1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
For the eyes of the Lord
The phrase "the eyes of the Lord" is a powerful anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics to God to convey His omniscience and watchfulness. In the Greek, "ophthalmoi" (eyes) signifies not just physical sight but a deep, penetrating awareness. This reflects the biblical truth that God is all-seeing and all-knowing, as seen in Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." This is a comforting assurance for believers, knowing that God is intimately aware of their lives and circumstances.

are on the righteous
The term "righteous" (Greek: "dikaios") refers to those who are in right standing with God, not by their own merit but through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is both imputed and imparted, meaning believers are declared righteous through Christ's sacrifice and are also called to live righteously. The historical context of Peter's letter, written to Christians facing persecution, underscores the encouragement that God is attentive to those who strive to live according to His will.

and His ears are inclined to their prayer
The imagery of God's ears being "inclined" (Greek: "eisakouei") suggests an active, attentive listening. This is not a passive hearing but a readiness to respond. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often seen as distant and unapproachable, but the God of Israel is depicted as personal and relational. This assurance is echoed in Psalm 34:15, reinforcing the idea that God is eager to hear the prayers of His people, especially in times of distress.

But the face of the Lord
"Face" (Greek: "prosopon") in biblical terms often signifies presence and favor. However, when turned against someone, it indicates disfavor and judgment. The "face of the Lord" being against someone is a serious matter, as it implies divine opposition. This is a sobering reminder of God's holiness and justice, as seen in passages like Leviticus 20:6, where God sets His face against those who turn to other gods.

is against those who do evil
"Evil" (Greek: "kakopoios") refers to actions that are morally wrong and contrary to God's nature. The historical context of Peter's audience, who were surrounded by pagan practices and persecution, highlights the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This phrase serves as both a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing that God's justice will ultimately prevail. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution.

2. The Righteous
Refers to those who live in accordance with God's will, striving to follow His commandments and live a life pleasing to Him.

3. The Lord
In this context, the Lord refers to God, who is attentive to the prayers of the righteous and opposes those who do evil.

4. The Evil
Those who act contrary to God's will, engaging in sinful behaviors and rejecting His commandments.

5. The Early Church
The recipients of Peter's letter, who were experiencing trials and needed encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith.
Teaching Points
God's Attentiveness to the Righteous
God is actively watching over those who live righteously. This should encourage believers to pursue holiness, knowing that their efforts are seen and valued by God.

The Power of Prayer
The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. Believers should be encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that God is listening and ready to respond.

God's Justice Against Evil
God's opposition to evil serves as a warning to those who choose to live in sin. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's ways.

Encouragement in Trials
For those facing persecution or hardship, this verse offers comfort that God is aware of their struggles and is attentive to their cries for help.

Living a Life Pleasing to God
Believers are called to live in a way that aligns with God's will, striving for righteousness in all aspects of life. This includes both personal conduct and interactions with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous" impact your daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your prayers align with the will of God, knowing that His ears are inclined to the righteous?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God was particularly attentive to your prayers. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can the knowledge that "the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith?

5. Considering the connection to Psalm 34:15-16, how can you incorporate the themes of this verse into your personal prayer life and spiritual growth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 34:15-16
This passage is directly quoted by Peter, emphasizing God's attentiveness to the righteous and His opposition to evildoers.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, reinforcing the idea that God listens to those who live according to His will.

Proverbs 15:29
States that the Lord is far from the wicked but hears the prayer of the righteous, echoing the theme of God's responsiveness to His faithful followers.
God's Different Regards to Saints and SinnersT. Hannam.1 Peter 3:12
The Divine Attentiveness to the RighteousS. Partridge, M. A.1 Peter 3:12
Unity Between Christian PeopleU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 3:8-12
Injunctions to AllR. Finlayson 1 Peter 3:8-22
The Conduct Becoming the Christian Towards His PersecutorsC. New 1 Peter 3:9-17
People
Christians, Noah, Peter, Sara, Sarah
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Attend, Attentive, Ears, Evil, Evil-doers, Face, Open, Prayer, Prayers, Righteous, Supplication, Supplications, Towards, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 3:12

     1070   God, joy of
     1210   God, human descriptions
     1255   face of God
     1620   beatitudes, the
     1670   symbols
     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher
     5149   eyes
     5150   face
     5159   hearing
     6606   access to God
     7150   righteous, the
     8330   receptiveness
     8491   watchfulness, divine
     8605   prayer, and God's will

