1Peter 3 v 13 – 22
V 13. Who . . . will harm you ... ?' This reminds us of Paul's postscript to the description of the fruit of the Spirit-"
against such there is no law" (Gal 5 v 23).
As a general principle, allowing for exceptions occasioned by the enemy's wrath, people are not punished for doing good.
This very principle assures that undeserved suffering will not continue long.
Peter now deals with Victory in Unjust Suffering. 3 v 14- 22.
V 14,15 a. But ... if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy (blessed). This beatitude, of course, recalls our Lord's beatitude in Mt 5 v 11,12.
Peter then cites God's words to Isaiah (8 v 12,13), the complete passage reading, "Neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear. and let him be your dread."
This again brings to mind Christ's warning as to whom to fear (Mt 10 v28).
There was real danger of defection in the face of death.
Remember these are new and recent converts to Christianity, some of them having lost their employment for becoming believers.
They would have difficulty finding work because of their faith.
They needed a Christian employer who would take them on.
Pliny describes how curtly . the alternative was given to the Christians to curse Christ or die, and how not a few turned back.
Peter's attitude here is not so quick and confident as it was when he told his Lord, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended" (Mt 26 v 33).
V 15 b,16. Be ready always to give an answer. The attitude depicted is one of meekness and fear.
yet of readiness.
This, too, is a Spirit-given quality.
Remember Christ's words "Whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost" (Mk 13 v 11).
Recall the unanswerable words of Stephen (Acts 6 v 10) and Paul
(Acts 24 v 25; 26 v 24- 28).
Having a good conscience. As above, correctness of life is seen as the basic defences.
V 17,18. It is better .... v 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust.
God permitted suffering for well doing is in the vision.
Christ is again brought forward as the example ( 2 v 24), the outcome of whose suffering was reconciliation of lost men to God, along with his own justification through his resurrection by the Holy Spirit's power.
V 19,20. By which (ie., the Spirit) also he went and preached.
Here follows a digression the interpretation of which is obscure.
Some scholars, of whom Lange is an example, contend that the only straightforward and natural inference here is that Christ, after his crucifixion, descended into Hades and "proclaimed to these spirits in the prisons of Hades the beginning of a new epoch of grace" (J. P. Lange, Commentary on the Holy Scripture, IX, p. 64).
He states that no doubt many were saved because of this second chance.
V 21. Baptism doth also now save us,
The meaning seems to be that water baptism symbolizes spiritual cleansing.
The Connection of water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit with cleansing is everywhere apparent in the Scripture, relating to the sharing of Christ's death and his resurrection power.
Those who believe in baptismal rebirth will perhaps be inclined to make something of the verb save here.
Others will state that it is the cleansing of the heart, not the outward ceremony, which saves.
V 22. Who is gone into heaven. Resuming the theme of Christ's resurrection, left after verse 18,
Peter mentions our Lord's present triumph and recognition as a strong encouragement to the godly who follow their Master in suffering.
Selwyn makes a point of the fact that the early Christians often solemnized baptism at Easter time.
He feels that the reference to baptism in verse 21, as well as the several references to Christ's sufferings, resurrection, and second coming, indicate that I Peter was written as an Easter epistle.
News from the Church New dates
6th November …..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people.)
20th November….. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
ANSWERS TO 20th October QUESTIONS
1) Hebron 2) A field with a spring 3) 13 once each day for 6 days and 7 times around on the 7th day
4) Ai 5) The sun and the moon 6) No 7) Yes, 8 ) As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
9) He tied each pair of foxes by the tail , set fire to them and sent them into the corn fields
10). He carried the city gates to the top of a hill 11) Delilah 12) He had all his hair cut off and then his strength was gone 13) To pull down the temple of Dagon while they feasted inside 14) His strength
15) Hebrews ch 11 v 32 16) Hebrews ch 11 v 32
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is about Ruth and Naomi, Samuel and Eli
1 Who nursed the child born to Ruth.?
2 What was the child’s name?
3 What King was the child’s grandson ?
4 Which Evangelist mentions Ruth?
5 Who said “Entreat me not to leave thee”?
6 Who was Orpah?
7 What was Naomi reply to the welcome back to Bethlehem ?
8 To who was it said, “The Lord recompense thy work”?
9 When Samuel heard a voice, what did he do?
10 How many times did the Lord call Samuel?
11 We read, “Eli perceived,” what did he perceive?
12 What did Eli tell Samuel to say?
13 What was the message Samuel had to give Eli?
14 What did Samuel do?
15 What was Eli answer to the message?
16 How old was Eli when he died, and how did he die?
Matthew 6 v 19-20
V 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
V 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
God Bless