The Christian facing persecution
Peter, the apostle, is writing this letter to the Christians during the reign of Emperor Nero. These times were marred with so much persecution, especially religious and social oppression. These Christians were living within a pagan society that did not tolerate Christianity. The purpose of this epistle is to motivate and encourage the Christians during that time to endure and persevere through persecution. The oppression was ongoing, while some were to come in the future.[1] The focus of this paper is on a text from the first epistle of Peter: 1 Peter 4:1-6. The entire passage brings out the theme of a Christian facing persecution and the hope therein in the solution offered through a Christ-like attitude.
Peter urges Christians to persevere through suffering even when they are on the right because such brings blessing from God. The working of the Spirit of God produces obedience, and it becomes a strong pillar in the text in subject as the only way to endure persecution is through following the laid down way of Christ-like faith, behavior, and lifestyle
Essential terms
The passage showcases some significant words that will come in handy for the perspective to be fully understood. Below are the terms in consideration in this paper;
- Persecution-ill treatment due to one’s faith
- Suffering-experiencing persecution-ill treatment/pain/loss
- Arming oneself-preparing oneself
- Judgment-giving account of one’s life
Thesis statement
The Christian facing persecution in 1 Peter 4:1-6 elaborates the expectations of a Christian who has been redeemed and the reward of persevering to the end.
Argument of the paper
Persecution causes suffering to occur to Christians, but the hope is in arming oneself with the attitude of Christ for one to triumph. The reward of eternal life after overcoming persecution is administered during the judgment of everyone; the living and the dead, each getting what they deserve.
MAIN AND SUPPORTING POINTS OF THE PASSAGE
Persevering with the mind of Christ
During His time here on earth, Christ underwent trials, plots to kill Him, generally persecution of every kind. This passage uses Christ as an exemplum for Christians who will encounter abuses of all sorts in this world. The main idea here is to have a mind of readiness to endure through hard times of persecution. In other words, Christians should have a preparedness to suffer through the hands of non-believers for the sake of their faith and stance in Jesus Christ.[2]
Christ being the model, Christians are to imitate His readiness to suffer by putting on or instead arming themselves with His attitude. Christ’s approach is a guarantee that one will persevere through persecution. The attitude of Christ is like some sort of armor that a soldier puts on before going for battle or war. This armor protects the soldier from sustaining injuries during combat. Likewise, putting on the attitude of Christ protects a Christian from sustaining any form of damage, be it psychological, emotional, social, or even physical from the persecution leveled against them.[3] Therefore, a Christian with the mind of Christ in persecution will suffer, but they won’t be hurt in any way. Such kind of suffering without being hurt brings victory in the life of a Christian. However, this victory only comes through one arming himself with the same attitude of Christ.[4] Once someone is associated with Christ, they can’t avoid persecution. Notwithstanding, with guaranteed persecution, there is also a guaranteed solution which, if applied, comes with victory at the end; this is the attitude of Christ.[5]
Whoever chooses to follow Christ has to pay the price for it. Christianity is identifying with the suffering of Christ for the redemption of humanity, thus proclaiming publicly that one has forgone all their evil desires, and have taken in righteous living. This forgoing of evil desires that were characteristic of the past life is being equated with being done with sin. In simple terms, a non-believer used to be a friend to the sinful life, but now having chosen Christ, they are no longer friends to sin but righteousness.[6] A life of righteousness is following the will of God. This change from an unholy life to a holy one mirrors baptism, as one dies with Christ in the symbolic act of been dipped in water, their sins too die with Christ.[7] When they rise from the water, it symbolizes the resurrection of Christ- victory over death to Christ, while to the born again Christian, victory over sin.[8]
It has been said, before a saint was a sinner; indeed, before one became a follower of Christ, they used to live in sin. They used to live like pagans, no disregard for excesses of sin. They indulged themselves in gross sin and sinful acts. This is the way of life of pagans. This kind of lifestyle was the past life for those who became Christians.[9] These Christians had spent a more significant part of their life living in pagan ways, and now Peter is urging them to use the time that is left to live for God and God alone. These pagan ways include acts that could be categorized into three groups; sexual immorality, drunkenness with indecent acts associated with it, and idolatry.
