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Text -- 1 Peter 3:13 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
3:13 For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good?
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: PROVIDENCE, 1 | God | GOOD | Fanaticism | FOLLOWER | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 1Pe 3:13 - -- That will harm you ( ho kakōsōn humas ). Future active articular participle of kakoō , old verb (from kakos , bad) as in Act 7:6, Act 7:19. Any...

That will harm you ( ho kakōsōn humas ).

Future active articular participle of kakoō , old verb (from kakos , bad) as in Act 7:6, Act 7:19. Any real hurt, either that wishes to harm you or that can harm. See the words in Isa 50:9.

Robertson: 1Pe 3:13 - -- If ye be ( ean genēsthe ). Rather, "if ye become"(condition of third class with ean and second aorist middle subjunctive of ginomai ).

If ye be ( ean genēsthe ).

Rather, "if ye become"(condition of third class with ean and second aorist middle subjunctive of ginomai ).

Robertson: 1Pe 3:13 - -- Zealous of that which is good ( tou agathou zēlōtai ). "Zealots for the good"(objective genitive after zēlōtai (zealots, not zealous), old ...

Zealous of that which is good ( tou agathou zēlōtai ).

"Zealots for the good"(objective genitive after zēlōtai (zealots, not zealous), old word from zēloō (1Co 12:12).

Vincent: 1Pe 3:13 - -- Followers ( μιμηταὶ ) Lit., imitators. But the best texts read ζηλωταὶ , zealots. So Rev., zealous.

Followers ( μιμηταὶ )

Lit., imitators. But the best texts read ζηλωταὶ , zealots. So Rev., zealous.

Wesley: 1Pe 3:13 - -- None can.

None can.

JFB: 1Pe 3:13 - -- This fearless confidence in God's protection from harm, Christ, the Head, in His sufferings realized; so His members.

This fearless confidence in God's protection from harm, Christ, the Head, in His sufferings realized; so His members.

JFB: 1Pe 3:13 - -- Greek, "if ye have become."

Greek, "if ye have become."

JFB: 1Pe 3:13 - -- The oldest manuscripts read "emulous," "zealous of" (Tit 2:14).

The oldest manuscripts read "emulous," "zealous of" (Tit 2:14).

JFB: 1Pe 3:13 - -- The contrast in Greek is, "Who will do you evil, if ye be zealous of good?"

The contrast in Greek is, "Who will do you evil, if ye be zealous of good?"

Clarke: 1Pe 3:13 - -- Who is he that will harm you - Is it possible that a man can be wretched who has God for his friend? "All the devices which the devil or wicked men ...

Who is he that will harm you - Is it possible that a man can be wretched who has God for his friend? "All the devices which the devil or wicked men work against such must be brought to naught, and by the providence of his goodness be dispersed.

Clarke: 1Pe 3:13 - -- If ye be followers, etc. - Εαν Του Αγαθου μιμηται γενησθε· If ye be imitators of the good One, i.e. of God. Ὁ Αγ...

If ye be followers, etc. - Εαν Του Αγαθου μιμηται γενησθε· If ye be imitators of the good One, i.e. of God. Ὁ Αγαθος, the good One, is one of God’ s prime epithets, see Mat 19:17, and Satan is distinguished by the reverse, ὁ πονηρος, the Evil one, Mat 13:19 (note). Instead of μιμηται, followers, or rather imitators, ζηλωται, zealous of what is good, is the reading of ABC, fifteen others, both the Syriac, Erpen’ s Arabic, the Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian and Vulgate, with some of the fathers. This is a very probable reading, and Griesbach has placed it in the margin as a candidate for the place of that in the text.

Calvin: 1Pe 3:13 - -- 13.Who is he that will harm you He further confirms the previous sentence by an argument drawn from common experience. For it happens for the most pa...

