. Do reward evil with good words and deeds.

“Instead, pay them back with a blessing.” (τοὐναντίον δὲ εὐλογοῦντες) εὐλογοῦντες = to ask God to bestow divine favor on, with the implication that the verbal act itself constitutes a significant benefit—‘to bless, blessing.’

Luke 6:28

Luke 6:28 NLT

28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44 NLT

44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

3- Disciples of Christ are to avoid misuse of the tongue. (1 Peter 3:10)

1 Peter 3:10 NLT

10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

a. Beware of misusing the tongue- it is the source of pain, not blessing.

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days,” (ὁ γὰρ θέλων ζωὴν ἀγαπᾶν καὶ ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς)

“keep your tongue from speaking evil” (παυσάτω τὴν γλῶσσαν ἀπὸ κακοῦ)

“and your lips from telling lies.” (καὶ χείλη τοῦ μὴ λαλῆσαι δόλον)

4- Disciples of Christ are to pursue godly actions. (1 Peter 3: 11-12)

1 Peter 3:11–12 NLT

11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

a. Repent of evil.

“Turn away from evil and do good.” (ἐκκλινάτω δὲ ἀπὸ κακοῦ καὶ ποιησάτω ἀγαθόν)

ἐκκλινάτω = to cease doing something, to keep away from, steer clear of

b. Seek and maintain peace.

“Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”(ζητησάτω εἰρήνην καὶ διωξάτω αὐτήν· )

c. God sees all and judges accurately.

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

III. Suffering—The Road to Glory (1 Peter 3:13–4:19)

A. Suffering for Doing Good (1 Peter 3:13–22)

1 Peter 3:13–22 NLT

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

1. The believer is to live a principled life. (1 Peter 3:13-14 ,17)

1 Peter 3:13–14 NLT

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

1 Peter 3:17 NLT

17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

a. Living a principled life avoids many pitfalls.( 1 Peter 3:13)

1 Peter 3:13 NLT

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?

(Galatians 5:22-23)

Galatians 5:22–23 NLT

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

b. Living a principled life assures God’s blessing and enables courage. (1 Peter 3:14, 17)

1 Peter 3:14 NLT

14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

1 Peter 3:17 NLT

17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

(Proverbs 28:1)

Proverbs 28:1 NLT

1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.

(Ephesians 3:12)

Ephesians 3:12 NLT

12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

2. The believer is to live with a constant focus on Christ as Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

(κύριον δὲ τὸν Χριστὸν ἁγιάσατε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν…)

(Instead, honor Christ as the holy Lord in your deepest heart [life])

a. Christ is to be Lord at the very core of your being.

This will be reflected in everything that you do and say.

This will govern your desires, attitudes and motives.

It will determine your worldview.

You will have a transformed way of thinking (Romans 12:1-2)

Romans 12:1–2 NLT

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

3. The believer is to always be ready to provide answer for his hope. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

1 Peter 3:15–16 NLT

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

a. The believer is to always be ready to give an answer (ἀπολογίαν) for the hope (ἐλπίδος) that knowing Christ gives.

This entails knowing what we believe and why we believe it.

This also means that we are to be able to explain (defend) it to those who don’t believe.

The believer’s defense is to be done in the right attitude.

The believer’s verbal witness is to be supported by a godly life.

4. The believer’s hope is anchored to the work of Christ. (1 Peter 3:18-22)

1 Peter 3:18–22 NLT

18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

a. Christ’s atoning work is fully and eternally effective.(1 Peter 3: 18-19)

1 Peter 3:18–19 NLT

(1) Jesus’s death on the cross is an unrepeatable event.

(2) Jesus’s atoning work was done with a purpose.

(2 Corinthians 5:21)

2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

b. The believer’s baptism is the testimony of the salvation afforded by Christ’s work and to the surrender (pledge) of his life to Christ. (1 Peter 3:20-22)

1 Peter 3:20–22 NLT

20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

(1) The role of baptism is not the washing away of sin, but the answer of a clear conscience in clearly identifying with Christ.

(Matthew 10:33)

Matthew 10:33 NLT

33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

B. Living for God (1 Peter 4:1–11)

1 Peter 4:1–11 NLT

1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. 4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. 7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1- Living for God begins with the right attitude. (1 Peter 4:1-3)

a. Recognition of the Lord’s suffering. (1 Peter 4:1)

1 Peter 4:1 NLT

“Since Christ suffered physical pain” (Χριστοῦ οὖν παθόντος σαρκὶ)

b. Readiness to suffer for the sake of Christ. (1 Peter 4:1 b)

1 Peter 4:1b NLT

We must approach our suffering with the same resolve (thought) that Jesus did.

