In 1 Peter 3:8, Peter gives 5 summary commands to help guide our interpersonal relationships. What stands out to you most about these five commands? In what way do these five characteristics mark your life? Is there a particular area where God is encouraging you to grow?
In 1 Peter 3:9-14, Peter challenges believers to not respond to evil with evil, but to respond to evil with blessing. Bible Scholar Warren Wiersbe notes that people have three possible ways to respond to those around them: 1)Respond with evil when others do good to you (the Satanic Way). 2)Respond with evil when people treat you evil, and good when people treat you good (the Human Way). 3)Respond with good when people treat you evil or good (the Divine Way). Why do you think that God wants His people to respond to evil with good?
1 Peter 3:15-16 are maybe the most memorized verses in the book of 1 Peter. In the overall context of 1 Peter 3:8-22, why would someone ask a Christian about their lifestyle? If someone asked you why you had hope in life, how would you answer them?
1 Peter 3:18-22 resumes the example of Jesus Christ. Particularly in 3:18 and 3:22, what is the point Peter is trying to make for believers who are suffering because of their faith in Christ?
1 Peter 3:19-21 are some of the hardest verses to interpret in the New Testament. Why do you think Peter uses the example of Noah here? What do you think it means that Jesus preached to the imprisoned spirits at the time of Noah (3:19)? What is the significance of water baptism for the believer according to these verses? Do you see any applications for your life from these difficult to understand passages?