13.Who is he that will harm you He further confirms the previous sentence by an argument drawn from common experience. For it happens for the most part, that the ungodly disturb us, or are provoked by us, or that we do not labor to do them good as it behoves us; for they who seek to do good, do even soften minds which are otherwise hard as iron. This very thing is mentioned by Plato in his first book on the Republic, “Injustice,” he says, “causes seditions and hatreds and fightings one with another; but justice, concord and friendship.” 41 However, though this commonly happens, yet it is not always the case; for the children of God, how much soever they may strive to pacify the ungodly by kindness, and shew themselves kind towards all, are yet often assailed undeservedly by many.

TSK: 1Pe 3:13 - -- who : Pro 16:7; Rom 8:28, Rom 13:3 followers : Psa 38:20; Pro 15:9; 1Co 14:1; Eph 5:1; 1Th 5:15; 1Ti 5:10; 3Jo 1:11

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 1Pe 3:13 - -- And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? - This question is meant to imply, that as a general thing they nee...

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? - This question is meant to imply, that as a general thing they need apprehend no evil if they lead an upright and benevolent life. The idea is, that God would in general protect them, though the next verse shows that the apostle did not mean to teach that there would be absolute security, for it is implied there that they might be called to suffer for righteousness"sake. While it is true that the Saviour was persecuted by wicked people, though his life was wholly spent in doing good; while it is true that the apostles were put to death, though following his example; and while it is true that good people have often suffered persecution, though laboring only to do good, still it is true as a general thing that a life of integrity and benevolence conduces to safety, even in a wicked world. People who are upright and pure; who live to do good to others who are characteristically benevolent and who are imitators of God - are those who usually pass life in most tranquillity and security, and are often safe when nothing else would give security but confidence in their integrity. A man of a holy and pure life may, under the protection of God, rely on that character to carry him safely through the world and to bring him at last to an honored grave. Or should he be calumniated when living, and his sun set under a cloud, still his name will be vindicated, and justice will ultimately be done to him when he is dead. The world ultimately judges right respecting character, and renders "honor to whom honor is due."Compare Psa 37:3-6.

Poole: 1Pe 3:13 - -- And who is he that will harm you? i.e. none or few will harm you, as being convinced and overcome by your good deeds, whereby even they are many time...

And who is he that will harm you? i.e. none or few will harm you, as being convinced and overcome by your good deeds, whereby even they are many times mollified and melted that are of themselves most wicked and hard-hearted, 1Sa 24:16,17 .

If ye be followers of that which is good either followers of God, who doth good to the evil and unkind; but then it should be rendered, followers of him who is good, or rather, followers of those things that are good: q.d. If you be diligent in doing good to others, none will have the heart to do you hurt.

PBC: 1Pe 3:13 - -- Does righteous living guarantee that a believer will never face problems or troubles in life? If we interpret the first sentence in this passage accor...

Does righteous living guarantee that a believer will never face problems or troubles in life? If we interpret the first sentence in this passage according to that understanding, we face an ominous task in reconciling it with other passages indicating that those who are willing to live godly in Christ shall face persecution. " As a general principle, allowing for exceptions occasioned by the adversary’s wrath, people are not punished for doing good. This very principle assures that undeserved suffering will not continue long." [i] This thought from the Wycliffe Bible Commentary captures a pertinent thought. A winsome, godly lifestyle does not normally attract persecution, but on occasion Satan may go after a particularly godly person because he knows the danger of a godly example to his designs.

Occasionally Christians wear their faith as if it were a chip on their shoulder. They display it in a grudging style that looks down on others and dares anyone to disagree with them. Such an arrogant attitude will attract low respect, and at times even contempt, for it falsely represents Christianity. This person’s unchristian attitude, not his claim of faith, attracted trouble to him.

Peter deals with persecution intensely throughout this letter. His model of a believer requires a gracious winsomeness in our Christian demeanor. Notice in the closing thought of our study passage that Peter requires us, even when confronted with skeptical interrogation, to present our apologetic (in the classical sense of apologetics; to explain, to give rational defense or reasons for what we believe), to answer with " meekness and fear." Sadly often, Christians interact with other Christians of a different stripe, of dissimilar theological viewpoints, with intense acrimony, not with meekness and fear. The acrimonious " Christian" (I put the word in quotations; I doubt that a genuine Christian can represent his faith with acrimony towards anyone, particularly another believer.) destroys his credibility by his attitude. He may be correct in certain points or principles, but his attitude is so unchristian that he will not convince many of the merits of his case. If we are to represent our faith to unbelievers with meekness and fear, how then should we represent our faith to other believers who may differ with us in certain theological or practical details? We are to imitate our holy Example in gracious suffering.