(ὑμεῖς τὴν αὐτὴν ἔννοιαν ὁπλίσασθε)

The word rendered “mind” (ἔννοια) is more exactly “thought” ; but it certainly has the force of “intention, resolve.” The Christian must be like his Master; he must arm himself with the great thought, the holy resolve, which was in the mind of Christ—the thought that suffering borne in faith frees us from the power of sin, the resolve to suffer patiently according to the will of God. That thought, which can be made our own only by faith, is the Christian’ shield; we are to arm ourselves with it against the assaults of the evil one .

c. Repentance from the worldly way of living. (1 Peter 4:2-3)

1 Peter 4:2–3 NLT

2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

The resolve to suffer for Jesus flows from the determination to forsake sin. (vs. 1c)

“if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. (πέπαυται ἁμαρτίας)”

The resolve to forsake sinful desires fuels the determination to pursue God’s will as the primary focus of life. (vs. 2)

“You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”

“εἰς τὸ μηκέτ ἐν σαρκὶ βιῶσαι χρόνον”= “you will not live the rest of your lives focused on your fleshly desires.”

“ ἀλλὰ θελήματι θεοῦ” = but instead, (upon) the will of God”

The pursuit of God’s will and the forsaking of sinful desires produces a radical change in attitude toward the world and its godless pursuits. (vs. 3)

“You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.”

“ ἀρκετὸς γὰρ ὁ παρεληλυθὼς χρόνος τὸ βούλημα τῶν ἐθνῶν κατειργάσθαι, πεπορευμένους ἐν ἀσελγείαις, ἐπιθυμίαις, οἰνοφλυγίαις, κώμοις, πότοις, καὶ ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις.”

The past experiences of sin are seen as “being enough” to bring our rejection of worldly vices.

τὸ βούλημα τῶν ἐθνῶν= the desires of unbelieving people

πεπορευμένους ἐν ἀσελγείαις= engaging in unrestrained (licentious) behavior

ἐπιθυμίαις, οἰνοφλυγίαις, κώμοις, πότοις, = lust, feasting and drinking parties accompanies by sexual immorality.

καὶ ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις.” = and terrible worship of idols.

2- Living for God means believing in the truth of the Good News. (1 Peter 4:4-6)

a. Believing that Christ’s way is better than the world’s way. (1 Peter 4:4)

1 Peter 4:4 NLT

4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you.

“ἐν ᾧ ξενίζονται μὴ συντρεχόντων ὑμῶν εἰς τὴν αὐτὴν τῆς ἀσωτίας ἀνάχυσιν, βλασφημοῦντες·”

They are amazed (surprised) when you refuse to participate in their excessively senseless behavior, (as a result) They slander you.

b. Believing the truth about the coming judgment of the world. (1 Peter 4:5)

1 Peter 4:5 NLT

5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead.

“οἳ ἀποδώσουσιν λόγον τῷ ἑτοίμως ἔχοντι κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς·”

(Revelation 20:11-15)

Revelation 20:11–15 NLT

11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

c. Believing the truth about the reward of the faithful. (1 Peter 4:6)

1 Peter 4:6 NLT

6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.

“εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ νεκροῖς εὐηγγελίσθη ἵνα κριθῶσι μὲν κατὰ ἀνθρώπους σαρκὶ ζῶσι δὲ κατὰ θεὸν πνεύματι.”

3- Living for God involves allowing the Good News to transform the whole of life. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

a. Leading a disciplined and earnest pursuit of intimacy with Christ. (1 Peter 4:7)

1 Peter 4:7 NLT

7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.