1 Peter 3:8-13

     8442   good works

1 Peter 3:9-12

     5705   inheritance, spiritual

1 Peter 3:10-13

     5847   enthusiasm

Library
Good Days
Eversley, 1867. Westminster, Sept. 27, 1872. 1 Peter iii. 8-12. "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Hallowing Christ
'Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.'--1 Peter iii. 14, 15. These words are a quotation from the prophet Isaiah, with some very significant variations. As originally spoken, they come from a period of the prophet's life when he was surrounded by conspirators against him, eager to destroy, and when he had been giving utterance to threatening prophecies as to the coming up of the King of Assyria, and the voice of God encouraged him and his
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

April the Ninteenth Union in Harmony
"Be ye all of one mind." --1 PETER iii. 8-17. But this is not unison: it is harmony. When an orchestra produces some great musical masterpiece, the instruments are all of one mind, but each makes its own individual contribution. There is variety with concordance: each one serves every other, and the result is glorious harmony. "By love serve one another." It is love that converts membership into fraternity: it is love that binds sons and daughters into a family. Look at a field of wild-flowers.
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Faith of Abraham.
"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Power of the Holy Ghost
We shall look at the power of the Holy Ghost in three ways this morning. First, the outward and visible displays of it; second, the inward and spiritual manifestations of it; and third, the future and expected works thereof. The power of the Spirit will thus, I trust, be made clearly present to your souls. I. First, then, we are to view the power of the Spirit in the OUTWARD AND VISIBLE DISPLAYS OF IT. The power of the Sprit has not been dormant; it has exerted itself. Much has been done by the Spirit
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Consecration: what is It?
The second step that must needs be taken by those of us who have been living without the Fullness, before it can be obtained, is Consecration, a word that is very common and popular; much more common and popular, it is feared, than the thing itself. In order to be filled with the Holy Ghost one must first be "cleansed," and then one must be "consecrated". Consecration follows cleansing, and not vice versa. Intelligent apprehension of what consecration is, and of what it involves, is necessary to
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Holy Spirit in the Glorified Christ.
"Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."--Rom. i. 4. From the foregoing studies it appears that the Holy Spirit performed a work in the human nature of Christ as He descended the several steps of His humiliation to the death of the cross. The question now arises, whether He had also a work in the several steps of Christ's exaltation to the excellent glory, i.e., in His resurrection, ascension, royal dignity, and second coming.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Of Baptism.
1. Baptism defined. Its primary object. This consists of three things. 1. To attest the forgiveness of sins. 2. Passages of Scripture proving the forgiveness of sins. 3. Forgiveness not only of past but also of future sins. This no encouragement to license in sin. 4 Refutation of those who share forgiveness between Baptism and Repentance. 5 Second thing in Baptism--viz. to teach that we are ingrafted into Christ for mortification and newness of life. 6. Third thing in Baptism--viz. to teach us that
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch.
1. The historic truth of the Pentateuch is everywhere assumed by the writers of the New Testament in the most absolute and unqualified manner. They do not simply allude to it and make quotations from it, as one might do in the case of Homer's poems, but they build upon the facts which it records arguments of the weightiest character, and pertaining to the essential doctrines and duties of religion. This is alike true of the Mosaic laws and of the narratives that precede them or are interwoven
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

And not Without Just Cause a Doubt is Raised...
14. And not without just cause a doubt is raised, whether he said this of all married women, or of such as so many are, as that nearly all may be thought so to be. For neither doth that, which he saith of unmarried women, "She, that is unmarried, thinkest of the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit:" [1973] pertain unto all unmarried women: whereas there are certain widows who are dead, who live in delights. However, so far as regards a certain distinction and, as it were, character
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Its Nature
Justification, strictly speaking, consists in God's imputing to His elect the righteousness of Christ, that alone being the meritorious cause or formal ground on which He pronounces them righteous: the righteousness of Christ is that to which God has respect when He pardons and accepts the sinner. By the nature of justification we have reference to the constituent elements of the same, which are enjoyed by the believer. These are, the non-imputation of guilt or the remission of sins, and second,
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to the riches of His mercy has at least preserved this one sacrament in His Church uninjured and uncontaminated by the devices of men, and has made it free to all nations and to men of every class. He has not suffered it to be overwhelmed with the foul and impious monstrosities of avarice and superstition; doubtless having this purpose, that He would have little children, incapable of avarice and superstition, to be initiated into
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered?
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Greatness of the Soul,
AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF; WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. By JOHN BUNYAN, London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682 Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Our curiosity is naturally excited to discover what a poor, unlettered mechanic, whose book-learning had been limited to the contents of one volume, could by possibility know
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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