1 Peter 3:1-22

Memory Verse: 14

Questions

Outline

I. Wives and Husbands (3:1-7)

Peter had just stated the need for submission for the sake of the gospel, the church's witness to the hostile and ungodly world. He had given a specific instruction to slaves in 1 Peter 2:18-25. Now he is going to give a specific instruction to wives, especially if one is not a believer in Jesus, and then instructions to husbands. Later in the letter (1 Peter 5:5) Peter gives the same instruction to young men. Peter upholds societal norms for the purpose of the church's witness in a society that was presently hostile towards Christians. (See introduction for the nature of the hostility.) His sympathy here is clearly with the woman, slaves, and young men. Peter advocates submission to authority to silence the charges that Christianity is subversive to society. This charge was apparently one of the charges the local government was using to justify the persecution.

>1. What is a good reason why a Christian should remain married to an unbeliever? (1-2)

* 1 Peter 3:1-2 "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, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives."

* "Wives" -Peter is addressing wives. He is not addressing husbands. These instructions are for a believing wife, a Christian woman who is also a wife. Therefore, the submission here is their choice and should not be used by a husband to force his wife to submission. A husband is never to treat his wife as a slave or even as his child. If Jesus is not forcing his people whom he purchased, then surely and completely a husband is not to force his wife to submission. Peter is only addressing wives who are believers in Jesus.

* "in the same way" -Peter had given specific instructions to slaves in the previous chapter. Now he is going to give instructions to wives.

* "be submissive" -Peter uses the same word three times in this letter addressing; slaves, wives, and young men. The nature of the word means a person is willing to submit, not forced to submit to authority.

* "so that" -Peter is now going to write about one type of wife, a specific case in matrimony is coming next. Peter is not proclaiming submission for no reason. He is not saying submit for submission sake.

* "if any of them do not believe the word" -In the next point, Peter is not writing to wives whose husband is a believer in Jesus. He is addressing wives whose husband does not confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. The believing wives Peter is writing to must have witnessed to their unbelieving husbands who had not yet accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. If their husbands had not believed the words of the gospel, the wives' submission to their husbands were to follow Jesus example of submission. Jesus submission to his Father is a silent witness to us. The wives submissions to their unbelieving husbands would be a silent witness so that perhaps their husbands may be saved.

Again, at this point Peter is not writing about a couple who are both believers in Jesus. Paul writes about a Christian marriage in Ephesians 5:22-33.

* "without words by the behavior of their wives" -Peter does not state that we shouldn't use words to witness. In fact it is understood that words were used first in these cases. Several wives must have heard the gospel and accepted it before their husbands. Then they went to their husbands and told them to gospel. However, the husbands did not accept the word. So now Peter is saying, "Wives, you've witnessed to your husbands. They did not accept and in some cases the rejection was joined with hostility. However, there is another way you can witness to the blessing of the gospel. You can be a silent witness."

* Peter was in a marriage when Jesus called him. Peter did not break the marriage. He obeyed Jesus' word and did not divorce. (1 Corinthians 9:5)

* I have been married now for over twenty years. My wife and I have had good times and times where we have had problems. We have been through times that her and/or I have briefly thought it would be easier to avoid a trouble spot by getting out of the marriage than working through it. Is marriage worth enduring the trouble spots? Yes. Peter did not encourage the wives to divorce their unbelieving husbands. Rather he had them endure and work through the trouble spot for the sake of the gospel and their husband's salvation.

* A believer in Jesus is not to marry someone who does not believe in Jesus. Peter is not writing about before marriage, but after marriage. Deuteronomy 22:10 states, "Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together." Paul agrees with Deuteronomy making the point very clear. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." (2 Corinthians 6:14-16) Paul extends this to any sex outside of marriage writing, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit." (1 Corinthians 6:15-17)

>What does "if" imply here?

"if" -Peter is addressing all Christian wives about being submission within marriage. However, now he is going to write about a specific case within this directive.

* Clearly there were families where only one of the spouses was a Christian. A few years back I was in a Bible study group where there was two women who accepted Jesus as their savior after they were married. However, their husbands had not believed yet. This hurt them greatly. One claimed, "My husband and I were so close in everything. We had a great relationship, sharing everything. Now I have something my husband does not share in. I believe in Jesus, go to Sunday worship and Bible studies. He instead goes golfing." She was sad for two reasons, her husband did not believe yet and this caused a separation in their relationship. However, the woman was not without hope. She was following the very instructions that Peter gives here and all the time silently praying for her husband's salvation. I remember several years after the Bible study group I saw that her husband started to attend church. Eventually her husband became a believer.

* A long time ago in and shortly after my college days I use to witness to college students when walking around campus. Once I came across a fellow Christian who was not happy that I was inviting other students to a relationship with Jesus and Bible study. He believed that the type of evangelism I was engaging in (witnessing to strangers) was not good. He believed I was turning people off to Christians. He believed only in witnessing by silent witness through good deeds. Clearly Peter believed in both, with the first witness to be verbal.

>Why might it be hard to be submissive?

* Everyone has the fallen nature of ego and self importance.

* Everyone has the fallen nature of self independence.

* Everyone has the need to be in a society and be accepted by that society.

* Husbands and wives usually start their relationship with some kind of love for each other. Thus, they want to be together and share life together.

* Part of the curse for women given because of Eve's sin is, "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16)

* Often people confuse submission with surrendering one's identity. A long time ago before I was married two wives and I were discussion the subject of marraige. One was having some marital problems. She said, "Why should a woman change her last name to that of her husbands?" I stated, "Jesus said, 'The two will become one flesh. (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:8; Ephesians 5:31)'" She replied, "Which one do they become?" meaning one of the two loses their identity to the other. I replied, "They become neither of the two, but a new flesh." Marriage does not mean that one of the two loses their identity. Rather, together the two become a new entity. The two must work together in Christ to help the new identity to grow and mature. Thus the three; Jesus, the husband, and the wife work together for a entirely new and unique unit. The unique unit remains alive as long as the two are in the flesh. When one dies the marraige identity ceases. (Luke 20:34-38) What happens when one become a believer in Christ and the other does not?

