1 Peter 3:11-12
let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not enough to simply not do evil; we're called to actively do good as a way to counter it. Furthermore, peace isn't something that just happens; the verse urges us to not only seek it but to pursue it, showing a dynamic, ongoing effort is required.
Peter is encouraging believers facing suffering and persecution to live lives that reflect Christ, even amidst hardship. He's building on the previous verse by calling them to actively reject wrongdoing, embrace goodness, and proactively work for peace rather than just passively waiting for it. This counsel is meant to distinguish them as God's people, demonstrating His character even when they're treated unjustly.
It's easy to just not do bad things. But Peter calls us to something much more active. What does it truly mean to turn from evil?
Peter doesn't just say 'don't be evil.' He uses the strong verb 'turn away' – like physically turning your back on something. This isn't passive avoidance; it's a decisive rejection of evil. It means recognizing its lure and actively choosing a different path.
From Rejection to Action
But it doesn't stop there. The verse immediately follows with 'do good.' These two actions are inseparable in the Christian life. Turning from evil creates the space and the energy to actively pursue good. It's about a lifestyle change, not just a one-time decision.
Peace seems like something we'd all want, right? But Peter doesn't just want us to find peace; he says we should actively chase after it. Why is peace so important, and how do we pursue it?
The second half of the verse calls us to 'seek peace and pursue it.' 'Seek' implies a deliberate search, an intentional looking for opportunities for peace. 'Pursue' elevates this action – it means to chase after, to hunt down, to not give up easily.
Peace as More Than Calm
In the biblical context, this 'peace' (often translated from the Hebrew word 'shalom') is far more than just the absence of conflict. It's about wholeness, well-being, right relationships, and flourishing. Pursuing peace means actively working towards reconciliation, understanding, and harmony in all our relationships, even when it's difficult.
Understand the original words
kakos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Refers to moral wickedness, corruption, or that which is contrary to God's character and will; it encompasses both sinful deeds and malicious intent.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony, both between God and man and among people. It represents the wholeness that results from living in right relationship with God.
dikaios · Greek Adjective
Those who are justified before God through faith and, consequently, live in conformity with His moral laws. It describes a status of legal standing and the resulting righteous character.
deēsis · Greek Noun
A specific address to God involving petitions, praise, or confession. It signifies a humble dependence upon God and the assurance of His attention to the believer's voice.
This passage echoes the call to actively abandon wrongdoing and embrace positive actions, emphasizing the pursuit of peace as a way of life.
Matthew 5:9Jesus directly links peacemaking with being called children of God, highlighting the divine importance and active nature of pursuing peace.
Romans 12:18This verse reinforces the idea that if possible, we should live in harmony with others, connecting our pursuit of peace with our relationships.
1 John 4:7This passage teaches that love comes from God and that everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God, showing how a life of love and peace aligns with our spiritual identity.
It's not enough to simply not do evil; we're called to actively do good as a way to counter it. Furthermore, peace isn't something that just happens; the verse urges us to not only seek it but to pursue it, showing a dynamic, ongoing effort is required.
Peter is encouraging believers facing suffering and persecution to live lives that reflect Christ, even amidst hardship. He's building on the previous verse by calling them to actively reject wrongdoing, embrace goodness, and proactively work for peace rather than just passively waiting for it. This counsel is meant to distinguish them as God's people, demonstrating His character even when they're treated unjustly.
Peter is encouraging believers facing suffering and persecution to live lives that reflect Christ, even amidst hardship. He's building on the previous verse by calling them to actively reject wrongdoing, embrace goodness, and proactively work for peace rather than just passively waiting for it. This counsel is meant to distinguish them as God's people, demonstrating His character even when they're treated unjustly.
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"let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”" — It's not enough to simply not do evil; we're called to actively do good as a way to counter it. Furthermore, peace isn't something that just happens; the verse urges us to not only seek it but to…
