Zealous for God – 1 Peter 3:8-17

Having examined how Christian convictions relate to our testimony interacting with the human institutions which make up any given social order, the apostle Peter extends his appeal for Christian conduct in more general terms. He encourages the church to embrace and display Godly virtue in all their dealings. Given Peter's own experience and the teaching of his Master, he is not naive. He knows that these “elect exile” believers have encountered resistance to their faith and they will likely face more persecution in the future given the hostile, pagan culture that surrounds them. Thus “honorable conduct among the Gentiles” must take into account what righteous behavior looks like in the face of intense opposition. Before making application in the context of an idolatrous society, however, Peter reminds the church of Asia Minor that they ought to consider their ways first and foremost in light of the eyes and ears of God (12). In making his case, Peter cites the words of David from Psalm 34:12-16. This reference is instructive on many levels given the calling of David himself and the endurance required of him along the path of providence in his life. Ultimately Peter closes this section pointing once again to the “Son of David” however, reminding the church of every age, regardless of any difficulties, that the ministry of Jesus models and proves redemptive purpose in suffering. We are reminded of this in I Peter 3 and at the Lord's table today...