1 Peter 3
2 Peter 3 is the section where the apostle Peter encourages believers concerning the last days and the return (or coming again) of Christ. Overall, it is structured around the appearance of those who mock the coming again (3:1–7), the Lord’s concept of time and endurance (3:8–10), hope for a new heaven and a new earth (3:11–13), and the final exhortation and warning (3:14–18).
1verseIn the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word,
2verseseeing your pure behavior in fear.
3verseLet your beauty come not from the outward adorning of braiding your hair, and of wearing gold ornaments or of putting on fine clothing,
4versebut from the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.
5verseFor this is how in the past the holy women who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands.
6verseSo Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are if you do well and are not put in fear by any terror.
7verseYou husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
8verseFinally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,
9versenot rendering evil for evil or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
10verseFor, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11verseLet him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12verseFor the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13verseNow who will harm you if you become imitators of that which is good?
14verseBut even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”
15verseBut sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear,
16versehaving a good conscience. Thus, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.
17verseFor it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing evil.
18verseBecause Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit,
19versein whom he also went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20versewho before were disobedient when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
21verseThis is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22versewho is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.
A Warning Against Those Who Doubt the Return (3:1–7)
In this passage, Peter reminds believers of the exhortations he had given earlier. He says that people will appear who mock God’s promise, and mentions that they deliberately forget that past judgment (the Flood in the days of Noah). He emphasizes that the world was created by God’s word, and that judgment will also take place through God’s word.
God’s Endurance and the Perspective of Time (3:8–10)
Here Peter explains that God acts differently from human time. Some people think the return is delayed, but he says that God is patient because He wants all people to repent. However, the day of the Lord will come like a thief, so they must always be ready for it.
Living with Hope for a New Heaven and a New Earth (3:11–13)
Peter encourages believers about how they should live, looking forward to the fact that everything will be destroyed this way. He urges a life that waits for the day of the Lord with holy conduct and godliness—that is, a life prepared with hope for a new heaven and a new earth. This hope is an important driving force that determines the direction of the lives of faithful people.
Conclusion and Final Exhortation (3:14–18)
In the final section, Peter asks believers to strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish. He also mentions that the apostle Paul wrote a letter in the same context, and warns them to be careful not to distort the words of Scripture. He emphasizes that they should stand firm in faith and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Meditation Points
- Can I trust God’s promises without being shaken by the words of mockers?
- Do I understand God’s endurance and mercy, as well as his concept of time?
- Does the hope of a new heaven and a new earth actually determine the direction of my life?
- Am I standing firmly in the gospel to the end and understanding the word correctly?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I reflect on how much I truly believe and live by the promise of the return.
- I think about practicing endurance and love toward others by imitating the Lord’s patience and mercy.
- I resolve to live as someone preparing for a new heaven and a new earth through a holy life and godly conduct.
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