“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” 1 Peter 3:13
Wait a minute. Is Peter asking a rhetorical question here? Is he presenting us with a rosy gospel—"be zealous and all will be lovely?”
Well, not 100% rosy, because he follows with:
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake…” 1 Peter 3:14a
But, yes semi-rosy, because the next thing he says is:
“You will be blessed” 1 Peter 3:14b
But then—
Peter moves into his Matthew 5:10, and 10:26, 28, 30, 31
“Have no fear mode” mode:
Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)
- have no fear of them, (10:26)
- do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. (10:28)
-
even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (10:30-31)
Peter writes, “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled” 1 Peter 3.14c.
Then Peter transitions into Jesus’ use-the-persecution-to-speak-out-the-Gospel mode. In Matthew 10:18, Jesus said: “and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.”
Peter makes the same point in his next verse,
(although leaving out the part about being dragged):
“Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone
who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15b
So, there we have it.
Yes, there will be seasons of persecution if you are a Christian.
But there is a reason for the season. A Jesus reason.