Being Christian does not exempt you from suffering. Many would have you believe that living a “good” life will lead to “good” things. This is simply not the case. The Apostle Peter wrote this week’s text, 1 Peter 3:12-17, to Christians who were under extreme persecution sanctioned by the Roman emperor, Nero. However, it is important to understand that although the Roman government was behind the suffering, the primary sources of persecution were those closest to those who had become followers of Christ. These Christians were suffering on a personal, sometimes intimate level. Mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, family members and friends, were all inflicting emotional and physical pain on those they had once claimed to have loved. Although most Christians today have not experienced a man like Nero, many have suffered at the hands of those closest to them.
The whole point of 1 Peter 3 is not about how to avoid suffering, but how Christians should conduct themselves in the midst of suffering. In other words, the question Christians should be asking is not “will I suffer,” but “how will I suffer?” “And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed." (1Pet. 3:13 -14 HCSB) Peter’s question, “who will harm you,” is not designed to minimize the pain and suffering that accompanies the agony of such a personal persecution; on the contrary, Peter’s purpose is to encourage the faithful to remember that they are not alone in times of difficulty. Peter knows firsthand what the Lord Jesus overcame on our behalf. He endured what we should have endured and suffered what we should have suffered. But most importantly, for our discussion, He set the example of how to suffer well and how to love our enemies at the same time. Because of this, Peter tells us, “Do not not fear what they fear or be disturbed.” (v. 14) Instead, when we suffer because of our faith, we should, “Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear.” (v. 16) Do this so that those causing you to suffer will bear witness to the saving power of Jesus in your life.
The whole point of 1 Peter 3 is not about how to avoid suffering, but how Christians should conduct themselves in the midst of suffering. In other words, the question Christians should be asking is not “will I suffer,” but “how will I suffer?” “And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed." (1Pet. 3:13 -14 HCSB) Peter’s question, “who will harm you,” is not designed to minimize the pain and suffering that accompanies the agony of such a personal persecution; on the contrary, Peter’s purpose is to encourage the faithful to remember that they are not alone in times of difficulty. Peter knows firsthand what the Lord Jesus overcame on our behalf. He endured what we should have endured and suffered what we should have suffered. But most importantly, for our discussion, He set the example of how to suffer well and how to love our enemies at the same time. Because of this, Peter tells us, “Do not not fear what they fear or be disturbed.” (v. 14) Instead, when we suffer because of our faith, we should, “Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear.” (v. 16) Do this so that those causing you to suffer will bear witness to the saving power of Jesus in your life.