“Πάντων δὲ τὸ τέλος ἤγγικεν. σωφρονήσατε οὖν καὶ νήψατε εἰς προσευχάς·”

b. Loving the divine family intensely. (1 Peter 4:8-9)

1 Peter 4:8–9 NLT

8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

“8 πρὸ πάντων τὴν εἰς ἑαυτοὺς ἀγάπην ἐκτενῆ ἔχοντες, ὅτι ἀγάπη καλύπτει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν· 9 φιλόξενοι εἰς ἀλλήλους ἄνευ γογγυσμοῦ·”

c. Living lives of service to Christ and others (1 Peter 4:10-11)

1 Peter 4:10–11 NLT

10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

“ 10 ἕκαστος καθὼς ἔλαβεν χάρισμα, εἰς ἑαυτοὺς αὐτὸ διακονοῦντες ὡς καλοὶ οἰκονόμοι ποικίλης χάριτος θεοῦ· 11 εἴ τις λαλεῖ, ὡς λόγια θεοῦ· εἴ τις διακονεῖ, ὡς ἐξ ἰσχύος ἧς χορηγεῖ ὁ θεός· ἵνα ἐν πᾶσιν δοξάζηται ὁ θεὸς διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἐστιν ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν.”

C. Sharing the Sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12–19)

1 Peter 4:12–19 NLT

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

1- Suffering for Jesus is not unusual. (1 Peter 4:12)

1 Peter 4:12 NLT

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

“Ἀγαπητοί, μὴ ξενίζεσθε τῇ ἐν ὑμῖν πυρώσει πρὸς πειρασμὸν ὑμῖν γινομένῃ ὡς ξένου ὑμῖν συμβαίνοντος,”

a. Christians should not be surprised when trials come.

ξενίζομαι: (compare ξένος ‘unknown, surprising,’ 28.34) to experience a sudden feeling of unexpected wonder—‘to be surprised.

God has not promised an easy pathway for those who follow Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:12)

2 Timothy 3:12 NLT

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

The apostles and early believers suffered intensely for their faith.

b. Christians should expect putrifying trials to come - and those may be intense.

πυρώσει πρὸς πειρασμὸν: burning (firey) trials for the purpose of examination

Our trials are never meaningless. (Romans 5:2-5)

Romans 5:2–5 NLT

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

(Jas 1:2–4)

James 1:2–4 NLT

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

c. Christians should recognize that they are not alone in suffering for the name of Jesus.

ξένος, η, ον: pertaining to not being previously known and hence unheard of and unfamiliar—‘unknown, unheard of, unfamiliar, surprising

There are other believers who are also enduring suffering for Jesus.

2- Suffering for Jesus makes us partners with Him. (1 Peter 4:13)

1 Peter 4:13 NLT

13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

“ἀλλὰ καθὸ κοινωνεῖτε τοῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθήμασιν χαίρετε, ἵνα καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ χαρῆτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι.”

a. Through our suffering for Him, we become partners with Him (identify with) in His suffering for us.

(Acts 5:41)

Acts 5:41 NLT

41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

b. Our suffering takes on new meaning because we will also share in the splendor of His unveiling to the world as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

3- Suffering for Jesus leads to blessing. (1 Peter 4:14-15)

1 Peter 4:14–15 NLT

14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

“ 14 εἰ ὀνειδίζεσθε ἐν ὀνόματι Χριστοῦ, μακάριοι, ὅτι τὸ τῆς δόξης καὶ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ πνεῦμα ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς ἀναπαύεται.

15 μὴ γάρ τις ὑμῶν πασχέτω ὡς φονεὺς ἢ κλέπτης ἢ κακοποιὸς ἢ ὡς ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος·”

a. God will reward us for enduring insult and persecution for His name.

b. We should strive to never suffer for doing wrong.

4- Suffering for Jesus is not judgment but privilege. (1 Peter 4:16-19)

1 Peter 4:16–19 NLT

16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

“ 16 εἰ δὲ ὡς Χριστιανός, μὴ αἰσχυνέσθω, δοξαζέτω δὲ τὸν θεὸν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ.

17 ὅτι ὁ καιρὸς τοῦ ἄρξασθαι τὸ κρίμα ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ θεοῦ· εἰ δὲ πρῶτον ἀφʼ ἡμῶν, τί τὸ τέλος τῶν ἀπειθούντων τῷ τοῦ θεοῦ εὐαγγελίῳ;

18 καὶ εἰ ὁ δίκαιος μόλις σῴζεται, ὁ ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς ποῦ φανεῖται;

19 ὥστε καὶ οἱ πάσχοντες κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ πιστῷ κτίστῃ παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ.”

a. It is a privilege to carry the name of Christ. (vs. 16)

(1 Pet. 2:20–21; 3:17–18; Rom. 8:17; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 John 2:6)

1 Peter 2:20–21 NLT

20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

1 Peter 3:17–18 NLT

17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

Romans 8:17 NLT

17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Philippians 3:10 NLT

10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

Colossians 1:24 NLT

24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.

