by Gary L. Evans
(revised 8/1/2023)
Peter — Part 6
1Pe 3:1-2 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
The word “chaste” is from the Greek “hag-nos’” which means “properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect.”
The wife should strive to remain innocent, modest, and mature. Our Father declared that the wife should be in subjection to the husband, because Eve was first deceived by Satan. And this is the natural order of the family, the husband, wife, then the children.
1Pe 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Women should focus on serving God in sincerity and truth, more so than spending a lot of time decorating their bodies to appear attractive to men, because it is what is in their hearts and minds that our Father looks at and judges.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Consider the examples of righteous women in The Old Testament.
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Every Christian woman should consider Sarah, Abraham’s wife, and how she showed respect to her husband, Abraham.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
The word “weaker” is from the Greek “as-then-ace’” which means “strengthless (in various applications, literally, or figuratively and morally).”
The word “hindered” is from “ek-kop’-to” which means “to exscind; figuratively to frustrate.” The word “exscind” means “cut off.”
Husbands should be wise, giving due honor to their wives, while also understanding that they are physically weaker and may be more seducible by the subtle deceptions of other people. Most parents tend to shelter their daughters more than their sons, so they most often are not as street wise as boys.
Both the husband and wife are inheritors of Eternal Life in Jesus, and both can compliment each other according to their respective God given knowledge and talents. When conflicts arise between them, our Father may not hear their prayers until they resolve them.
1Pe 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
The word “pitiful” is from “yoo’-splangkh-nos” which means “well compassioned, that is, sympathetic.”
We all must be of One Mind, even The Mind of Christ.
1Pe 3:10-11 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
The word “guile” is from “dol’-os” which means “a trick (bait), that is, (figuratively) wile.” So it means deceit.
The word “eschew” is from “ek-klee’-no” which means “to deviate, that is, (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety).” So in this context, it means to shun or avoid.
We must discipline our own tongues, because much trouble can be stirred up by the words people speak. So we must strive to speak wise words spoken in due season.
1Pe 3:12-13 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
The Lord watches over us and protects us. Ultimately, God is The Judge of us all. We also know that we will suffer persecution for The Lord’s Name’s sake, by those who are Satan’s servants in this world. But there is nothing hidden from God.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Peter — Part 7
1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
We will suffer for The Lord’s Name’s sake, but be happy about that.
Joh 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
People who have not entered into The New Covenant will not like us, and those who have similar minds as the religious hypocrites in Jerusalem who bear false witness to have Jesus crucified will also hate us today.
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
The word “hope” is from the Greek “el-pece’” which means “(to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence.”
True Christians have hope in a world of hopeless people.
1Pe 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
The phrase “they speak evil of” is from “kat-al-al-eh’-o” which means “to be a traducer, that is, to slander.”
Hypocrites and unbelievers will slander true Christians, just as the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees slandered Jesus, and that is the primary way we are persecuted in our families, our workplace, and communities.
1Pe 3:17-18 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Christ Jesus rose from the dead by the power of The Holy Spirit.
1Pe 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
While our Lord’s body was in the tomb, His Spirit had returned to The Father in Heaven ministering to all who had already come into the flesh, died, and returned back to Heaven in their angelic bodies, but who had not yet overcome in this world and thus were on the wrong side of the “gulf” (impassible divide in Heaven) and were in torment. This number includes the Gentiles who had never heard of God’s Law nor The Prophets.
Luk 16:23-24 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Jesus was teaching about where are the dead, where are all of the people who have lived and died in the flesh before us. Note that Abraham is used to represent The Heavenly Father, or Forefather. And here Christ presents an example of a rich man who had died and had returned in his angelic body back to Heaven and also a poor man.
Luk 16:25-26 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
The word, “gulf”, is from the Greek, khas’-mah, which is from “chao” (to “gape” or “yawn”); a “chasm” or vacancy (impassable interval).
So Christ gave all who were waiting on the wrong side of the Chasm in Heaven an opportunity to believe in Him so that they could inherit Eternal Life. But note that His ministry to them in Heaven was BEFORE His bodily resurrection from the dead. So they still had to believe in Him by faith. And all who believed in Him were redeemed and brought to the right side in Heaven in fellowship with The Father.
1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Even those who were deceived by The Fallen Angels in the days of Noah, they were being held in Heaven all that time until The Messiah would come and offer them Salvation, and so He did. Our Lord is perfectly fair and just, and gives all of His children a fair opportunity to receive Eternal Life.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The Baptism symbolizes our own death, burial, and resurrection that occurs spiritually, or mentally, after we repent of our sins and enter into The New Covenant sealed by The Blood of Christ.
