We’re continuing to go through Peter’s first letter. The apostle is now going to talk about how to handle resistance from the world. It’s something we will all experience, even if we don’t live in an area with heavy persecution.
Remember, Peter’s goal is always to portray Christ to the world.
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
1 Peter 3:13 NIV
Peter asks us, who is it that will bring evil against you? He’s talking about any kind of evil, from injury to exasperation. This is especially true if you’re eager to do good.
The word he uses for eager is important for understanding this question. He’s literally saying if you become a Zealot for good. One thing we need to know is that this word, Zealot, referred to a group of Jews who were anti-Roman terrorists at that point in history.
This seems like an oxymoron. A terrorist for good. But I believe that’s from the world’s perspective.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
John 3:19-20 NIV
We can see from this verse, that light terrorizes those who love darkness. That’s what happens when we live a “radically good” life. When someone acts in an evil way against us and we go out of our way to bless them.
So, Peter asks who would try to hurt you for that? Then, he thinks about his experience in this area.
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
1 Peter 3:14 NIV
What if you’re passionately burdened to do righteousness? Here’s what Peter has learned from his experiences.
First, you’re supremely blessed, well off, happy, fortunate. That’s the first and most important thing you need to know. That’s the basis for overcoming in spite of this resistance.
You had better prepare for this, just like Christ. Because we will all have to face these issues at some point.
The apostle starts by telling us to not be afraid or shaken. He lets us know that we don’t have to fear the things that frighten the world. And we’re not shaken by the things that toss them.
The world gets all upset and fearful about politics, the economy, and natural disasters. We must not give in to fear because we know who controls our life and our world.
This is one of the biggest areas we need to work on as Christians in our generation. When you see what’s taking place online and in social media, many times believers seem as stressed out as the world. We can’t be acting like people without the hope of Christ Jesus in us.
It’s time for us to start acting like Jesus is Lord and God is in control. Stop running around like the world and settle down to be accomplishing the will of the Father. Spend time in His presence to pick up His heartbeat. Then, do what you’re called to do.
Question: How free are you from the anxiety we see in the world?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 