Indeed the Christian may at times suffer for his faith, but God promises to keep a providential restraint around his faithful people. We may at times view certain events in our life as " harmful." In fact they may well be harmful and difficult for us at the time, but we never know what will happen in the end. God may use the trial of the moment for our spiritual growth and for the godly instruction of others around us. The answer to this point lies in the extent and in the duration of trial. We may face occasional trials and difficulties because of our faith. In his extensive teaching on Christian suffering in this letter Peter makes a cogent point; when you suffer, be sure that you suffer for your faith, not for your sins. There is a world of difference between prosecution and persecution.

" But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts..."

The first step in an effective Christian apologetic strategy must occur within the inner circles of our life. If we fail here, Satan will use our weakness against us when we engage in kingdom labor. Biblical apologetics is not designed to beat up on people of a different world view or theological perspective. God intends that everything we do should lead observers to a closer walk with Him.

God calls us to win people to fellowship with Him, not to win arguments.

To this end He requires that our private faith be as authentic as our public pretenses.

" ... be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you."

Be ready, the idea requires advance preparation. Far too many Christians go into an apologetic situation with no advance thought whatever. They think if they just respond based on good intentions and their emotions that the other person will be won by their sincerity. They seldom learn through their consistent failure to win people by this strategy. If you expect to face someone who does not agree with your viewpoint, learn as much as possible in advance about their viewpoint. Then spend time researching their perspective, including Biblical research. Avoid phony straw men, deceptive caricatures that actually misrepresent their viewpoint while pretending to depict it accurately. We can all set up a straw man and burn him, but we will not win anyone by such cheap misrepresentations of their ideas. Whether they understand what we believe or not, they will readily understand that we did not represent their ideas correctly or fairly. This strategy is equivalent to a verbal mugging. A mugger will never become your best friend. Even if we win the argument with Scripture and logic, we may lose the person by our roughshod or abusive demeanor and words.

The first step in Biblical apologetics is to learn the actual viewpoint of others, to learn it so well that, when you depict it back to the person, he/she will congratulate you on being so accurate and fair in your representation.

The next step is to offer gentle, but well thought out, reasons from solid Biblical grounds why that idea is not acceptable. Dr. Ron Rhodes, a respected Christian apologist, makes a convincing point. Most cults and aberrant Christian groups win their converts, not by superior Biblical interpretations, but by making themselves available to people at times of need, by becoming involved in their lives. If we expect to win people away from these groups, we must be better at becoming genuinely involved in their lives, and helping them through difficult times, than the false teachers. Our most convincing Christian apologetic is the life we live, not the words we speak.

As Jesus sent the disciples out, he directed them to give no thought to what they would say. {Mt 10:19} However, this instruction clearly seems uniquely applicable to them, but not to be received as a general rule for all believers going out at all times to teach others. Paul directed Timothy to give intense study to his words, {2Ti 2:15} the mirror opposite of Jesus’ direction to the twelve. By conduct, many contemporary Christians appear to believe that they are still under that special, and temporary, dispensation of the Savior, that God will give them the right words to say at the moment, even if they have given no advance thought to it themselves. They repeatedly fail in their efforts to reach others with their message, but they seldom correct their errant strategy.

In our study passage Peter joins Paul in requiring that we make intense preparation before representing our faith to those who inquire. When Paul represented the faith to Greek philosophers on Mars Hill, he drew from extensive prior study. He knew the writings of ancient Greek poets and philosophers, quoting their words, but applying their message to the Lord Jesus Christ. The words from the Greek poet, " We are the offspring of God," were written centuries earlier in a work entitled " Ode to Zeus." Paul adapted a poem dedicated to Zeus to the Lord Jesus Christ.

