Reading for September 20th

Read 1 Peter 3.13-22
In verses 13-17 Suffering well.
In verses 13-15 all members are addressed in terms resembling the exhortation to slaves in 2.18-25.
Peter declares unjust suffering a blessing or honor (Mt 5.10-11) while enemies are put to shame.
In verses 16-17 although Christians forswear vengeance (3.9), they may prepare an appropriate defense (Mt 10.19-20) for some forms of civic trial.
The best defense is a clear conscience, that is, respect for the values and actions thought
by others to be honorable.
In verses 18-22 Christ as model.
While paralleling the example of Jesus in 2.21-22, these verses contain a traditional hymn
about his death, vindication, and enthronement (see 1 Tim 3.16 for a similar structure).
In verses 18-19 Christ models sinless suffering, emphasizing the good that comes from endurance.
Put to death, Jesus was made alive by God; when vindicated, he rebuked the evil powers responsible for his death and the group's suffering.
In verses 20-21 Peter interrupts with a reminder of baptism.
Noah and seven other persons escaped destruction in the flood, prefiguring baptism,
spiritual washing and new birth.
In verse 22 the hymn continues with mention of Jesus' resurrection and enthronement,
when all heavenly spirits and powers obey him.
Suffering like Christ, disciples experience a baptismal transformation from moral death
to heavenly life, thus sharing in Jesus' resurrection.
They also glory in Jesus' authority over the cosmos.
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