What happens when the marraige sours and/or one of them doesn't like what they've become? What happens when one stumbles and breaks the marriage vow? Show me a married couple and together we'll look at two people who will have marital problems at different times in their relationship. Show me a couple whose been married fifty years and we'll see that that couple has had fifty trouble spots, struggles, differences, and conflicts. When Adam and Eve sinned they did it under the canopy of marriage, and so all marriages suffer. Yet in all marriages there is hope. Anything worth marrying for is worth fighting to keep.

* What if a believer has an unbelieving spouse and they tell them to kill, steal, commit adultery, or any other sinful activity? Are they to be submissive? No. A believer no matter what the situation should not be submissive to sin and a person who tells us to sin even if they have a place of authority.

>How can purity and reverence move a spouse to accept Jesus as their personal Messiah and Lord? (Prov. 12:4, 19:13-14)

* Proverbs 12:4 "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones."

* Proverbs 19:13-14 "A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD."

* As stated above, all husbands and wives usually start their relationship with some kind of love for each other. Those embers of love can be fanned into a roaring fire through acts of self denial. Remaining pure says, "I consider your embrace and companionship of more worth than the promises of another." Reverence contains awe and respect, characteristics that dwindles the ill effects of the fallen nature.

* A wife can have a positive or a negative influence on her husband whether they are a believer or not. What if a wife cries every morning or evening in front of their unbelieving husband saying she is so sad he is not a believer? Or what if she nags her unbelieving husband to go to church on Sunday and he is forced to go to a place he does not want to go? Are these woman going to force her husband to accept Christ. No. She is only going to give him a reason to avoid anything to do with Christ. However, what if she follows Peter's words of becoming a silent witness? Yes, that woman will be a positive influence on her husband.

* Paul agrees with Peter. 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 states, "To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?"

>2. Does verse 3 forbid outward adornment in day to day life? (1 Cor. 11:3-16)

* 1 Peter 3:3 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes."

* 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head--it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice--nor do the churches of God."

* Women were subordinate to men in most ancient societies. In many ancient societies women were oppressed, suppressed and in some cases treated as sub-humans. In Peter's time most societies considered a married woman as having no rights and the property of her husband. This was very true in Jewish society of Peter's day. (Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47) Jesus however treated women much differently than the other religious leaders. (Matthew 27:55; Luke 23:49, 55; John 4:9, 8:10-11) Jesus was the first woman advocate, even having women as disciples something totally unheard of in ancient societies. The first congregations reflected the new understanding of a woman's place in society and a marriage. This offended the unbelievers and the unconverted. Here Peter was saying it such societies it is best for Christian women to refrain from the new rights that Jesus showed them.

* The three illustrations to the right show ancient women adornment; the top Egyptian, the bottom two Greek. Hair was braided in elaborate manners even using hair not their own (a fade in the USA in the 1960s), and well-to-do women strove to keep up with the latest expensive fashions. The gaudy adornments of women of wealth including jewelry in their hair, meant to draw attention to themselves, were repeatedly condemned in ancient literature and speeches whether Christian or otherwise. Peter's readers would assume that his point was meant in the same way as these other sources. (Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament.)

* "such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes" -Since many ancient societies considered wives as a husband's possession and since mankind is selfish most ancient husbands did not spend any money on his wives outward appearance. This is why there was no beauty parlors in ancient societies such as there are today. Only a single woman or an extremely rich women would have beauty treatments. There were two kinds of single women who braided their hair and wore fine clothes; a young maiden hoping in a husband and a prostitute trying to entice a prospect. Since the woman in congregations where experiencing new freedoms in Christ, they began spending money on their outward beauty. The unbelievers did not like their influence. So they started to use the Christian women's actions as reasons to put an end to anything to do with Christians. Peter and Paul for this reason encouraged Christian women to give up these rights for the sake of the gospel. Not only women, but they encouraged all to follow Jesus' examples and give up any and all rights and privileges for the sake of Christ, the gospel, and our local congregation. Humility is an example we can learn from Jesus, the Way.

* As a side note all people should refrain from tatoos for health reasons, a modern status symbol on the rise.

* Jesus said, "When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face," meaning we should do our best, whether man of woman to look clean and proper on the outside. However, we should not draw attention to ourselves, whether man or woman.

>What kind of beauty does not pass with time? (4)

* 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."

* "your inner self" -The soul sometimes also refered to as our heart.

* "the unfading beauty" -Peter means that the ornament of the soul is not like a fading flower, nor consists in vanishing splendor, but is incorruptible. (Calvin's Commentaries)

* "a gentle and quiet spirit" -A placid and a sedate temper of mind that stems from the cleansed heart.

* "of great worth in God's sight" -God does place different value on different qualities of the heart.

* See also Matthew 6:17-18, 23:27 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10 for similar teachings about not seeking attention of men, but attention from God.

* Ancients considered a meek and quiet spirit a prime virtue for women, and many moralists advised this attitude instead of dressing in the latest fashions to attract men's attention, a vice commonly attributed to aristocratic women but imitated by those who could afford to do so. (Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament)

* Ask yourself, "Is this vanity?" And, "Is this an excess?"

