1 Peter 3:18
“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.“
Peter gave the whole gospel in a single verse. The sinless Christ died for sinners, so we may be led to God. He did it for us while we were still sinners, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. Jesus suffered for doing what is right, not for doing what is wrong. Peter’s intention in this text is to help us arm ourselves with faith to suffer for the sake of Christ. Sometimes the journey gets painful, but we need to remember that God will never allow beyond what we can bear.
Peter 3:8–22 on the whole talks about the life we believers should lead in a world where seeking revenge, hurting others, lying, and betraying are becoming natural responses. Peter addresses all believers to lead a life that refuses to do wrong. We are called to reject evil and do good under all circumstances (including suffering too). Sometimes the way we react to situations and certain people can become a good example for others to repent. Christ, too, suffered, died, and was resurrected to power and authority in heaven. As believers, we need to aim to become more like Him.
In every possible way, Jesus set an example for us to be more like him. We may not always make it, but we need to try again and again. To be like Him is to do things according to His will. We may not always understand God’s way, but we know he is in control. Our Lord Jesus lived and set an example for us to lead a godly life that sets us apart from the rest of the world.
