1 Peter 3:13-22 NKJV
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
In today’s passage, the apostle Peter addresses believers facing various trials and challenges, offering encouragement and guidance rooted in the truth of God’s Word. As believers, we turn to this passage with a deep reverence for Scripture and a desire to understand and apply its teachings faithfully.
Peter begins by reassuring believers that, despite suffering for the sake of righteousness, they are blessed and should not fear their adversaries. Instead, they are encouraged to maintain a steadfast faith, trusting in God’s providential care and His ultimate victory over evil.
Peter then directs our attention to the example of Christ, who suffered unjustly but triumphed over sin and death through His resurrection. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ accomplished redemption for all who believe in Him, granting them salvation and the promise of eternal life.
Moreover, Peter highlights the significance of baptism as a signifying cleansing and renewal, drawing parallels between the waters of the flood and the waters of baptism. Just as Noah and his family were saved through the waters of the flood, so too are believers saved through the waters of baptism, which symbolize their union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
As Confessional Lutherans, we affirm the sacrament of baptism as a means of grace, through which God bestows forgiveness of sins, new life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism serves as a tangible reminder of God’s saving work in Christ and His continual presence in the lives of believers.
In conclusion, today’s verses serve as a powerful reminder of the hope and assurance we have in Christ, even in the midst of trials and suffering. Thus, we cling to the promises of God’s Word, trusting in His unfailing love and resting secure in the victory won for us by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us pray: O Lord our God, order the course of this world in peace that your Church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.