Read 1 Peter 3:13-20.

Note: The pronoun, “by whom,” found at the beginning of verse nineteen, is a reference to the Holy Spirit.

Introduction⤒🔗

All who worked for the railroad knew that a strike was inevitable. An undercurrent of bitterness about wage demands and working conditions had flowed through the company for some time. A confrontation between the union and the company had to come sooner or later. Sure enough, it did.

For Don, a Christian who for fifteen years had worked as a fireman for the railroad, it posed a dilemma because it was an illegal wildcat strike. He was torn between doing what was right or facing the wrath of his striking co-workers. Recognizing his duty to honor the contract that made it illegal for the workers to stage any unauthorized strike activity, Don continued to work even though he knew he would suffer for righteousness’ sake. In a few weeks, the dispute between management and labor was settled, and the striking workers returned to their jobs. When they did, Don had to face their rejection, their cold stares, their bitter remarks.

Here is an example of a Christian man who suffered for righteousness’ sake; one who suffered for his Christian conduct in doing what was right. But at the same time, Don could testify to the indescribable sense of peace and strength he experienced as Christ stood beside him. He writes, “I can’t explain the feeling of peace and strength that flowed through me as I turned to face those men and go to work. I knew now that I could face any challenge they might want to add. More alone than I’d ever been in my life, I was aware that Jesus stood with me.”¹

As Christians, we can expect to encounter mistreatment as we walk with Christ and apply our Christian principles to our everyday lives. When we encounter mistreatment for righteousness’ sake, may we respond to it in the way God prescribes.

When You Suffer for Righteousness’ Sake, Honor Christ as Lord←⤒🔗

In verses 14-15, Peter is alluding to the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah: “The LORD of hosts, him you must sanctify; he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, ¹⁴and he will be a sanctuary [for you]” (Isa. 8:13-14a). The Old Testament people of Israel were facing imminent invasion by the terrible Assyrian armies, who were feared throughout the ancient Near East. The reaction of the people of Israel was terror and despair. But the command that came from the LORD to Isaiah was: “The LORD of hosts, him you must sanctify; he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.” That is to say, we must recognize the LORD as being the proper object of our fear, and we must fear Him above all others.

We must allow our fear of the LORD, rather than our fear of men, no matter how fearsome they may be, to govern our life and dictate our conduct. Following upon the command issued to Isaiah comes the sure promise that the LORD will be “a sanctuary [for you].” The LORD shall be a place of refuge, a safe and secure spiritual shelter for those who fear Him; as the Psalmist writes: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psl. 34:7). Through the Psalmist, the LORD gives us the further assurance: “God is our Refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psl. 46:1).

Peter now applies this passage of Isaiah, with some alteration, to us as New Testament believers. Whereas the LORD instructed the prophet Isaiah not to fear what his countrymen feared, namely the threat of the Assyrian invasion, the Apostle Peter is instructing those Christians to whom he writes not to fear what their adversaries threatened to inflict upon them. He now exhorts both those original recipients of this epistle as well as ourselves, “sanctify the LORD Christ in your hearts.” We are to honor Christ above all others: better that we should offend men in our obedience and faithfulness to Christ than acquiesce to men at the cost of offending Christ. We must let our holy fear of Christ dictate and govern our conduct, rather than an unholy fear of men. The Apostle Paul instructs the suffering Philippian church as follows:

²⁷Live your life only in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that if I come and see you, or if I remain absent, what I will hear about you is that you are standing firm in one spirit, and with one soul are contending for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸and that you are in no way being intimidated by those who oppose you. Phil. 1:27-28a

To conduct ourselves in a Christ-honoring way we must rely upon the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts: “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7).

As Christians, we are called and commanded by Christ to live consistent Christ-honoring lives. As we do so, we are not guaranteed an exemption from opposition or suffering; on the contrary, “everyone who would live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). But we are guaranteed the assurance that Christ will sustain us and carry us through: “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20b). Paul, in the midst of his trials, experienced the Lord's faithfulness: “the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength... ¹⁸The Lord will rescue me out of every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Tim. 4:17-18). Furthermore, we are guaranteed the assurance of Christ’s blessing:

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

When we suffer for righteousness’ sake, let us be faithful to honor Christ as Lord.