The acts of the past life before conversion were detestable in the sight of the Lord, especially the sin of idolatry. Idolatry is putting in an image in place of God and worshipping it. This has been an abomination in the whole scripture because God is a jealous God. The Lord God does not share His glory with anyone.[10]
There are moments in the life a convert when they might feel the urge to look back to their previous experience in the flesh with interest. This is because the sinful nature does not seek the things of the Spirit but the things of the flesh which are against the will of God. Well, the convert is urged that they should not live to fulfill their evil desires but to do the will of God.[11] The fact that they had spent a considerable amount of time in their sinful lives, they should spend the rest of their lives living for their Lord Jesus Christ.[12] In Luke 9:62, the point being portrayed fits perfectly for the convert who seems to crave the past life.[13]
When a person from a group of sinners who used to do sinful acts together, gets converted, three things happen. Firstly, the saved person no longer feels the urge to engage in the same evil passions, and so does not hang around his former friends. Secondly, this group of friends gets surprised and shocked at how come nowadays, the person does not feel the urge nor engage in their sinful ways and habits. Thirdly, these friends start seeing this converted person as their enemy-those who are not for us are against us. This consequently leads to them rebuking him, criticizing him, calling him shameful names because of this new lifestyle they have adopted.[14] Besides, some even go the extra mile and even say despicable things about this newfound God of their friend. They wonder what kind of a God would detach them from their friend. They conclude that this God too is not for them but against them.[15] In their minds, they would probably think that if this God urged their friend to continue sinning with them, they would not have an issue with Him. However, it seems that this God has cut off the link between them and their friend.[16]
The judgment of the living and dead
Sin has its powerful enticement that sinners don’t understand believers. These believers were the same people who were once enticed, but after conversion, they no longer have any interest. This is indeed a puzzle to the non-believers. What the non-believers don’t understand is that this person who has been converted is now answerable to an authority while the former was not. The Christian currently lives in a way that pleases God, knowing very well that they will have to give an account to Christ during judgment. The non-believers are not aware that they will, too, have to give an account of their life to Christ. Judgment is to everyone whether alive or dead, whether saved or unsaved.[17] There are those whose judgment will culminate to a reward –Christians- and there are those whose judgment will result to damnation. Each will receive their due award, either to eternal life or to eternal fire.[18]
Since judgment is imminent for everyone, hence the gospel was preached even to those who were dead. Verse 6 is a coordinating clause connected to verse 5, which introduces the judgment of the living and the dead. Verse 6 has been a subject of controversy across the theological cycles. It seems that every scholar has their interpretation concerning this verse. However, there is a stand that the paper will take after examining possible arguments. This verse in context must be interpreted in light of verse 5 since it is a coordinating clause, meaning that it is a build from a previous statement. Interestingly, the contention is in the interpretation of the word “dead[19] There are several interpretations concerning this verse, they include but not limited to the following;
The dead might mean those who are spiritually dead. These are the people who have not been born of the Spirit. However, the tense of the word ‘preached’ is in the past tense, which makes it difficult to accept this interpretation since there are still those receiving Christ even now through the continuous tense of the verb- preaching.[20]
The saints of the Old Testament who died before the coming of Christ, the gospel was preached to them in hades, and they got saved. This negates the interpretation of the word-dead- in verse 5.[21]
The last interpretation is people who were dead but had gotten the chance to be preached to the gospel and became Christians.[22] This is in line with the theme of the passage as well as the whole idea of the epistle which majors on persecution. This letter was addressed to the Christians who were experiencing persecution, and so a reference to the Christians who had died, but they would still live in the spiritual existence. This is an encouragement to the Christians who are living in persecution, that they will also live in accordance to God (spiritually) even though they will face physical death. This interpretation does not alter the intended meaning of the word ‘dead’ in verse 5. Therefore, this interpretation seems to hold water and be in coordination with the previous verse, which was the measure of the right interpretation that this paper will take as its stance.[23]
The last two verse of the text in subject, contains one word in different forms- judge/judged. In verse 5, the judgment being alluded to is the final judgment, where everyone will face judgment, both believers and non-believers. While in verse 6, the judgment being alluded to is the one that all humanity have to pass through death. Death here is being portrayed as a form of judgment to the physical body, which in reality, is the wages of sin. However, as all will face death in the physical state, not all will face death in the spiritual state. Those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and savior will die physically but live eternally with God in the spiritual sense. On the other hand, the evildoers who rejected the gift of Jesus, they will be separated eternally from God forever.[24]
These believers who will live eternally with God will do so in the same existence as God, that is, enter into the fullness of eternity and eternal life. They will possess the very life that God possesses.[25] This is what is meant by the adverbial clause ‘but live according to God in regard to the spirit.’ This, in essence, is the judgment of the believers as they get to be rewarded for their work here on earth, giving an account of their lives and get rewarded for it. All believers will be awarded eternal life but will be rewarded differently.[26]
Conclusion
Apostle Peter is encouraging the Christians who were facing persecution during the reign of Emperor Nero. The persecution was mostly from the neighbors around them who were pagans. Christians are urged to endure through the oppression that they experience because of their faith. Though they will be persecuted, they should hold on to the faith in Christ through sharing in His suffering by having the same attitude He had. Eventually, this perseverance is not in vain, and they will be rewarded with eternal life after their physical bodies die.