* It may be now asked, whether the Apostle wholly condemns the use of gold in adorning the body. Were any one to urge these words, it may be said, that he prohibits precious garments no less than gold; for he immediately adds, the putting on of apparel, or, of clothes. But it would be an immoderate strictness wholly to forbid neatness and elegance in clothing. If the material is said to be too sumptuous, the Lord has created it; and we know that skill in art has proceeded from him. Then Peter did not intend to condemn every sort of ornament, but the evil of vanity, to which women are subject. Two things are to be regarded in clothing, usefulness and decency; and what decency requires is moderation and modesty... Besides, ambition, pride, affectation of display, and all things of this kind, are not indifferent things. Therefore they whose minds are purified from all vanity, will duly order all things, so as not to exceed moderation. (Calvin's Commentaries)

* It is most important for believers to acknowledge the fact that because Christ Jesus came to the world clothed in humility, He will always be found among those who are clothed with humility. He will be found among the humble people. (The Tozer Quotable II: More Wise Words with a Prophetic Edge)

* The best ornament, jewelry, clothes, surgery, and make-up cannot made a sour character beautiful and appealing. The moment a sour character opens its mount people are turned away.

* J. Vernon McGee wrote, "Be in style. Dress up in a way that is becoming, but don't try to use that as the means of winning someone to the Lord. We need more inward adornment today -that is the thing which is important. (Thru the Bible Commentary)

>Why might some find it hard to learn Jesus' gentle and quiet nature? (Matt. 11:28-30; Eph. 4:1-3)

* Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

* Ephesians 4:1-3 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

* A gentle and quiet nature goes against the sinful nature. The sinful nature (found in all people on this earth) wages war against the new creation in Christians. (Romans 7:21-23; 1 Peter 2:11) Not only this, but the world wages war against our persons. Many injustice acts are cast upon us as was happening in the areas that Peter was writing. If we have veered from the straight and narrow we will not turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:39) Jesus told his sleepy disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38)

* The Spirit of God never promised to fill a man's head. The promise is that God will fill the heart or man's innermost being. (The Tozer Quotable II: More Wise Words with a Prophetic Edge)

>Why might it be good to please God by living this way? (James 4:6)

* James 4:6 "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

* When we surrender our self we are acting in humility. When we accept our weakness in our heart and lay it at the foot of the cross we acknowledge we cannot and will not do right without the work of God. God is please when we accept the reality of our condition.

* God does reward and take away reward in this life. This does not mean that the righteous will not experience hard times such as was the case of Job. Nor does this mean that God does not train his servants through hardships and persecution. Rather, in general God expects us to live with a spirit that is likes Christ's and he does reward such characteristics.

>What example can women find in the Bible? (5-6)

* 1 Peter 3:5-6 "For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear."

* "the holy women of the past" -Holy here means sanctified and set apart. The purity and reverence standard stated by Peter are not limited to any particular time or culture.

* "used to make themselves beautiful" -Abraham said Sarah was beautiful and others agreed. (Genesis 12:11, 14)

* "Sarah" -Abraham's wife. She and Abraham were married before God called Abraham. Her original name was Sarai. God remained her to Sarah. She was the mother of Isaac.

* "Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master" -An expression of the submission called for in verse 1.

* "if you do what is right and do not give way to fear" -The women Peter was writing has reason to fear. The local heathen were expressing anger and justifying it partly on the actions of the Christian women. As the old hymn says, "There is no better way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."

>3. What does it mean for a husband to be considerate toward his wife?

* 1 Peter 3:7 "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

* "Husbands" -Peter, as a husband himself, now addresses his peers. The husbands Peter was writing to may be at blame for their wife's desire to adorn themselves for the sake of gaining attention. If a husband pays attention to, admires, and verbally acknowledges his wife's beauty and his need for her, then she would be less inclined to prove to herself and others that she is beautiful.

* "considerate" -Meaning having or marked by regard for the needs or feelings of others and being thoughtful of another needs. Husbands, whether is wife is a believer or not is to put his wife first. This can be applied practically. She is to be the first in the car, house, or any building as he holds the door open for her. He is to consider her needs and concerns first before his desire for a toy for himself. He is to be mindful and protect her.

* "as you live with your wives" -Husbands and wives are to live with each other whether they are both believers or not. Some people remain married to gain tax and social benefits while living apart. Some live apart even though they sleep in the same house. Living is engaging each other. Husband have you forgotten how to talk to your wife? Start by not talking about yourself, your habits, and your passions. Rather ask her about her interests and dreams. Listening is needed in a conversation.

* "as the weaker partner" -Men and women have distinct differences that cannot be denied; they are not equal as some womanists want to believe. Physically, in general men are stronger (especially in the upper body) and men do not have the ability to give birth and feed children. Mentally, men evaluate themselves in view to their occupation and contribution to the family and society, whereas women evaluate themselves in view of their relationships to their family and others in society. Sexually men are stimulated more by appearance than women who are stimulated more by attention, admiration, and aspiration. Within the institution of marriage the man Adam experienced judgment on his occupational contribution to the couple and the woman Eve experienced judgment on her relational contribution to the couple. Both Adam and Eve experienced physical judgment, though in different ways corresponding to their strengths (sweat and pain). In these things and more there are clear differences between men and women, between husband and wife.

* "as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life" -Equal as heirs of the kingdom and equals in God's gift of life. Any religion that states than women will be subject to men after physical death goes against God's established reality. Jesus said there will be no wife and husband in heaven and the kingdom of God, but we will be like the angels. (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12;25; Luke 20:36)

* A selfish man will use this verse to justify spousal oppression.

>How can a husband show respect for his wife? (Prov. 12:25, 31:10-12; James 3:5-6)

* Proverbs 12:25 "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."

* Proverbs 31:10-12 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

* James 3:5-6 "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

* "treat them with respect" -True religion respects women.

* "so that nothing will hinder your prayers" -A man who disrespects his wife causes so much trouble in his life that his prayer life suffers.

>Since Sarah is an example to wives, what can husbands learn from Abraham in Genesis 21:8-12?

* Genesis 21:8-12 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac." The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, "Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."

