1 Peter, Day 3 Readings

Accepting the Authority of Others   

Today's reading provides teaching on Christian obedience.  Having reminded Christians of the need to obey God, it then encourages Christians to obey others in authority as well.  All people must respect the authority of the government; slaves must obey their masters; wives must obey their husbands.  If someone in authority gives an undeserved punishment, they Christian should accept it just as Jesus suffered (on behalf of the Christians who will be saved through him).

This can be a challenging teaching -- and, truth be told, most Christians have modified it through the centuries, arguing that faith should not encourage people to accept abusive relationships and situations.  With such limits, though, the teaching reminds Christians that their first impulse should always be to repay evil with charity and compassion, which both provides a testimony of God's grace and leaves judgment to God alone.

Read 1 Peter 2:13-3:12  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Peter 2:13-3:12 today.