1 Peter 3:8-22

Observations on 3:8-12: In verse 8, note the use of five adjectives related to a healthy/growing spiritual life. Verse 9 addresses the importance of not “paying (apodidontes-Pres. Act. Ptc.)” evil for evil. Rather, believers are to respond with “blessing (eulogountes-Pres. Act. Ptc.)” because they “were called (eklethete-Aor. Pas. Ind.)” that (hina) they “might inherit (kleronomesete-Aor. Act. Subj.)” a blessing.

Verses 10-12 include the OT reference of Psalm 34:12-16. The one desiring to love life and see good days is instructed by a series of five aorist active imperatives: “let him keep (pausato),” “let him turn away (ekklinato),” “ let him do (poiesato),” “let him seek (zetesato)” and “let him pursue (dioxato).” Note the “because (hoti)” that starts verse 12. The Lord’s eyes and ears attend to the righteous. However, His face (prosopon) is against (epi) those doing evil.

Preaching 3:13-17: “Hallowed By Hope”

Main Idea: When you hope in God, you hallow the Lord.

1. Sense the center of the text. (15a)
   1. sanctify (hagiasate-Aor. Act. Imper.) Christ as Lord in your hearts (inner man)
   2. connection to “hallowed” in Matt. 6:9
   3. set apart, show unique worth-especially lordship
2. Hallow Jesus by hoping in Him.
   1. with a fearless hope     (14)
   2. Even if you should suffer (paschoite-Prs. Act. Optat.)…you are blessed (makarioi). You should
   3. not be afraid and should not be troubled (tarachthete-Aor. Pas. Subj.).
   4. with a grounded hope    (15b)
   5. ready (hetoimoi) for a defense (apologian) concerning the in you hope (elpidos)
   6. with a meek hope    (15c)
   7. gentleness (prautetos) and reverence (phobou)
   8. with a zealous (zelotai) hope     (13, 16-17)
   9. having a good conscience (suneidesin) and good behavior (anastrophen)

Observations on 3:18-22: In verse 18, note the use of “because (hoti)” followed by the assertion that Christ “suffered (epathen-Aor. Act. Ind.)” once (hapax) for sins. Also, note the hina clause “that he might bring (prosagage-Aor. Act. Subj.) us to God.” Finally, pay attention to the two aorist participles in the last part of the verse: “having been put to death” and “having been made alive.”

Verse 19 contains the interesting reference to spirits (pneumasin) in prison (phulake). For detailed insight into this verse and verses 20-22, see Paige Patterson, A Pilgrim Priesthood, pp. 129-148.