What does 1 Peter 3:8 mean?
This verse begins a new section of Peter's letter. The letter is written to Christians in general. Earlier passages focused on issues unique to various groups, such as slaves, wives, and husbands. Here, Peter writes to "all of you." Every Christian believer is called to obey these five commands as we live in relationship with each other. Each command requires a certain level of mutual submission and / or selflessness toward other Christians.First, we are to be "harmonious," or like-minded. God means for the community of Christians to be unified around one way of thinking: the way of Jesus.
Next, Christians are to be sympathetic. We should be emotionally moved by, and sincerely interested in, the feelings of other believers.
Then, Peter commands us to love, as brothers love each other. In other words, a "family" kind of love. Of course, siblings don't always like each other. But, for the most part, they are committed to each other above those outside of the family. Christians should carry that commitment for other Christians.
Next, we are to be compassionate or kind-hearted. This is similar to being sympathetic, but it implies that we are ready to show each other kindness, with a desire for the good of the other person.
Finally, Christians are to be humble in spirit or have a "humble mind." We should be ready to set ourselves aside. We should make others the focus of our attention. Christians are to lift up one another, to disappear in our efforts to support each other.
1 Peter 3:8–22 addresses all believers, commanding Christians to be unified and to refuse to seek revenge when wronged. Peter quotes from both David and Isaiah to show that God’s people have always been called to reject evil and to do good. This is true even when we are suffering. In fact, it may be God’s will for His people to suffer, in part, to demonstrate His power. Our good example can convict others into repentance. Christ, too, suffered, died, was resurrected, and ascended to power and authority in heaven.
Peter continues teaching about Christian submission to human authorities, now addressing Christian wives. Believing wives must be subject to their own husbands, even if the husband is not a follower of Christ. By doing so, they might win them to Christ through the example of their own changed lives and hearts. Christian husbands must honor their wives. All believers must live in unity together and refuse to seek revenge. In part, God means to use our hopeful response to suffering to provoke the world to see His power in us. Christ, too, suffered and then died, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven.