When You Suffer for Righteousness’ Sake, Be Prepared to Give a Reason for Your Hope←⤒🔗

The Apostle Peter tells us that we should be ready at all times to give “an answer,” [literally, an “apology”], “concerning the hope that is in you” (vs. 15b). The Greek word (απολογια) means to defend and explain our beliefs and practices as a Christian, not to apologize for our beliefs. To be able to give such an apology, (i.e. defense of the faith), implies that we know what we believe and are so convinced and committed to our Christian beliefs that they are being expressed in our everyday conduct and are making a noticeable difference in our lives.

As Christians, we are to be ready to give a reason for “the hope” that is in us. The Christian life is characterized by hope; as Peter had previously instructed these Christians: “Therefore, focusing your mind and being [spiritually] sober, set your hope squarely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13). In his second epistle, Peter will further elaborate on the Christian’s hope: “according to his promise, we are watching for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness resides” (2 Pet. 3:13). The Christian’s life of hope is in striking contrast to the despair of the world. The Apostle Paul reminds the Ephesian Christians of their state prior to their conversion to Christ: “you were at that time without Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12).

We as Christians are to express our hope and give our defense “with humility and respect” (vs. 16a). On the one hand, we are not to be self-effacing, timid and intimidated; but on the other hand, we are not to be obnoxious and arrogant and haughty. We must remember the counsel and exhortation of the Apostle Paul; he tells us that as Christians, we are to be found “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).

Furthermore, we are to testify to our Christian hope and give our Christian defense with a good conscience (vs. 16). A good, or clear, conscience will give moral strength and authority. Deuteronomy 11:8,22,25 teaches us that true moral strength is derived from a life of obedience to the LORD’s commandments:

⁸Observe, therefore, all the commandments I am giving you today, so that you may be strong to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess... ²²If you carefully observe all these commandments I am giving you to follow, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him... ²⁵No man will be able to stand against you.

Conversely, a guilty conscience will cause one to shrivel up in silence: “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1).

Our testimony in word and life must complement each other. Our words must define our life, explaining why we live as we do. Our life must give credibility to our words, demonstrating that our words are sincere and true. As Proverbs instructs us: “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, ¹⁸for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips” (Prov. 22:17-18). The Word of God should be received by our ears, it should penetrate into our hearts, it should circulate throughout our lives, and should then express itself in our speech. The Word of God should be so much a part of us that it becomes a natural part of our “conversation,” expressing itself in the way we think, the way we act, and the way we speak.

When we suffer for righteousness’ sake, let us be prepared to give a reason for our Christian hope. But to do so, means that we must understand and clearly articulate our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be able to testify to who He is and what He has done. Philippians 2:6-11 gives a concise description of our Lord’s divine and incarnate identity, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 gives a concise description of what He has done:

...existing in the form of God, he did not regard his being on an equality with God as a thing to be exploited; ⁷on the contrary, he emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. Being found as a man in appearance, ⁸he humbled himself by becoming obedient unto death, even death on the cross. ⁹Therefore, God exalted him to the highest position and bestowed upon him the name that is above every name; ¹⁰so that before the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:1-11

Note: The Greek term (κενοω) translated, “emptied himself,” has the meaning of someone divesting, or depriving, himself of his privileges. Thus, in “emptying himself,” our Lord did not lay aside His absolute deity, which is His eternal identity.

I delivered to you as of first importance that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; 'and that he was buried; and that he has been raised on the third day according to the Scriptures... 1 Cor. 15:3-4

When You Suffer for Righteousness’ Sake, Remember Christ’s Example←⤒🔗

Peter holds out before us the distinct possibility, even the certainty, that our Christian faith and life will be met with opposition: we are to maintain a good conscience, “so that...those who insult your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷It is better, if it be the will of God, to suffer for doing what is right, than for doing what is wrong” (vs. 16-17).