2 Timothy 3:12 NLT

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

1 John 2:6 NLT

6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

b. God disciplines His people and will punish those who are not His. (vs. 17-18)

(Verses 17–18 explain why believers were suffering. Suffering represents God’s judgment of his house. By “house of God” here Peter meant the church of Jesus Christ. Peter did not mean by this that God was punishing believers for their sins. Rather suffering purifies the church, and God uses it (cf. 4:1) to provoke believers to make a clean break with sin. The judgment begins with the church and purifies it, but if God purifies the church by his judgment, then his judgment of those who disobey the gospel will have terrible consequences. In v. 18 the same point is restated and explained. If the righteous are saved by means of a purifying suffering, if they need such a refining work, then the judgment of the ungodly and the sinner will be terrible indeed.)

c. Trust God in the midst of suffering (vs. 19)

(Verse 19 functions as the conclusion to the entire paragraph. We learn from vv. 12 and 17–18 that the suffering that strikes believers is according to God’s will. It passes through his loving hands for the purification of believers. Hence, those who belong to God should entrust their lives to their faithful Creator, just as Jesus entrusted his life to God when he suffered (2:23). “Faithful Creator” signifies that God is sovereign and true. He is sovereign, and so no suffering occurs apart from his will. He is faithful, and so he will see to it that the suffering does not exceed what we can bear (cf. 1 Cor 10:13). Hence, believers should persist in doing good, for entrusting themselves to God always manifests itself in a changed life, in the pursuit of goodness.)

Notice God’s promise in Matthew 28:20.

Matthew 28:20 NLT

20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

IV. Final Exhortations and Greetings (1 Peter 5:1–14)

A. Exhortations to Pastoral Leaders. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

1 Peter 5:1–4 NLT

1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

1- Exhortation from a fellow-elder (1 Peter 5:1)

1 Peter 5:1 NLT

5:1 Πρεσβυτέρους οὖν ἐν ὑμῖν παρακαλῶ ὁ συμπρεσβύτερος καὶ μάρτυς τῶν τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθημάτων, ὁ καὶ τῆς μελλούσης ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι δόξης κοινωνός,)

a. The word “elders” (presbyteroi) is often used in the New Testament to refer to those who had leadership positions in the church.

The church or churches in Jerusalem had elders (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4, 6, 22–23; 16:4; 21:18).

According to Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in all the churches visited during their first missionary journey.

When a contingent of leaders visited Paul from Ephesus, they were called “elders” (Acts 20:17).

The person who is sick and needs prayer is encouraged to summon the elders of the church for prayer and anointing according to James (Jas 5:14).

The Pastoral Epistles show that elders functioned in Ephesus (1 Tim 5:17) and were to be appointed in Crete (Titus 1:5).

Every piece of evidence we have shows that elders were widespread in the early church. They are mentioned by different authors: Luke, Paul, Peter, and James. They stretch over a wide region of the Greco-Roman world: from Jerusalem, Palestine, the whole of Asia Minor, and Crete. It is also likely that elders functioned as a plurality in the churches since the term is always plural, and Acts 14:23 says elders were appointed “for them in each church.” Further, the elders who visited the sick in James were plural, but the elders who visited were almost certainly from one local church. Most scholars believe that the term was borrowed from Jewish usage, for the term “elders” is quite common in the Old Testament and the Jewish tradition.

b. Peter refers to himself as a “fellow-elder” (συμπρεσβύτερος ).

While this is the only time this word is used in the NT, Peter’s use speaks against any idea of Peter holding any supremacy over other elders in the church.

c. Peter also refers to himself as a “witness to the sufferings of Christ” (μάρτυς τῶν τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθημάτων).

Peter emphasizes that he is an eyewitness of Jesus’s atoning work.

Peter is listed among the witnesses of the truth of the Gospel message (death, burial and resurrection) (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

d. Peter makes an urgent plea ( ἐν ὑμῖν παρακαλῶ) to his fellow-elders in the churches.

παρακαλέωa; παράκλησιςb, εως f: to ask for something earnestly and with propriety—‘to ask for (earnestly), to request, to plead for, to appeal to, earnest request, appeal.’

(See also: Ac 28:20.; 2 Cor 8:4.)

