1 Peter 3:8-12 Commentary
In this passage, Peter continues to provide guidance on how believers should live in a hostile world. He emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and doing good, even in the face of persecution.
Unity and Harmony (v. 8)
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Here, Peter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. The phrase "finally, all of you" suggests that this is a summary of the preceding instructions. Peter is urging believers to have a "unity of mind," which means being of one accord, united in their thoughts and purposes. This unity is characterized by sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Blessings of Doing Good (v. 9-11)
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it."
Peter now turns to the importance of doing good, even in the face of evil. Believers are not to repay evil with evil, but rather to bless those who persecute them. This is because believers are called to inherit a blessing, which implies a future reward for their faithfulness.
The quote in verses 10-11 is from Psalm 34:12-16, which emphasizes the importance of living a good life. To "keep their tongue from evil" means to refrain from speaking evil or deceitful words. Instead, believers must "turn from evil and do good," seeking peace and pursuing it.
Suffering for Doing Good (v. 12)
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.
This verse provides a contrast between the righteous and those who do evil. The "eyes of the Lord" and "his ears" are idioms that refer to God's attention and care for the righteous. However, God's face is set against those who do evil, implying judgment and punishment.
In summary, this passage emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and doing good, even in the face of persecution. Believers are called to inherit a blessing, and their good deeds will be rewarded by God.