Peter then immediately points us Christ our Savior. He reminds us that Christ suffered for us: “Christ, indeed, died for sins once for all, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones, so that he might bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive [again] by the Spirit” (vs. 18). The writer to the Hebrews confronts us with the extent of Christ’s suffering; like Peter, he reminds us that it was a suffering unto “bloodshed” [i.e. death]: “Consider him who endured such hostility from sinful men against himself...4you have not yet resisted to bloodshed” (Heb. 12:3-4).

Consider the innocence and benevolence of Christ, even in the midst of His suffering: His suffering was that of “the Righteous One” on the behalf of "the unrighteous ones. “Consider also the outcome of Christ’s suffering: he was “made alive [again] by the Spirit,” (i.e. He was resurrected from the dead); that is to say, He was vindicated and honored by God His Father. As the Apostle Peter explains to his hearers on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-28),

...God raised [him] up, having loosened the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it [i.e. by death and the grave]. Peter then proceeds to explain why it was not possible by quoting from Psalm 16. Especially relevant is verse ten: '...you will not leave my soul in Hades [or, Sheol], nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption.'

In verses 19-20, Peter turns our attention back to the days of Noah:

By whom [i.e. by the Holy Spirit] [Christ] also went and preached to the spirits who [now] are bound; ²⁰[that is to say], to those who were disobedient back when the patience of God was waiting in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built. By means of which a few, that is, [only] eight souls, were brought safely through [the] water.

What Peter means by this mysterious passage, is that by the Holy Spirit dwelling in Noah, Christ preached to the unbelieving world of Noah’s day. Peter then describes the men of Noah’s day in their present state: the persons who were alive during the days of Noah are now disembodied spirits, their bodies having succumbed to death, being bound in everlasting condemnation and awaiting the day of the resurrection, at which time they will be consigned to the full state of condemnation.

In these verses, Peter is referring to Noah’s inspired testimony, which he gave before the ancient world; it was in fact Christ Himself, by the Holy Spirit, speaking through Noah. Noah’s building of the ark, and the explanation he gave for doing so, was a testimony to his generation; in 2 Peter 2:5 Noah is identified as “a preacher of righteousness.” But that ancient generation who lived in the days of Noah was disobedient and unresponsive; and they continued in that state throughout the long period of God’s patience while the ark was being built.

This is the point Peter is making: Not only did the world persecute Christ in the days of His incarnate presence during His earthly ministry, they opposed Him in the days of Noah, too. Given these facts, why should we be surprised if we as Christians should encounter the world’s opposition and enmity?

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:10

When we suffer for righteousness’ sake, let us remember the example of Christ our Savior. Christ faithfully obeyed His heavenly Father even though the world remained disobedient and even though it persecuted Him to death. Note, again, the testimony of Hebrews 12:3, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Let us bear in mind, and never lose sight of, our Lord’s gracious and wonderful promise made to those who remain faithful to Him, despite the opposition encountered:

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.Rev. 2:10

We can do so only if Christ Himself is the supreme love of our lives, if we can join the Psalmist in his testimony: “O God, you are my God, early will I seek you. My flesh thirst for you; my flesh longs for you...³because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you” (Pal. 63:1,3), and the Apostle Paul in his testimony: “for me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

We must cultivate our relationship with Christ day by day, so that when we face the day of our departure from this life, whether it be in peace or in persecution, it will be a welcome departure into the immediate presence of the Christ who is the supreme love of our lives.