* Sarah was the silent support to Abraham. She saw and understood the whole spiritual picture. Abraham did not. Sarah knew and understood what was right and gave the right advice to Abraham. She did not take a social stand because her society gave the leadership position to him. Rather, she silently directed Abraham to the right decision to make in their society. Abraham, as the strong front needed to deny himself and accept Sarah's wise words of advice, and then make a public stand.

II. Live in Harmony With Each Other (3:8-12)

Peter is now going to address the whole congregation, not just women.

>4. What would a choir sound like if they did not sing in harmony?

* 1 Peter 3:8a "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another"

* "harmony" -The original Greek here is "homophron" meaning like minded, agreement, accord, and unison. From this word comes the English word harmony meaning musical chords vibrating synchronously such as when a southern gospel choir sings (See picture to the upper right.), a barber shop quartet, and a southern gospel quartet (See the Blackwood Brothers to the lower right). Several years ago I went on a short term missionary journey to Malawi (a small land locked African country). I went with several others to the African Bible College there to train the Bible students on how to better share the gospel with Evangelism Explosion. During the few weeks that I was there I heard the best singing at the college and the churches I attended. They weren't trained nor had musical rehearsals. Yet, the whole congregation sand in four part harmony. How wonderful it is when a church lives in harmony.

* Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

* Philippians 2:2-4 "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

* Jesus' apostles often did not get along. Several times he had to rebuke their arguing and power struggles, even during the Last Supper. It was then that Jesus washed his disciples feet and gently verbally rebuke them. Jesus gave a great example there as to how Christians can live in harmony with each other. (Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-17; Matthew 26:20-22) Jesus wants us to love fellow believers as he has loved us.

>How do congregations sound to the unbelievers when they do not live in harmony?

* A congregation that does not agree outwardly is a terrible witness. As with the example of marriage above the members of a congregation must agree to certain principles and roles. A society that is not organized and structured will fall. (Matthew 12:25-26; Mark 23-26; Luke 11:17)

>What five practical ways can true Christians live in harmony as found in verse 8b and 9a?

* 1 Peter 3:9a "be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing"

* "be sympathetic" -Sympathetic is an expression and feeling resulting from sympathy. Sympathy is agreeably suited to one's disposition or mood. Sympathy is an affinity between people in which whatever affects the one correspondingly affects the other. "When (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

* "love as brothers" -Not everyone has brothers let alone good brothers. The best example here would be the companionship between David and Jonathan. 1 Samuel 18:1 says, "After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself."

* "be compassionate" -"And the Lord said (to Moses), 'I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord , in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'" (Exodus 33:19) Many times the the gospels say how Jesus had compassion. When two blind men shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Jesus noticed them because of their persistent faith. Matthew 20:34 says, "Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." (Matthew 20:34) See also Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32 and Mark 1:41, 6:34, 8:3. Luke records Jesus telling the parable of The Lost Son (and thus giving the best definition of compassion) saying about the father, "While he (the lost son) was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

* "and humble" -Humility comes from an understanding of ones lowly situation and character before a holy God.

* "Do not repay evil with evil" -Also in Romans 12:17. Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Jesus' teaching is one of the hardest for fallen man to follow.

* "insult with insult" -The saying is unique to Peter, but the meaning is many places elsewhere in the Bible.

* Jesus taught us if someone strikes a cheek to turn the other cheek to them meaning the same thing Peter is saying here. (Matthew 3:39; Luke 6:29)

* "but with blessing" -To bless is to do good towards someone.

* In these words every kind of revenge is forbidden; for in order to preserve love, we must bear with many things. At the same time he does not speak here of mutual benevolence, but he would have us to endure wrongs, when provoked by ungodly men. And though it is commonly thought that it is an instance of a weak and abject mind, not to avenge injuries, yet it is counted before God as the highest magnanimity. Nor is it indeed enough to abstain from revenge; but Peter requires also that we should pray for those who reproach us; for to bless here means to pray, as it is set in opposition to the second clause. But Peter teaches us in general, that evils are to be overcome by acts of kindness. This is indeed very hard, but we ought to imitate in this case our heavenly Father, who makes his sun to rise on the unworthy. What the sophists imagine to be the meaning, is a futile evasion; for when Christ said, “Love your enemies,” he at the same time confirmed his own doctrine by saying, “That ye might be the children of God.” (Calvin's Commentaries)

>What is promised to a believer that practices these toward fellow believers? (9b)

* 1 Peter 3:9b "because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

* "to this you were called" -The whole process is meant. The process is;
God redeems us though we were his enemy (he blesses us)
We forgive and bless those who persecute and hate us
God gives us the inheritance of Jesus, the Son of God, the kingdom of God.

* "so that you may inherit a blessing" -In order for there to be an inheritance someone needs to die, and that one is Jesus, who died on the cross, but rose from the dead.

* "blessing" -The original Greek for here translated "inherit" seems to express perpetuity, as though Peter had said that the blessing would not be for a short time, but perpetual, if we be submissive in bearing injuries. But God blesses in a way different, from men; for we express our wishes to him, but he confers a blessing on us.

* Jesus gives us an example. When on the cross he prayed, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

See a wood engraving by Gustave Dore (1832-1883) to the right. Dore's drawings were in Bibles that are now in public domain. This one was scanned in by creationism.org.

>5. How does Psalm 34:12-16 reinforce this? (10-12)

* 1 Peter 3:10-12 "For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

* 1 Peter 3:10-12 is a quote from Psalm 34:12-16 as 1 Peter 2:3 is a quote from Psalm 34:8.

* "For" -Peter starts out with this word meaning that Psalm 34 backs up what he had been saying in verse 9.

* "Whoever would love life and see good days" -Peter was addressing Christians, both Jew and Gentile who were experiencing persecution. They desired to see good days, not just at the resurrection of the dead; but they also wanted to see the persecution stop. They wanted to live a good life, at peace with their neighbors and a good government.