When you consider representing your faith to people who do not embrace it, do you enter the discussion as well prepared as Paul obviously was on this occasion? Do you enter the discussion only after extensive study and research into the errors you will face in your discussion? What is your objective? If you enter the discussion with the idea of winning an argument and embarrassing the other person, stop. Repent and pray for God to give you a tender heart toward this person. Our objective is not to win arguments and shame those whom we approach. God directs us to represent Him with " meekness and fear." Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Peter directs us to enter any interaction with others, well prepared and devoted to winning them to our Lord, both by convincing words and by a godly demeanor. Never practice verbal mugging. Work to win, not annihilate, those who differ from you in their theological perspective. Be ready. Study with a godly objective. Become well prepared to represent your faith in a way that honors Christ, while accurately and fairly representing the views of the other person.

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[i] Pfeiffer, Charles F., and Everett Falconer Harrison. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 1Pe 3:10. Chicago: Moody Press, 1962.

Gill: 1Pe 3:13 - -- And who is he that will harm you,.... Or "can harm you". God will not; for his eyes are upon the righteous, to protect and defend them, and, his ears ...

And who is he that will harm you,.... Or "can harm you". God will not; for his eyes are upon the righteous, to protect and defend them, and, his ears are open to their cries, to avenge them; he is on their side, and he is the only lawgiver that is able to save, and to destroy. Christ will not; for when he came the first time, it was not to condemn, but to save; and when he comes a second time, though he will rule the wicked with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel; yet his people, who are his jewels, he will spare, as a man spares his only son. Good angels will not; these rejoice at the conversion, and in the salvation of sinful men, encamp about the saints, and are ministering spirits to them: nor the devil; though he would devour, he cannot; for greater is he that is in the saints, than he that is in the world: nor can sin; for though it wars against them, it shall not have the dominion over them; and though it often breaks in upon their peace and comfort, it cannot damn and destroy their souls: nor the law; for though it pronounces guilty, and curses those that are under it, and are of the works of it, yet since Christ has fulfilled it for his people, by obeying its precepts, and bearing its penalty, the curse, it lies not against them, nor can it inflict any punishment on them: nor the men of the world; who hate and persecute the saints; these can do them no real harm; they cannot hurt their grace, which shines the brighter, being tried and proved in the furnace of affliction; they cannot destroy their peace and comfort by all the trouble they give them; all the harm they can do them is to their bodies; they can do none to their souls; and even all the evil things they do to their bodies work together for their good; and they must be very wicked men that will do harm in any respect to such as behave well in states, cities, towns, or neighbourhoods:

if ye be followers of that which is good; of God, who is essentially, originally, and infinitely good, and does good to all his creatures, by imitating him in holiness and righteousness, in kindness, mercy, and beneficence; and of Christ, the good Shepherd, following him in the exercise of grace, as of humility, love, patience, &c. and in the discharge of duty; and of good men, the apostles of Christ, the first churches, faithful ministers, and all such who through faith and patience have inherited the promises, and that both in doctrine and practice; and of all good things, whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, particularly righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. Some copies, as the Alexandrian, and others, read, "zealots", or "zealous of good"; of good works, as in Tit 2:14 and so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Pe 3:13 Here καί (kai) has been translated as “For” to indicate that what follows gives an explanation.

Geneva Bible: 1Pe 3:13 ( 14 ) And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? ( 14 ) The second argument: when the wicked are provoked, they a...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 1Pe 3:1-22 - --1 He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other;8 exhorting all men to unity and love;14 and to suffer persecution.19 He declares also the b...

MHCC: 1Pe 3:8-13 - --Though Christians cannot always be exactly of the same mind, yet they should have compassion one of another, and love as brethren. If any man desires ...

Matthew Henry: 1Pe 3:8-15 - -- The apostle here passes from special to more general exhortations. I. He teaches us how Christians and friends should treat one another. He advises ...