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

1. What rhetorical question does the Apostle Peter pose to these Christian people to whom he is writing? See 1 Pet. 3:13. But are there ever exceptions to this general rule? Note 1 Pet. 2:21-23a. Have you ever been treated as a law breaker, even though you conducted yourself as a law-abiding citizen? When living in the midst of what kind of society, might a Christian especially encounter unjust treatment? Note Isa. 5:19-21,

Who will harm you if you are zealous to do what is right? 1 Pet. 3:13

Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example with the intention that you should follow in his footsteps. ²²He committed no sin, neither was [any] deceit found in his mouth. ²³When they insulted him, he did not insult them; when he suffered, he did not threaten; rather, he committed [himself] to him who judges righteously. 1 Pet. 2:21-23

Woe to those who say, Let [God] hurry, let him be quick to do his work [of judgment], so that we may see it! Let that which the Holy One has determined to do come and occur, so that we may experience it! ²⁰Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! ²¹Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isa. 5:19-21

What is referred to here is the displacement of the most basic and fundamental moral absolutes; rejecting them in favor of sinful man’s own “moral” standard.

2. Of what must we as Christians be aware if, or when, we do encounter such unjust treatment? See 1 Pet. 3:14a. Why does Peter tell us we are blessed; to what is he referring? See Matt. 5:10. Does our righteous conduct merit entrance into the kingdom of God; or does such conduct testify that we partake of the righteousness of Christ our Savior and, as such, bears witness that we are citizens of the kingdom? Note 2 Cor. 5:21,

But if, indeed, you should suffer for the cause of righteousness, you are blessed! 1 Pet. 3:14a

It is by grace that you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹it is not of works, therefore, no one can boast. Eph. 2:8-9

...[God] made [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.2 Cor. 5:21

3. Should we experience such unjust treatment, how must we, as Christians, conduct ourselves? 1 Pet. 3:14b. Rather than being intimidated by their threats or their violence against us, what are we to do? See 1 Pet. 3:15a. What does this mean? Note Isa. 8:12b-14a. Does this mean we shall always be delivered from physical violence or death (cf. Psl. 116:15), or, is this passage speaking about what we shall experience in that hour of trial? See Psl. 46:1; also, Psl. 23:4,

But if, indeed, you should suffer for the cause of righteousness, you are blessed! 'Do not fear their terror, nor be troubled.' ¹⁵On the contrary, 'sanctify the LORD' Christ in your hearts... 1 Pet. 3:14-15a

Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread of it. ¹³The LORD of hosts, him you must sanctify; he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, ¹⁴and he will be a sanctuary [for you]. Isa. 8:12b-14a

We must allow our holy fear of Christ dictate and govern our conduct, rather than an unholy fear of men; being confident that He will take care of us.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psl. 116:15

God is our Refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psl. 46:1

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psl. 23:4

4. As Christians, what must we always be prepared to do? See 1 Pet. 3:15b. How does the Apostle Paul describe the Ephesians’ condition prior to their conversion, while they were still “in the world”? See Eph. 2:12. Twice in Ephesians 2:12 the Apostle Paul uses the word “without;” to whom does he attach the word in vs. 12a, and to whom in vs. 12b? What does this tell us about the irreplaceable importance of Christ, if we are to have a personal relationship of blessing with the living God? See Jn. 17:3. Are you able to articulate the hope you have because of your relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ?

'sanctify the LORD' Christ in your hearts; being always prepared with an answer for everyone who asks you for an explanation concerning the hope that is in you. 1 Pet. 3:15

Addressing the Gentiles who had placed their faith in Jesus the Messiah, the Apostle reminds them of their spiritual condition prior to their conversion:

you were at that time without Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and being without God in the world. Eph. 2:12

In His prayer to God His Father, the Lord Jesus declares,

And this is eternal life, [namely], to know you, the only true God, and [to know] him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. Jn. 17:3

5. In what manner are we to give our testimony for Christ? See 1 Pet. 3:15b-16. Might the Christian be tempted to display a haughty demeanor before the unbelieving world that finds itself without hope and without God? But do we have any grounds for personal boasting? See Eph. 2:8-9. What effect will a morally inconsistent life have upon our Christian witness?

...being always prepared with an answer for everyone who asks you for an explanation concerning the hope that is in you. ¹⁶But [do so] with humility and respect, maintaining a good conscience, so that [by the very thing] for which you are slandered, those who insult your good conduct in Christ maybe put to shame. 1 Pet. 3:15b-16