1 Peter 3:13-22 Suffering Persecution
- Author: Peter the apostle, probably dictated to Silas (aka Silvanus)
- Date: early 60s, encouraging believers during persecution of Nero
(when Peter was martyred).
Peter has been telling us how to live together as the holy people of God witnessing to
His goodness. The apostle taught us how to have shalom in various spheres of
life. Now he addresses the real possibility of injustice and rejection by the world.
Questions
- Read 3:13-22, picking up key words and concepts:
- v13-15 Injustice and Fear
- What fears dominate non-Christians who suffer from injustice?
- How does fear interfere with our responding properly to persecution?
- What or who should Christians fear? (see Isaiah 8:11-14)
- v15. Is Peter suggesting we should preach, or to act in a way that
people will ask?
- Why would people ask you about the hope you have?
Could it have something to do with the fear Peter has been talking about?
- How can you prepare to answer appropriately?
- Why would people slander your good behavior?
- v19-21 Parallels
- How does the story of Noah help us understand the situation of the
church?
- How does Jesus' story help us understand the suffering of the church?
- v17 Is it ever God's will for you to suffer for doing good? How
can we tell?
[Adapted from Boston Club Bible Study
Resources' study on 1
Peter]