1Pe 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
After our Lord resurrected, He taught for another forty days and then ascended to Heaven, where He sat down at the right hand of God Most High, which signifies The Power of God Almighty. He was then given all dominion over Heaven and earth.
1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
After our conversion, we no longer seek only after things in this world like other people, but for more and more understanding of God’s Word, which was what Jesus sought during His youth.
Luk 2:42-47 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
When Jesus was only twelve years old, He was already a master of The Law and The Prophets, and His answers to various scriptural questions amazed the scholars in The Temple in Jerusalem. So we also have stopped sinning and now seek Heavenly things.
1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
The word “lusts” is “covetousness.”
1Pe 4:3-4 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
After our conversion, we tend to lose interest in many of the things we used to occupy our time with, and our old friends and acquaintances will surely notice the change in us. They may even start speaking harshly against us to defame our good reputation.
1Pe 4:5-6 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Christ is The Judge of both the living and the dead. And for that reason Jesus went to those in Heaven who were still dead, who did not yet have Eternal Life, and gave them an opportunity to believe in Him.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Peter — Part 8
1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
The word “sober” is from the Greek “so-fron-eh’-o” which means “to be of sound mind, that is, sane, (figuratively) moderate.”
The word “watch” is from “nay’-fo” which means “to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively) be discreet.”
We should be of sound mind and not drink to excess but maintain discretion and moderation in all things.
1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
The word “charity” is from “ag-ah’-pay” which means “love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast.”
Sins are transgressions against God’s Law of Love, therefore by striving to be loving to all people, we will avoid sin in the process.
1Pe 4:9-10 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
The word “gift” is from “char’-is-mah” which means “a (divine) gratuity, that is, deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty.”
Everything that we have is the gift of God, and Christians are given additional gifts as our Father considers them right for us so that we can minister The Gospel to others. We should use all of our gifts well in the hope we can save souls.
1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
After our conversion and entry into The New Covenant, we are given a New Heart and a New Mind, even The Heart and Mind of Christ Jesus. Thus when we achieve anything to glorify God in this world by calling someone to Christ, our Lord Himself is glorified.
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
The term “fiery trial” is from “poo’-ro-sis” which means “ignition, that is, (specifically) smelting (figuratively conflagration, calamity as a test).”
We have come into these flesh bodies to be tested, and we are tried by fire, that is in a sense, smelted as in the purification of silver and gold. And this should be expected to be done to The Elect who are like nuggets of precious metals which must be purified.
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
We partake of Christ’s sufferings through our own lives in this world. And when He returns to earth to establish His Millennial Kingdom, we will be very happy, and you can count on it.
1Pe 4:14-16 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Be thankful in your prayers when you suffer for The Name of Christ Jesus, as long as your suffering is not because of wrong doing on your part.
1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
We are the various members of The Body of Christ on earth, and those “living stones” in the Temple being built in Heaven. Therefore God’s Judgment must come upon us first, because we are judged now, right now in this flesh world. All others must wait until The Great White Throne Judgment at the end of The Millennium.
1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Remember The Lord’s Parable of the Sower. Because few who try and for a while appear to repent and to be seeking Salvation actually manage to enter into The New Covenant, so what do you think will be the condition of people who never give The Lord a second thought?
1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Peter — Part 9
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Peter addresses the other Disciples who were missionaries in various places in the region where they were starting church congregations. And he mentions that he also is an “elder” or Disciple of Christ and an eyewitness of The Lord.
1Pe 5:2-4 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Jesus after His resurrection spoke to Peter and gave him a commission.
Joh 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
So Peter was to become as The Good Shepherd in The Name of Jesus over The Sheep of The Lord’s Pasture. And now he is reminding the other Disciples to do the same. And The Lord’s Lambs must be fed with “the sincere milk of The Word.” And His Sheep must be fed with much heavier food, even The Hidden Mysteries of The Scriptures.
1Pe 5:5-7 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
And to the younger and less mature members of the congregations, Peter tells them to remain submissive with humility before the elders. And that is so they can learn and grow to full maturity in Christ.
1Pe 5:8-11 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Peter reminds them of the dangers in this world and to maintain a careful watch and to stay on guard to defend against The Destroyer.
1Pe 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
Silvanus was the scribe who penned this epistle for Peter.
1Pe 5:13-14 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.