2- Exhortation for elders to have the right outlook. (1 Peter 5:2-3)

1 Peter 5:2–3 NLT

2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

2 ποιμάνατε τὸ ἐν ὑμῖν ποίμνιον τοῦ θεοῦ, ἐπισκοποῦντες μὴ ἀναγκαστῶς ἀλλὰ ἑκουσίως κατὰ θεόν, μηδὲ αἰσχροκερδῶς ἀλλὰ προθύμως,

3 μηδʼ ὡς κατακυριεύοντες τῶν κλήρων ἀλλὰ τύποι γινόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου·

a. Take care of, guide (ποιμάνατε) the flock of God (ποίμνιον τοῦ θεοῦ,)

b. Watch over it (ἐπισκοποῦντες = oversee, administrate)

willingly

not grudgingly

not for personal gain

because you are eager to serve God.

(The combination of the term ‘elder’ with the verbs related to ‘pastor’ and ‘bishop’ (‘overseer’) in such close connection in verses 1 to 2 is good evidence that the terms ‘pastor’, and ‘bishop, overseer’ were interchangeable during the New Testament period.)

c. Lead by example, not compulsion.

3- Exhortation to elders to keep the end in view. (1 Peter 5:4)

1 Peter 5:4 NLT

4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

4 καὶ φανερωθέντος τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος κομιεῖσθε τὸν ἀμαράντινον τῆς δόξης στέφανον.

B- Exhortation to members of the flock of God. (1 Peter 5:5-11)

1 Peter 5:5–11 NLT

5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.

1- Exhortation for members to live with an attitude of humility. (1Peter 5:5-6)

1 Peter 5:5–6 NLT

5 ὁμοίως, νεώτεροι, ὑποτάγητε πρεσβυτέροις. πάντες δὲ ἀλλήλοις τὴν ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐγκομβώσασθε, ὅτι Ὁ θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν.

6 Ταπεινώθητε οὖν ὑπὸ τὴν κραταιὰν χεῖρα τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα ὑμᾶς ὑψώσῃ ἐν καιρῷ,

2- Exhortation for members to live with trust in the Lord. (1 Peter 5:7)

1 Peter 5:7 NLT

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

7 πᾶσαν τὴν μέριμναν ὑμῶν ἐπιρίψαντες ἐπʼ αὐτόν, ὅτι αὐτῷ μέλει περὶ ὑμῶν.

3- Exhortation for members to live with alertness in regard to the enemy. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

1 Peter 5:8–9 NLT

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

8 νήψατε, γρηγορήσατε. ὁ ἀντίδικος ὑμῶν διάβολος ὡς λέων ὠρυόμενος περιπατεῖ ζητῶν τινα καταπιεῖν·

9 ᾧ ἀντίστητε στερεοὶ τῇ πίστει, εἰδότες τὰ αὐτὰ τῶν παθημάτων τῇ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ὑμῶν ἀδελφότητι ἐπιτελεῖσθαι.

4- Exhortation for members to live with assurance. (1 Peter 5:9b-11)

1 Peter 5:9b–11 NLT

9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.

10 ὁ δὲ θεὸς πάσης χάριτος, ὁ καλέσας ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον αὐτοῦ δόξαν ἐν Χριστῷ, ὀλίγον παθόντας αὐτὸς καταρτίσει, στηρίξει, σθενώσει, θεμελιώσει.

11 αὐτῷ τὸ κράτος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν.

C- Final Greetings and closing remarks. (1 Peter 5:12-14)

1 Peter 5:12–14 NLT

12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. 13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.

1- Reminder of Peter’s purpose in writing. (1 Peter 5:12)

1 Peter 5:12 NLT

12 Διὰ Σιλουανοῦ ὑμῖν τοῦ πιστοῦ ἀδελφοῦ, ὡς λογίζομαι, διʼ ὀλίγων ἔγραψα, παρακαλῶν καὶ ἐπιμαρτυρῶν ταύτην εἶναι ἀληθῆ χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ· εἰς ἣν στῆτε.

2- Specific purposeful greetings. (1 Peter 5:13-14)

1 Peter 5:13–14 NLT

13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.

13 ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς ἡ ἐν Βαβυλῶνι συνεκλεκτὴ καὶ Μᾶρκος ὁ υἱός μου.

14 ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἀγάπης. εἰρήνη ὑμῖν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ.

a. From the church in Rome (ἐν Βαβυλῶνι).

b. From Mark (Μᾶρκος )

c. Commendation of the messenger/deliverer of the letter (Silas) (Σιλουανοῦ)

d. Encouragement for love and peace among the members.

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