Week of May 10, 2020
Bible Study for Easter 6A
I Peter 3:13-22
As we continue our study of I Peter, there are a couple of preliminary matters I would like us to look at. Most of the books of the New Testament, not including the four Gospels, are letters. Some are written to specific churches to address a matter of concern; these are called “occasional” letters. Others are directed to a much wider audience and are called “general” letters. These letters follow the same format as most ancient letters, whether personal or business.
There is a beginning which identifies the parties, contains a greeting and expresses thanks by the writer for those to whom the letter is addressed, and may include a brief summary of the overall purpose of the letter. The middle of the letter gets to the heart of the matter and, predictably, is the longest section; there is typically an exhortation of some kind, a theological discussion and then ethical admonitions. Finally, there is the conclusion that contains practical matters, personal greetings, and often a prayer. In I Peter, the body of the letter begins at 1:13 and ends at 4:19. The last few weeks we have looked at portions that are in the body – they are key to what the writer wants to convey to his audience; next week’s is as well. But take a look at 1:1-12 (the beginning) and 5:1-13 (the conclusion) to get a sense of those parts of the letter.
The other thing I want to mention is how it is that we read and understand Scripture. If you are anything like me, I want to understand it all. And I am a bit impatient when there are things that mystify me. You may experience that in the reading today. So, please accept the fact that there are things in Scripture that we simply will not understand on this side of eternity. We don’t fully comprehend the context of the original readers; there are mysteries of God that are beyond our comprehension. If we become pre-occupied with these, we risk missing greater truth and teaching. So, here we go.
Read I Peter 3:13-22 out loud. What are the words or phrases that stand out to you? List them here. Which of these strike a chord with you? You might write them down or highlight or circle them in your Bible. Meditate on them and see what the Spirit might want you to notice.
Also, please note that the first word is “Now.” That is a transition word rather than a time-marker; it is an invitation to take a look at the verses (or section of Scripture) that precedes it. What is the gist of those verses?
In previous weeks, we have considered the context of the readers of this letter at the time that it was written – the persecution and ostracization which Christians would have endured, the rejection by family and friends. This resulted in suffering. What words or instructions are given to them as they were facing this suffering?
There are many references to the suffering and resurrection in I Peter. Note I Peter 1:3. Jesus’ resurrection changed everything and as followers of Jesus, these believers life was changed as well. What difference does it make to us today that we live in hope of the resurrection? How does this change how we face challenges today?
One of the confusing sections in this text may be the references to Noah and the “spirits in prison” (verse 19-20). Many scholars have many different opinions about what this may mean. Rather than getting stuck on those nuances, look at verse 21 where this is explained as a reference to baptism. Think about the difference that your baptism makes in your day to day life.
What are the things that we learn about Jesus, his authority, his sufferings and resurrection? How does the writer of the letter want people to respond to the sufferings in light of Jesus’ life and suffering and resurrection?
Let us pray: Jesus, in the midst of this time of uncertainty and confusion and frustration, help us to look to you as the example and model of how we are called to respond. Give us patience and wisdom. Help us grow even closer together even though we are not able to meet face-to-face. Let the hope we have in your resurrection fill us with love and joy. In your holy name, Amen.