* "must" -Though they were receiving persecution; verbally, socially, financially, and physically to the point of death Peter is saying we have no choice and "must" do good to those who do evil to us.

* "keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech" -The Psalm deals with verbal reprisal for evil.

* "He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it" -"Turn" is the same as "repent".

>6. If the Lord doesn't seem to answer our prayers, what might be the problem? (1 Sam. 28:15-18)

* 1 Samuel 28:15-18 "Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" "I am in great distress," Saul said. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do." Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors--to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today."

* "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer"

* "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous" -He watches us as a good shepherd does.

* "his ears are attentive to their prayer" -Jesus hears his people's prayers. I've heard many times Christians say, "His answers are either, "Yes," "No," or "Wait." Well this is true, but his answers are often not so simple.

* "but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" -He does not pay attention to the unrepentant sinner (evil doer). The only prayer a sinner can make that the Lord Jesus will respond to is the prayer of salvation; an admission of sin and guilt from a heart that is repetitive and a mouth that asks for forgiveness and leading. If you live your life the way you want and pay no attention to God and then pray to him expecting him to make a miracle without repentance you are sadly in error. Even if you pray for God to heal a sick child, will he hear you and answer your prayer if you will not acknowledge his sovereignty in your heart? If a poor thief goes to God in prayer, asking for riches will God allow him to steal to get it? If a evil person wants relief from an advisory and so goes to God in prayer asking him to allow him to kill his enemy will God listen to him? If a man or woman who has a sexual desire they cannot and will not control asks God to allow rape will God hear the prayer?

* Jewish teachers also emphasized that one should pursue peace actively, not just passively. (The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament)

* The more righteous any one is, and the greater lover of peace he is, the more he is harassed by the wicked. (Calvin's Commentaries)

* Peter's first century readers perhaps wondered, "How is the Lord's face against those who are doing evil to us? How is it that they have harm free lives and have the authority over us to inflict suffering? How and when is the Lord against them?" In times of trouble and persecution I have wondered this. Neither the Psalmist David who was in harsh exile because of Saul (When David wrote Psalm 34 he needed to pretend to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left), nor Peter who endured much suffering seems to have problems saying this. Yes, David and Peter's readers was enduring hardship at the hands of evil people. Yet. it is was only for a short time. David in the same Psalm says the Lord delivered him from trouble. Peter is saying to his readers, "Do good as David did and the Lord will deliver you as he did David from Abimelech and Saul."

III. Suffering For What is Good (3:13-22)

>7. Does doing good necessarily mean people will always respond well? (13-14, 17; Matt. 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23)

* 1 Peter 3:13-14 "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

* 1 Peter 3:17 "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

* Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

* Luke 6:22-23 "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets."

* Doing good toward those who do evil does not mean that they will always repent of their evil ways. Nor should we be surprised that they do not accept us. Jesus said, "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:17) And he said, "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!" (Matthew 10:24-25)

* Peter quotes Isaiah 8:12 in verse 14. It can also be read as, "Do not fear their threats..."

* "suffer for righteousness" -To suffer for righteousness, means not only to submit to some loss or disadvantage in defending a good cause, but also to suffer unjustly, when any one is innocently in fear among men on account of the fear of God. (Calvin's Commentaries)

>Does this mean we should refrain from doing good? (Acts 10:38)

* Acts 10:38 "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."

* Jesus was often persecuted and judged. Yet, this did not stop him from doing good to others.

* We should not shy back from preaching the gospel and doing good. Mark 13:9-11 records Jesus telling his disciples, "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit."

* Peter is not instructed them without first doing what he preached. Acts 4 and Acts 12 records how Peter was arrested for preaching the gospel.

* All Christians will received some kind of rejection because of the gospel per Jesus' word. If you have never been harassed because of Jesus and the gospel, then no one must know that your a Christian. If no one knows, then you haven't been obeying Jesus to preach the gospel. If you haven't been obeying Jesus what are you waiting for? Jesus said that people who hear the gospel, but do not obey him are in danger of hell. (Matthew 7:9, 13:40; Luke 13:9; John 15:16; 2 Peter 2:4)

>What do they fear that we should not and why? (John 16:7-11; Rom.s 13:4-5)

* John 16:7-11 "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."

* Romans 13:4-5 "For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."

* Always in the heart of the unsaved, those who refuse to trust in God for salvation fear judgment of God. All other religious beliefs trust in man's work for acceptance by God. Only Christianity teaches man's inability to work for righteousness, but that rather it is given freely to those whole solely trust in God's Son, Jesus. Ask a Moslem if he or she is sure they are going to heaven and they will say they do not know. Why? Because they believe they have to do more good than bad to get to heaven. Who knows how much of each they have done and how does one good deed rate compared to another. such belief systems leads us to compare ourselves to others rather than to God who is perfect. I was raised a Roman Catholic under the same type of belief system; was I righteousness enough to make it to heaven? Praise God that he showed me the righteousness found in Jesus instead of my actions.

>8. How does setting apart Christ as Lord affect our day to day living? (15a)

* 1 Peter 3:15a "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord."

* "in your heart" -Our essence of being is often referred to as the heart in the Bible. The heart is one's emotions and will.

* "set apart" -Make a sure and firm place in our heart.

* "Christ as Lord" -Decide that Jesus is indeed your personal Lord. A person's lord must be obeyed, worshipped, and honored. Jesus said, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46)

* When a person decides that Jesus is his and/or her personal Lord, then it will affect every thought and action. This decision affects how we interact with others. It affects how we live when no one is watching and when everyone is watching. Making Jesus one's personal Master means that we seek to please him in all that we do. It means growing to understand who he is and what he desires. Making Jesus Lord should come from a loving heart, not a sour disposition.

