Tuesday 8 September 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation. (v. 4)
Background
1 Peter chapters 3 and 4 are frequently cited by those thinking about evangelism, one of the four aspects of the calling of the Methodist Church. Many people are understandably fearful of evangelism, perhaps because it conjures up images of street preachers bellowing hate through a megaphone. 1 Peter presents us though with a very different image of what it means to be bearers of the good news.
In today’s passage, the author continues to encourage his readers to live counter-culturally – to allow their faith in Jesus to shape and direct their actions, even if this means they stand out from wider society, and results in surprise, ridicule, or – as in yesterday’s passage – abuse.
The author encourages his readers by telling them that living counter-culturally creates opportunities to share the good news. The Gentiles (people who are not Jewish) in their communities will notice, he says, that followers of Jesus no longer engage in "debauchery, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry." Their surprise at this change will cause them to ask questions. Yesterday’s passage contained a famous verse: "Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15-16). When Christians’ counter-cultural behaviour prompts questions, they should be ready to speak about the faith that drives them. But they should do so with "gentleness and reverence" for all cultures and beliefs.
I find this a deeply reassuring depiction of evangelism (sharing the good news of Jesus). Live distinctively – be prepared to talk about your faith – and treat all people with gentleness and respect. And not a megaphone in sight.
To Ponder:
- What words come to mind when you hear the word ‘evangelism’?
- If a stranger in a lift asked you why you were a Christian, what would you say (in the time it took for the lift to reach the top of the building)?
Bible notes author: The Revd Naomi Oates
Naomi is a Methodist minister, currently serving in four churches across five communities in the North Kent Circuit. When not being rugby-tackled by her two young children, she enjoys cycling, baking and reading Golden Age detective fiction (although not all at the same time).