In the walk of salvation, there are many trials, temptations, persecutions, and so on, all because of having faith in Christ; however, the solution is to hold on to the very end through a Christ-like attitude when such times occur.
Christians in this life will face persecution; it is a given. However, there is an encouragement for those in Christ Jesus that they can endure the same way Christ suffered. Though persecution will come, there is a way out, through a Christ-like attitude. Lastly, God is faithful; He cannot allow Christians to be tempted through persecution past what they can bear.
Bibliography
Barnes, A. Notes, Explanatory and practical, on the New Testament vol ix Hebrews; vol x James, Peter, John and Jude. (1860). Glasgow: Blackie and Son
Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. (1990). Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Henry, M. (2006).Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole bible.Retrieved 18 February 2020 from PC Study Bible V5.
McNeile, A.H. (1927). An introduction to the study of the New Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Raymer, R. M. Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament. (2000). Colorado: Cook Communications Ministries.
Robertson, A.T. Commentary on 1 Peter 4:4. Robertson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament.Broadman Press 1932,33. Renewal 1960.
UBS New Testament Handbook Series. (1997). New York: United Bible Societies.
Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist Journal of theology, 21(3).
[1]McNeile, A.H. (1927). An introduction to the study of the New Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press.207-2011
[2]Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. (1990). Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
[3]Raymer, R. M. Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament. (2000). Colorado: Cook Communications Ministries.
[4]Barnes, A. Notes, Explanatory and practical, on the New Testament vol ix Hebrews; vol x James, Peter, John and Jude. (1860). Glasgow: Blackie and Son
[5]Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament. (1990). Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
[6]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist Journal of theology, 21(3).102
[7]Henry, M. (2006).Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole bible. Retrieved 18 February 2020 from PC Study Bible V5
[8]Raymer, R. M. Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament. (2000). Colorado: Cook Communications Ministries.
[9] Robertson, A.T. Commentary on 1 Peter 4:4. Robertson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament.Broadman Press 1932,33. Renewal 1960.
[10]UBS New Testament Handbook Series. (1997). New York: United Bible Societies.
[11]McNeile, A.H. (1927). An introduction to the study of the New Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press.203
[12]Henry, M. (2006).Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole bible.Retrieved 18 February 2020 from PC Study Bible V5.
[13]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist Journal of theology, 21(3).102
[14]Henry, M. (2006).Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole bible.Retrieved 18 February 2020 from PC Study Bible V5.
[15]Robertson, A.T. Commentary on 1 Peter 4:4. Robertson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament.Broadman Press 1932,33. Renewal 1960
[16]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist Journal of theology, 21(3).103
[17]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist Journal of theology, 21(3).104
[18]Barnes, A. Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the New Testament vol ix Hebrews; vol x James, Peter, John, and Jude. (1860). Glasgow: Blackie and Son
[19].” Barnes, A. Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the New Testament vol ix Hebrews; vol x James, Peter, John, and Jude. (1860). Glasgow: Blackie and Son
[20]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist Journal of theology, 21(3).104-105
[21]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist journal of theology, 21(3).105
[22]Wellum, S. J., Davids, P. H., Sanchez, J. R., Parker, B. E., Wilkins, M. J., Byrley, C., Forbes. G. W., et al. (2017). 1 Peter.The Southern Baptist journal of theology, 21(3).105
[23]Barnes, A. Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the New Testament vol ix Hebrews; vol x James, Peter, John, and Jude. (1860). Glasgow: Blackie and Son
[24]UBS New Testament Handbook Series. (1997). New York: United Bible Societies.
[25]Raymer, R. M. Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament. (2000). Colorado: Cook Communications Ministries
[26]UBS New Testament Handbook Series. (1997). New York: United Bible Societies.
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