Explore the Bible By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
ALWAYS READY
1 Peter 3:13–22
Ready to Defend (13–17)
Jesus followers are to endure hardship, knowing they will receive a future reward. Christ suffered at His death but was raised from the dead and has triumphed over all demonic powers. Christians are urged to give themselves wholly to God, being willing to suffer and do what is right. The expectation of the end times should motivate Jesus followers to live in a way that pleases God and works to advance His kingdom.
Peter’s question in verse 13 is easily answered. A lot of people can hurt you if you live for Christ. All throughout biblical and Church history, believers have been persecuted for following Christ faithfully. You can check out persecution.com and read about Christians currently facing persecution. Although many people can criticize, attack and persecute Christians today, no one will be able to harm Jesus followers on the day of judgment. On that day, God will reward them for their faithfulness.
Even in the midst of suffering, Jesus followers have hope. And we need to be ready to give people a reason for the hope that is within us. In order to do this, we must know what we believe and why we believe it. Apologetics is knowing what you believe, why you believe it and being able to explain it to others.
Can you explain the basic truths of Christianity? What do you believe? Why do you believe it? “Well, my pastor said it.” That answer is not sufficient. Every believer needs to know what he or she believes and be able to unpack those precious truths to others with gentleness and respect. If Christians keep a good conscience, any accusations against them will prove groundless and their accusers will be put to shame.
Sometimes it is God’s will for His followers to suffer for doing good. Jesus followers have met Someone worth losing everything for (Matt. 13:44). We must always remember that God’s will may not be the safest place, but it’s always the best place.
Point to Christ’s Work (18–20a)
Substitutionary atonement is clearly emphasized as Jesus, the Righteous One, suffered and died in place of the unrighteous in order to bring us to God. Hallelujah, what a Savior. Believers should not become intimidated in suffering but continue to honor Christ as Lord because the suffering of Christ also was the means by which He was exalted. Just as suffering was the pathway to exaltation for Christ, so also suffering is the prelude to glory for believers. The emphasis on Christ’s victory reminds Jesus followers that the troubles of the present time are temporary and that victory is sure because Christ has triumphed over evil powers.
Christ was put to death in His body but He was made alive by the Holy Spirit. Verses 19–20 have numerous interpretations. The majority view is that the text describes Christ’s proclamation of victory and judgment over the demonic spirits after His death and resurrection. The point of the verses is not that Christ descended into hell, but that He is victorious over evil powers.
Display Your Faith (20b–22)
A comparison is made between salvation in the ark and baptism. The outward act of baptism does not save, for Peter writes: “not as removal of dirt from the body,” meaning that the passing of water over the body does not cleanse anyone. Baptism saves you because it represents inward faith grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus, as evidenced by one’s appeal to God for the forgiveness of one’s sins. Baptism is a visual representation of the fact that Christians are clothed with Christ, in union with Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
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