How does 1 Peter 3:11 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace? Verse in Focus: 1 Peter 3:11 “He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” • In Peter’s mind, peace is not passive; it is something to be sought and chased down with holy determination. • The command flows out of a life that has first “turned away from evil” and is actively “doing good,” keeping the pursuit of peace anchored in righteousness. Jesus, the Source of Peace • John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” – Jesus gifts a peace that originates in Him, not in circumstances. • John 16:33 — “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” – His victory secures real peace for every follower, even amid trouble. • 1 Peter 3:11 echoes this by calling believers to align themselves with the peace Jesus already provides. Parallel Commands in the Sermon on the Mount • Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – Jesus blesses not mere peace‐lovers but peace‐makers; Peter’s “pursue it” mirrors this active stance. • Matthew 5:23-24 — reconciliation before worship. – Pursuing peace is essential, not optional, for worship that pleases God. • Matthew 5:44 — “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Turning from evil and doing good (1 Peter 3:11) finds its clearest New‐Testament example in loving adversaries. Living It Out Practically Seek peace (internal) • Fix the mind on Christ’s words (John 14:27). • Reject anxiety by trusting His sovereignty (Philippians 4:6-7). Pursue peace (relational) • Initiate reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Return blessing for insult (1 Peter 3:9). Guard peace (community) • Refuse gossip and divisive talk (Ephesians 4:29). • Mediate conflict with gentleness (Galatians 6:1). • Keep short accounts, forgiving as Christ forgave (Colossians 3:13). Christ’s Finished Work and Our Mission • Colossians 1:20 — Through the cross, God “made peace” by the blood of Jesus. • Ephesians 2:14 — “He Himself is our peace.” • John 20:21 — “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” – The resurrected Jesus sends disciples into the world as peace‐bearers, joining Peter’s call to chase peace actively. Summary—The Seamless Fit 1 Peter 3:11 stands in direct continuity with Jesus’ teaching: • Same priority (peace springing from righteousness). • Same action verbs (seek, pursue, make). • Same motive (reflecting God’s character and Christ’s work). Embracing both Peter’s exhortation and Jesus’ instruction leads believers to experience Christ’s inward calm and extend His reconciling peace to a restless world. |
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