Currently, I am unemployed with no unemployment compensation. In recent years unemployment has hit me several times. Right now my household has no income, something that has not happened to me since I was in college. Even though I have tithed till it hurts the flood gates are closed. I have served the Lord for over thirty years without ever charging anyone for the services I rendered including this web site (only one person donated $5 to this site). Yet, my life is not without troubles. Yesterday an unexpected bill notice amount came in that if nothing changes before it comes due I will not be able to pay. It and another like it came due once before and I could not pay and now in a month it will come due again with interest. So the rest of the day I was in a foul mood.

Last week while preparing 1 Peter's commentary for the web site I read David's Psalm 34. The title states he wrote it when he had to flee everything because of Saul's hate and run into uncertainty in Abimelech's kingdom. (1 Samuel 21:10-15) David's problem was far from over when he wrote this psalm. He had no place to go and would remain in exile for much longer than he probably realized at that time. One thing for sure that like me David had no idea what awaited him. He probably knew that as things were going his life would get worse before it got better. Still, David realized that God saved him from making a bad decision to live in the land of the Philistines, in Abimelech's city Gath. So he wrote Psalm 34. David as a youth decided in his heart that the Lord was his Master and it affected every aspect of his life, even when his future looked bleak. "The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:18-19)

The Holy Spirit gave Peter wisdom in using this psalm to encourage and direct the people he wrote this letter to. They were in a similar situation as David. I too now am in a similar situation to David. Perhaps you are too. With Jesus coming so close persecution and evil has increased greatly and I'm sure many who read this are in David's situation. If you have made a clear decision in your heart that Jesus is your Lord, then hang onto Psalm 34.

>In order for someone to know of the hope we have, what must have happened? (15b-16)

* 1 Peter 3:15b-16 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

* "Always" -All the time, anytime, anyplace, within any situation.

* "be prepared" -We need to be prepared ahead of time as Jesus told Peter. (Matthew 28:18-20) In order know how to answer preparation is implied. How can we be prepared? We need to understand what Jesus and his written word says about the gospel. Jesus told us to teach his disciples. Paul also agreed with the need for Bible teachers. (Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-3)

* "to everyone who asks you to give" -People will take notice of Jesus' people seeing the hope they have. Some will ask why we have hope, especially in a sinful and dark world. Others will despise our hope and inward joy, hating us. I have often experienced the later and only a few times the former.

* "the reason for the hope that you have" -The core of the gospel is Jesus Christ raised from the dead. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (2 Timothy 2:8-10)

* Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

* Ephesians 4:11-12 "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service,, so that the body of Christ may be built up"

* 2 Timothy 4:2-3 "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

* J. Vernon McGee wrote, "This means you ought to know more than a little about the Bible. The tragedy of the hour is that there are so many folk who say they are Christians, but the sceptic is able to tie them up into fourteen different knots like a little kitty caught up in a ball of yarn -they cannot extricate themselves at all. Why? Because of the fact that they do not know the World of God." (Thru the Bible Commentary)

>How are we to answer such questions?

* "But do this with gentleness and respect" -The Lord lead me to receive training at several times in my life. On-the-job training is the best and Evangelism Explosion uses this method. Through such training tools a person learn how to gently present the gospel.

* "keeping a clear conscience" -When we aren't gentle and respectful in presenting the gospel the Holy Spirit moves our conscience to realize that this is not his way.

* When opposition to the gospel we preach comes, and it will come, some will become very hostel. We should not respond to their hostility with hostility. We need to do as Jesus did and turn the other cheek.

* The KJV translates "with gentleness and respect" as "with meekness and fear". This is a most necessary admonition; for unless our minds are endued with meekness, contentions will immediately break forth. And meekness is set in opposition to pride and vain ostentation, and also to excessive zeal. (Calvin's Commentaries)

>9. What was the effect of Jesus' death on the cross? (18a)

* 1 Peter 3:18a "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."

* "Christ" -Christ is Greek and equivalent to the Hebrew word Messiah. Christ is Jesus title, not his name. Much like President is a title and Obama is the man's name.

* "died for sins once for all" -Jesus only died once. "All" here means for all one person's sin had and will ever commit, and for everyone's sins. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." (Mark 3:28-29)

* "to bring you to God" -Sin needs to be removed if anyone is to come close to God who is holy, holy, holy.

>Was anyone righteous before they accepted Jesus' act of righteousness?

* "the righteous for the unrighteous" -Jesus is the righteous. We are the unrighteous.

* Romans 3:22-24 "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

>Was Jesus' death physical or spiritual?

* 1 Peter 3:18b "He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,"

* This is the beginning of a very long sentence (or two depending on which translation is used) that spans several verses and should be read as a whole several times to grasp what Peter is writing and meaning. The main subject is the work of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus. Peter states that the work of the Holy Spirit is saving work. A secondary meaning is that the water of baptism is a symbol of the work of the Holy Spirit.

* "He was put to death in the body" -Jesus has a physical body, and his physical body died on the cross. John makes it very clear in his gospel that Jesus' physical body died. He wrote, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:30) And John wrote, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe." (John 19:34-35)

Jesus taught that his physical body would die. Mark 9:31 records Jesus as "he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.""

* Psalm 80:17-19 "Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved."

>What does it mean that Jesus was "made alive by the Spirit"? (1 Cor. 15:42-49)

* 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven."

* "made alive by the Spirit" -Jesus was physically raised from the dead through the Holy Spirit.

* "Spirit" -The Greek word here is "pneuma" usually referring to angels (fallen or not) and the Spirit of God. However, it can also refer to mankind's spirit and/or soul. The Greek word has similarities to "breath", "breathe", and "wind". Hence Jesus use of wind to help Nicodemus understand the working of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:8)

* Matthew 28:5-7 "The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

* John 6:63 "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."