Barclay: 1Pe 3:13-15 - --In this passage we can see how Peter was soaked in the Old Testament; there are two Old Testament foundations for it. It is not so much that he actu...

Constable: 1Pe 2:11--4:12 - --III. The responsibilities of the christian individually 2:11--4:11 Since Christians have a particular vocation i...

Constable: 1Pe 2:13--3:13 - --B. Respect for Others 2:13-3:12 This section of the letter clarifies what it means to function obedientl...

Constable: 1Pe 3:13--4:7 - --C. Eventual Vindication 3:13-4:6 Peter previously explained how a Christian can rejoice in his suffering...

Constable: 1Pe 3:13-17 - --1. Suffering for doing good 3:13-17 3:13 This statement carries on what the psalmist said in the quotation just cited. If God will punish those who do...

College: 1Pe 3:1-22 - --1 PETER 3 D. WIVES, SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS (3:1-6) 1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe t...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER ABOUT a.d. 65 By Way of Introduction The Author The Epistle is not anonymous, but claims to be written by "...

JFB: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) ITS GENUINENESS is attested by 2Pe 3:1. On the authority of Second Peter, see the Introduction. Also by POLYCARP (in EUSEBIUS [Ecclesiastical History,...

JFB: 1 Peter (Outline) ADDRESS TO THE ELECTED OF THE GODHEAD: THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIVING HOPE TO WHICH WE ARE BEGOTTEN, PRODUCING JOY AMIDST SUFFERINGS: THIS SALVATION AN ...

TSK: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) As the design of this Epistle is excellent, remarks Dr. Macknight, so is its execution, in the judgment of the best critics, does not fall short of it...

TSK: 1 Peter 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 1Pe 3:1, He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other; 1Pe 3:8, exhorting all men to unity and love; 1Pe 3:14, and to suffer p...

Poole: 1 Peter 3 (Chapter Introduction) PETER CHAPTER 3

MHCC: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) The same great doctrines, as in St. Paul's epistles, are here applied to same practical purposes. And this epistle is remarkable for the sweetness, ge...

MHCC: 1 Peter 3 (Chapter Introduction) (1Pe 3:1-7) The duties of wives and husbands. (1Pe 3:8-13) Christians exhorted to agree. (1Pe 3:14-22) And encouraged to patience under persecutions...

Matthew Henry: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Epistle General of Peter Two epistles we have enrolled in the sacred canon of the scripture w...

Matthew Henry: 1 Peter 3 (Chapter Introduction) Wherein the apostle describes the duties of husbands and wives one to another, beginning with the duty of the wife (1Pe 3:1-7). He exhorts Christia...

Barclay: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER The Catholic Or General Epistles First Peter belongs to that group of New Testament letters which are k...

Barclay: 1 Peter 3 (Chapter Introduction) The Silent Preaching Of A Lovely Life (1Pe_3:1-2) The True Adornment (1Pe_3:3-6) The Husband's Obligation (1Pe_3:7) (1) The Marks Of The Christian...

Constable: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background This epistle claims that the Apostle Peter wrote it...

Constable: 1 Peter (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-2 II. The identity of Christians 1:3-2:10 A....

Constable: 1 Peter 1 Peter Bibliography Bailey, Mark L., and Thomas L. Constable. The New Testament Explorer. Nashville: Word Publ...

Haydock: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PETER, THE APOSTLE. INTRODUCTION. This first Epistle of St. Peter, though brief, contains much doctrine concerning fa...

Gill: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 PETER That Simon, called Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, was the writer of this epistle, is not questioned by any; nor was the...

Gill: 1 Peter 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 PETER 3 In this chapter the apostle instructs wives how to behave towards their husbands, and husbands how to behave towards thei...

College: 1 Peter (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION This commentary is written for the general reader with a serious interest in Scripture. Its purpose is to provide a historical interpret...

College: 1 Peter (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE GREETING - 1:1-2 II. A CALL TO BE HOLY - 1:3-2:10 A. The Hope of Salvation - 1:3-9 B. The Glory of This Salvation - 1:10-1...

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