1 Peter 3:14

[Godislove94]

What exactly is implied in this verse when it asks who would want to harm us for doing what's right (paraphrased)? I don't believe it says that we'll always be protected from physical harm because even Jesus and the Apostles were beaten up and what not.

Also a separate question but not wanting to post another thread: how do you seek peace with enemies/persecutors?

 

[Archie the Preacher]

The entire paragraph is from verse 8 to verse 17 or possibly 19. Reading the section as a paragraph may make more sense than selecting an individual verse.

Peter in v 14 is speaking of those who would hurt - or persecute - a Christian for acting as a Christian; not being punished for illegal activity. Peter says we will be 'blessed' for such suffering. Which doesn't guarantee protection from physical harm, no.

 

[throughfierytrial]

What exactly is implied in this verse when it asks who would want to harm us for doing what's right (paraphrased)? I don't believe it says that we'll always be protected from physical harm because even Jesus and the Apostles were beaten up and what not.

Also a separate question but not wanting to post another thread: how do you seek peace with enemies/persecutors?

First of your Questions: I believe we are being told goodness to even our enemies for the most part will abate, not necessarily stop, them from wanting to harm us. The point being to be good to all with the side benefit of peace and safety. Peter encourages us here to think spiritually about the situation. Elsewhere Paul tells us to live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on us. I feel the spirit of the two passages are one and the same, but first and foremost...would God be angry with us should we be doing right? NO, and so we are at peace before God as well as with mankind.

Your Second Question: One might seek peace with enemies or persecutors by trying to identify their point of grievance, anger or hatred toward us. If there are concessions we could make then make them to the point one's faith allows. If more respect should be shown, kind gestures to be made, silence on your part, etc. do so to the greatest extent possible. Some Christians relinquish their own rights to seek peace. The trade off is of high value though,...you may win a soul to Christ (by way of the Holy Spirit). One should consider every unbeliever in his/her path a battleground for Christ.

 

[jacobs well]

What exactly is implied in this verse when it asks who would want to harm us for doing what's right (paraphrased)? I don't believe it says that we'll always be protected from physical harm because even Jesus and the Apostles were beaten up and what not.

Also a separate question but not wanting to post another thread: how do you seek peace with enemies/persecutors?

Bad things happen to good people.
Peter deals with the suffering of Christians straight from the shoulder.
1 Peter 2:19 " For this is commendable, if because of conscience towards God one endures grief and suffering wrongfully ".

in Matt 5:10 Jesus says " Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven"

One reason we suffer is Satan's pervasive influence over people and their attitudes.
Jesus said if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you..-Jn:15-19-20

most of our persecution is really directed against Christ.
Paul was told that he must suffer for the sake of Jesus' name- Acts 9:16

Today, many Christians risk their lives in the name of Jesus Christ every day in places like the middle east and parts of Africa.
But that is our commitment.
Respond to your enemies with love and pray for those who persecute you.
The suffering we receive in our present time cannot be compared with the glory which we shall receive in the next world.
This is our calling.

 

[Dan Kitzler]

Also a separate question but not wanting to post another thread: how do you seek peace with enemies/persecutors?

One way is to pray for them. Jesus prayed for his prosecuters during his crusifixion. Also ask for strength to be forgiving.