1 Peter 3:8-12

1. People have made attempts to comprehend humanity and the world, giving rise to the field of philosophy. While theology focuses on the discussion of God and His works, philosophy explores various aspects of humanity, including their perspectives and patterns of life, among other topics. In order to engage in philosophy, one requires methodologies. While there are numerous methodologies within the field, the main branches are metaphysics and ethics. Metaphysics delves into the understanding of supernatural entities such as God and His creations. On the other hand, ethics serves as a methodology to comprehend the outcomes of human endeavors, including morals, laws, and politics.

2. Historically after Kant, a distinct methodology emerged that bridged the gap between metaphysics and ethics. This unique approach, known as "Existentialism," integrates the principles of both metaphysics and ethics, which have traditionally been treated as separate entities. The motto of Existentialism can be summarized as follows: "I am nothing unless I act." This perspective gives rise to the notion that God's existence is not validated unless I personally experience Him. Existentialism relies on the individual's will, emotions, and thoughts as essential components of its methodology for approaching existential aspects of the world. Existentialism has its advantages and disadvantages. When rooted in the correct truth, it can offer accurate understanding. However, in most instances, it does not uphold the belief in absolute truth, as it is grounded in individual thoughts and experiences, which are considered the foundation of this world's existence. You may be familiar with Postmodernism, which can be seen as a consequence of Existentialism. Postmodernism rejects the concept of absolute truth or belief and embraces relativism instead. According to this perspective, the world is shaped solely by the emotions and experiences of individuals, which are considered the underlying reasons for its existence.

3. It enlightens us on how to avoid errors when interpreting the Bible, which is the Word of God. Similar to existentialism and postmodernism, which emphasize an individual's experience when comprehending worldly existence, relying solely on our personal experiences when approaching the Bible can lead to a flawed understanding. Our understanding of God should not solely rely on personal experiences, but rather on His revelation, which is conveyed through the Word of God. By embracing this concept, we can begin exploring and examining 1 Peter 3:8-12.

1 Peter 3:8–12 (NKJV)

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;  not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

4. In our daily lives, we often encounter our past, and one notable medium through which this occurs is the news media. Newspapers provide coverage of events that transpired in the previous day. When engaging with the news media's representation of the past, it becomes necessary for us to interpret the information presented. However, due to the fact that we live in the present, our interpretations may sometimes be flawed. To ensure a more accurate understanding of the past, it is crucial for us to delve into the historical context, encompassing aspects such as culture and humanity. This process plays a pivotal role in comprehending and interpreting the past effectively.

In the same way, if we want to understand the Bible, which is the Word of God, we should explore its historical background. The Bible was written in different historical contexts over a period of about 1,500 years by many different authors. If we try to understand it with our current situation, we may fail to find an appropriate meaning from the Bible and follow God’s way. Our expectation and wish when we read the Bible is not the same as what the biblical writers wrote. Today’s passage appears to be a good moral instruction for the church and Christians if we read it with our current view. However, in my opinion, Peter did not intend to establish a good moral instruction for the church to make it a better religious organization in the first century. We can get a proper background of this letter by reading chapter 1:1-2 in order to know Peter’s original intention.

1 Peter 1:1–2 (NLT)

This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

5. In verse 1, Peter indicated his first readers as God’s chosen people living as foreigners in several provinces in Asia minor. NKJV translated it as “to the pilgrims of the dispersion.” AMP shows “[writing] to the elect exiles of the dispersion scattered (sowed) abroad.” With this part, we can ask why they were dispersed or scattered throughout Asia minor from Judeah. They were not scattered voluntarily. They were not like me. When I immigrated to Canada, it was not by other people’s word but my vision which God has given me. Because I wanted to study Theology to be a minister of God either a missionary or a pastor, Minju and I decided to move to Canada to learn English and study Theology. However, the pilgrims or God’s chosen people were not scattered by their own decision. It was because of persecution. Christians in Asia Minor were suffering religious persecution.

Acts 8:1 AMP

AND SAUL was [not only] consenting to [Stephen’s] death [he was pleased and entirely approving]. On that day a great and severe persecution broke out against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles (special messengers).

6. I had the opportunity to meet several individuals from different countries like Iran and China when I was in Toronto during my time at the seminary. Unfortunately, religious freedom is not allowed in these countries for those who believe in God. According to the US State Department, both China and Iran have been designated as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act due to severe violations. The communist Chinese government has established a sophisticated surveillance system using facial recognition and artificial intelligence to monitor and oppress various religious groups such as Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong. The situation regarding religious freedom in China continues to worsen. Similarly, in Iran, individuals who embrace Jesus Christ face significant religious persecution and are unable to lead their lives peacefully in the country.

7. One of my class mates escaped from the country which it persecuted her when she believed in Jesus. The country did not allow her to start a church in there. So, she moved to Canada and she started a church. It gives us a helpful background to understand the persecuting situation. In like manner, believers in the first century could not build a church or keep the believers' community because of persecution. If so, when we approach to 1 Peter 3:18-12, was this instruction helpful for those who were scattered throughout Asia minor? Because they could not maintain their faith in this situation, was this instruction meaningful for them?

Given the circumstances, it is worth considering whether the instructions they received were meaningful and helpful. Despite facing immense pressure and the risk of losing their faith, these instructions likely held great significance for them. They served as a source of encouragement, guidance, and support, helping them to navigate their challenging circumstances and hold onto their faith amidst adversity.

8. As we already know, the purpose of the First Letter of Peter is exhortation directed to “the exiles of the Dispersion” in Asia Minor in order that they “stand fast” in God’s grace in the face of persecution. In the first century, the disciples of Jesus faced numerous challenges and were unable to establish churches or freely engage in regular worship gatherings. However, despite these limitations, the writers of the New Testament penned 27 books with the purpose of encouraging and strengthening these early believers. These writings served as a means for the disciples to maintain their new identity in Jesus Christ and continue following His teachings, even in the face of severe persecution. The writers sought to uplift and inspire one another, providing guidance and support as they navigated the difficult path of discipleship under adverse circumstances. These books not only served as a source of encouragement but also helped to reinforce their commitment to the way of Jesus, reminding them of the ultimate purpose and significance of their faith.

9. Based on this context, we can interpret 1 Peter 3:8-12 as follows:

"As pilgrims and chosen people of God, maintain your identity in Jesus amidst persecution. Remember that you have suffered in a similar manner as Jesus Christ. Therefore, by remaining steadfast in your identity and living your lives in accordance with the example set by Jesus, the world will come to recognize both who you are and who Jesus is through the virtuous way you conduct yourselves."

10. Indeed, the early believers were able to live a genuine and sincere life in Jesus, not by their own strength, but by relying on the power of Jesus. Instead of fixating on changing their circumstances, they steadfastly held onto their identity in Jesus. They devoted themselves to reading the Scriptures and letters, finding encouragement and strength in the love of God. They endeavored to cultivate a unity of faith and mindset among themselves, recognizing that their true source of life and strength did not originate from within themselves.

Philippians 4:10–13 NIV

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

11. The church is not simply a well-equipped religious organization or a meticulously maintained worldly structure. It is not about organizing events for personal fame or recognition. Instead, the church is the embodiment of Jesus, existing to glorify the name of God. It comprises individuals who faithfully follow Jesus Christ and navigate life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thus, our true identity lies not in earthly matters but in the heavenly realm. It is crucial for us to continually fix our attention on the love of Jesus and His teachings. Let us embrace our new identity as children of God and abide by His commandments. By doing so, we can live purposeful lives that reflect the transformative power of Jesus in us.