* John 20:22-23 "And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

* Romans 8:11 "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you."

* 2 Corinthians 3:6 "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

>10. After Jesus died on the cross, where did his spirit go and what did he do for three days until he rose from the dead? (19-20; Luke 16:22-24)

* 1 Peter 3:19-20 "through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,"

* Luke 16:22-24 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'"

* The logical flow of the sentence starting in 18b and ending in 21a makes understanding hard. The way verse numbers were added make it more confusing.

* "through whom also he went and preached to" -"Through whom" means Jesus was in the spirit, that is not in his physical body that he was conceived with in Mary's womb. So this going and preaching was not during his physical life between conception and crucifixion.

* "the spirits" -The Greek word here is "pneuma" usually referring to angels (fallen or not) and the Spirit of God. However, it can also refer to mankind's spirit and/or soul. The Greek word has similarities to "breath", "breathe", and "wind". Hence Jesus use of wind to help Nicodemus understand the working of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:8)

* "in prison" -The grave is obviously meant and is elsewhere in the Bible described as a prison. Those whom Jesus preached to were in prison when they were preached to. See below discussion on the subject of hell.

* "who disobeyed long ago when" -These people lived on the earth a long time ago and sinned against God. They were not on the earth during Jesus' ministry. These people are further defined as those alive when Noah built the ark.

* "God waited patiently in the days of Noah" -God here is "Theos" in Greek. Peter brings us back in time to when God waited to bring execution of a judgment he had proclaimed on the sinners during Noah's physical life. God proclaimed judgment, but the execution of judgement did not come right away. God waited before putting the unrighteous people in prison. He had conducted the trial and gave a proclamation of judgement before he told Noah to start building the ark. (Genesis 6:5-14) The judgement would come through a world wide flood.

* "eight in all" -Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives.

* "saved through water" -Noah's flood. The water of Noah's flood was all the water in the world even to this day.

* So what is Peter writing about? Peter must be writing about what Jesus did during the three days Jesus' physical body lie in the grave on the outskirts of Jerusalem. What did Jesus do? Well one thing he did was that Jesus' spiritual self went to and preach to people in "prison". He was in the spirit and they were in prison so these people must already have been dead. Prison must mean the depths of the earth (hell) as it was before Jesus' resurrection.

It's important here to understand where people went when their physical body died before Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus taught before his death and resurrection that people went to one of two places. The righteous went to a place Jesus referred to as "Abraham's side (bosom)"; a place where their spirits and souls gathered when their physical body died. (Luke 16:22) Jesus also taught that the unrighteous went to hell in the same parable. (Luke 16:23) After Peter's confession that Jesus was the Messiah (Christ) Jesus proclaimed that Hades, not simply the place of the dead but the power of the underworld would not be able to stop the gospel. (Matthew 16:18) So people went to one of two places which according to Jesus were completely separate, but each side could see and talk to each other.

What are the words used in the Bible for the place where people had gone when their physical bodies died? The Old Testament Hebrew word Sheol (found sity-five times in the Old Testament) and the New Testament Greek words Hades, Gehenna (meaning valley of Hinnom), and Tartaroo (Only found once in the New Testament, 2 Peter 2:4 meaning cast into hell) are translated as the English (Anglo-Saxon) Hell or the grave and the pit. Whereas in the Old Testament, the distinction in the fates of the righteous and the wicked was not always clear, in the New Testament Hades refers to a place of torment opposed to Abraham's bosom. However, a common descriptive phrase for Sheol in the Old Testament (mostly in 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles) when a person (the kings) died is "rest with his (or your) fathers", and is used for both righteous and unrighteous kings. (2 Samuel 7:12; and 1 Kings 1:21, 2:10, 11:21, 11:43, 14:20, 14:20, 14:31, 15:8, etc.) Descriptive phrases used in the New Testament include "outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30), "lake of fire" (Revelation 20:14-15), "fire of hell" (Matthew 5:22, 18:9; James 3:6), "prison" (1 Peter 3:19), and "the second death" (Revelation 2:11, 20:7, 14, 21:8).

"The Old Testament uses Sheol to refer to a place in the depths of the earth. The expressions go down or brought down are used twenty times in connection with Sheol. The depths of Sheol are mentioned six times (Deut. 32:22; Ps. 86:13; Prov. 9:18; 15:24; Isa. 7:11; 14:15). Four times Sheol is described as the farthest point from heaven (Job 11:8; Ps. 139:8; Isa. 7:11; Amos 9:2). Often Sheol is parallel with the “pit” (Job 17:13-14; 33:18; Ps. 30:3; 88:3-4; Prov. 1:12; Isa. 14:15; 38:18; Ezek. 31:14-17). Nine times it is parallel with death (2 Sam. 22:6; Ps. 18:4-5; 49:14; 89:48; 116:3; Prov. 5:5; Isa. 28:15,18; Hos. 13:14; Hab. 2:5). Sheol is described in terms of overwhelming floods, water, or waves (Jonah 2:2-6). Sometimes, Sheol is pictured as a hunter setting snares for its victim, binding them with cords, snatching them from the land of the living (2 Sam 22:6; Job 24:19; Ps. 116:3); Sheol is a prison with bars, a place of no return (Job 7:9; 10:21; 16:22; 21:13; Ps. 49:14; Isa. 38:10). People could go to Sheol alive (Num. 16:30,33; Ps. 55:15; Prov. 1:12). With rare exceptions, such as Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-12), all people were believed to go to Sheol when they died. (Job 3:11-19; Psalm 89:48)" (Holman Bible Dictionary)

1 Samuel 28:1-19 records an event in Saul's life just before he died. He asked a medium to "Bring up Samuel." The woman said, "I see a spirit coming up out of the ground." "What does he look like?" he asked. "An old man wearing a robe is coming up," she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" Clearly the prophet of the Lord God had come up from Sheol as a spirit.

