Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Peter 3:8

"Finally, [be] ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:" — 1 Peter 3:8 (ASV)

Finally. As the last direction, or as general counsel regarding your conduct in all the relations of life. The apostle had specified most of the important relations that Christians sustain (1 Peter 2:13–25; 1 Peter 3:1–7), and he now gives a general direction regarding their conduct in all those relations.

Be ye all of one mind. See Barnes on Romans 12:16.

The word used here (omofrwn) does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means, of the same mind; like-minded; and its object is to secure harmony in their views and feelings. Having compassion one of another. Sympathizing (sumpayeiv), entering into one another's feelings, and showing a regard for each other's welfare. See Barnes on Romans 12:15.

Compare to 1 Corinthians 12:26; John 11:35. The Greek word used here does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It describes that state of mind which exists when we enter into the feelings of others as if they were our own, just as the different parts of the body are affected by what affects one. See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 12:26.

Love as brethren. The marginal reading is loving to the; that is, the brethren. The Greek word (filadelfov) does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means loving one's brethren; that is, loving each other as Christian brethren.—Rob. Lex. Thus it enforces the duty so often enjoined in the New Testament: that of love to Christians as brethren of the same family. See Barnes on Romans 12:10.

Compare to Hebrews 13:1; John 13:34.

Be pitiful. The word used here (eusplagcnov) does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament, except in Ephesians 4:32, where it is rendered tender-hearted. See Notes on that verse.

Be courteous. This word also (filofrwn) does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means friendly-minded, kind, courteous. Later editions of the New Testament, instead of this, read (tapeinofronev) of a lowly or humble mind. See Hahn.

The sense is not materially changed. In the one word, the idea of friendliness is the one that prevails; in the other, that of humility. Christianity requires both of these virtues, and either word enforces an important injunction. The authority is in favour of the latter reading; and though Christianity requires that we should be courteous and gentlemanly in our treatment of others, this text can hardly be relied on as a proof-text for that point.