1 Peter 3:9. Knowing that ye are thereunto called,— "As knowing that ye are called into the Christian church, that you might return good for evil, and in consequence of that, inherit a blessing." Heylin renders the clause, For ye know that your vocation obliges you to this, that you yourselves may enjoy the benediction of God. read more
8. General summary of relative duty, after having detailed particular duties from 1 Peter 2:18. of one mind—as to the faith. having compassion one of another—Greek, "sympathizing" in the joy and sorrow of others. love as brethren—Greek, "loving the brethren." pitiful—towards the afflicted. courteous—genuine Christian politeness; not the tinsel of the world's politeness; stamped with unfeigned love on one side, and humility on the other. But the oldest manuscripts read, "humble-minded." It is... read more
9. evil—in deed. railing—in word. blessing—your revilers; participle, not a noun after "rendering." knowing that—The oldest manuscripts read merely, "because." are—Greek, "were called." inherit a blessing—not only passive, but also active; receiving spiritual blessing from God by faith, and in your turn blessing others from love [GERHARD in ALFORD]. "It is not in order to inherit a blessing that we must bless, but because our portion is blessing." No railing can injure you ( :-). Imitate God... read more
"To sum up" concludes the section on respect for others (1 Peter 2:13 to 1 Peter 3:12). This verse deals with attitudes. Again we note that Peter regarded attitudes as foundational to actions (cf. 1 Peter 3:1; 1 Peter 3:7; James 3)."Harmonious" implies cooperation when there are individual differences. These differences can have a pleasing rather than an irritating effect. We do not all need to sing exactly the same tune, but our tune should harmonize with those of our brethren. We should be... read more
5. The importance of loving enemies 3:8-12Peter concluded this section of instructions concerning respect for others with a discussion of the importance of loving our enemies. read more
Like Jesus and Paul, Peter urged his readers not to take revenge. We should return positive good deeds for evil ones (1 Peter 2:23; cf. Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:9-18; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:15)."As Christians we can live on one of three levels. We can return evil for good, which is the satanic level. We can return good for good and evil for evil, which is the human level. Or, we can return good for evil, which is the divine level. Jesus is the perfect example of this latter... read more
The Blessedness of Christ’s People, Though They Should Suffer Like ChristB (iii). 1 Peter 3:1-6. Another divinely created ordinance of man is marriage. One of the purposes of Christianity was to teach chivalry towards women: this is part of the ’grace’ which men can exercise. But to this must correspond the modesty and graciousness of women. The Israelites had already been taught that; and women, when they enter the Christian society, become daughters of Abraham, heirs both of the honour and of... read more
PRUDENTIAL RULES OF CONDUCT IN VIEW OF THE HOSTILE ATTITUDE OF THE HEATHEN.—As slanders against the Christian name are rife, and bringing practical persecution on the Church, they are exhorted to extreme care about their conduct, especially in regard (1) to purity, and (2) to due subordination, whether as subjects to the officers of state, or as slaves to their masters, or as wives to their husbands (1 Peter 2:11 to 1 Peter 3:12.) read more
(13-4: 6) EXHORTATION TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE.—It is the only charm against persecution. It is like Christ to suffer with a good conscience; and He had His reward for it, in bringing us, and even the spirits of men who had died impenitent, to God thereby. It is the very meaning of the baptism by which He saves us. To feel its beauty and safety, we have but to consider the ugliness and danger of our former life. read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Peter 3:9
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Rendering evil for evil ... This, of course, was an accepted ethic of paganism; but it is rejected by Christians. "Recompense to no man evil for evil" (Romans 12:17). "See that none render evil for evil unto any man" (1 Thessalonians 5:15). This was not an ethic developed by the apostles, but one handed down directly from the mouth of the Lord himself,... read more