So Jesus went to the hell side of the grave and preached. Peter does not mention it here, but it is believed that Jesus also emptied Abraham's bosom at this time bringing the righteous who had been there to heaven. Jesus did these two things during the three days his body was in the grave. Since Jesus' resurrection those who believe in Jesus go to heaven, a place prepared for them until the resurrection of the dead when Jesus comes to the earth in physical form again. (1 Corinthians 15) On that day the dead in Christ will be raised from the grave in their newly obtained glorious resurrected bodies and the righteous still on the earth will be changed to be like them.

* "in the days of Noah while the ark was being built" -Peter specifically speaks of only of the people who lived before the flood. So can it be concluded that disobedient people who died after that went somewhere else? No, as I wrote about above.

* Three other beliefs about what Peter wrote about in verses 18b thru 20 are: 1) Jesus went back in time to Noah's generation and 2) Jesus preached to the evil spirits who were put into hell during Noah's flood. Both have major problems to account for in order to be correct. The third is: 3) Jesus was preaching through Noah as Noah was building the ark. This is plausible though the sentence seems to say that those who were preached to were already in prison. Also, the chronological sequence of the sentence places this after Jesus' crucifixion and death, but before his resurrection three days later.

>What baptism is mentioned in verse 21?

* 1 Peter 3:21 "and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"

* The picture to the right is a mikveh (Jewish baptismal pit) found at Qumran, near the Dead (Salt) Sea in Israel.

* "this water" -The water of Noah's flood. The water of Noah's flood is all the water that is in the world today. The water used for baptism even to this day is the water of Noah's flood. God baptized the world which had been cursed because of Adam's sin. Noah and his family were never in the flood water.

* "symbolizes" -Water, such as that which flooded the entire earth in Noah's day is only a symbol. Water used in baptism and mikveh are also a symbol. They are symbols of being cleansed by the Holy Spirit.

* "baptism" -In those days baptism was somewhat of an ordinary sign of repentance of the heart. (Luke 3:3) Baptism (mikvah or mikveh in Hebrew) in Jewish culture became a ritual sometime after the exile of Babylon. By Jesus time the religious leaders turned it into a elaborate ceremony, full of rules and regulations. Sometimes they baptized themselves every day or at least once a week. They had all kinds of reasons why they must baptize themselves as the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal. Baptism in Jewish and early church culture always required the person to be fully immersed in water. By Jesus' day the Jews had dug many small pits with steps in rock and filled them with water to be used only for mikveh. The rich had these baptismal pits in their homes. John the Baptist and Jesus (though it was actually his disciples) used the dirty water in the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; John 1:28; John 4:1-3)

* "symbolizes baptism" -Peter is obviously stating that water baptism is only a symbol of God's baptism with the Holy Spirit.

* "that now saves you also" -The baptism of the Holy Spirit saves us. The Holy Spirit cleanses us of sin.

* "not the removal of dirt from the body" -So the baptism Peter is writing about is not with water (H2O), it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was the subject of the previous sentence.

* "It" -The baptism of the Holy Spirit.

* Matthew 3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

* Luke 3:16 "John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

* The picture to the right is Herod's mikveh. Herod was not of Jewish descent, but of Edom. He claimed to be a Jew to appease the Jews and look good in Roman eyes.

>How does Jesus' resurrection give us a good conscience toward God?

* "the pledge -The Greek word here for "pledge" is "eperotema" meaning answer or interrogation. It is only used here in the Bible.

* "conscience" -The Greek word here for "conscience" is "syneidesis" meaning the awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one's conduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong. The word is used thirty-two times in the Bible and is always translated as conscience.

* "the pledge of a good conscience toward God" -Peter is referring to a person's decision to live according to God's will and plan through the power of the Holy Spirit.

* Accepting the truth of Jesus' resurrection gives us hope and that hope inspires us to live a life that is pleasing to God who saves us by grace and will reward the works of faith.

* Romans 8:23-25 "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

* 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."

>What does Jesus' resurrection save us from?

* "It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" -Peter has come full circle in his long thought (statement). He started out writing in 18b "He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit."

* Peter's long sentence began in 18b and concludes with verse 21. Verse 22 is an added point. Peter in general is writing about salvation through the working power of the Holy Spirit and through Jesus the Messiah.

* Jesus saves us from sin. John the baptist proclaimed this. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) The answer told Joseph this. He said, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

* Jesus saves us from the wrath of God. Romans 5:9 states, "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!"

* Jesus saves us from death. (Romans 8:23-25; 1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 2:15; James 5:20)

* 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"

* Titus 3:5-6 "he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,"

>After Jesus ascended into heaven where did he go and what position does he have? (22)

* 1 Peter 3:22 "who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."

* "who has gone into heaven" -Jesus ascended to heaven a few weeks after he rose from the dead. (Acts 1:9)

* "is at God's right hand" -Seating at the right hand of the king is the highest symbol of authority and power. Hence the saying, "right hand man."

* "with angels" -Angels are spirits (Heb. 1:13-14; Ps. 104:4) created by God (Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:16) before the creation of man (Job 38:7).

Angel comes from two Hebrew words. The first is "ben." It means; "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of lit. and fig. relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.,"

The second is "elohiym." It is plural of the Hebrew word "elowahh" which comes from the Hebrew words "el", "ayil", and "uwl". "Elohiym" means; "gods in the ordinary sense; but spec. used (in the plur. thus, esp. with the art.) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: -angels"

* "authorities and powers" -Whatever worldly and non-worldly beings his contemporaneity might conceive of, for in his day many people believed not only in the existence of angels and demons, but also in that of other beings. Christ is above them all. (Ephesians 1:21, 6:12)

* "in submission to him" -Jesus is over all and every creating being.