Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Peter 3:8

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

Finally, be you all.—A return from the special to the general. St. Peter has not, however, forgotten the purpose with which the former rules were given; his thought is still how to produce a right impression on the unbelieving world, although some of these injunctions touch only internal relations between members of the Church. Our Lord says, By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another (John 13:35); and again, That they all may be one . . . that the world may believe that you have sent me (John 17:21). Accordingly, this verse, like 1 Peter 3:1 and 1 Peter 3:7, is attached to 1 Peter 2:13, and should be translated, Finally, being all.

Of one mind.—Or, unanimous. Though the Greek word does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament, the duty is enjoined often, for example, Romans 12:16; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 2:2. It involves an agreement not only in doctrine but in practical aims, the affections of all being in the same direction. This unanimity requires expression to be conscious, and therefore it strikes at the root of the reserve by which Christian people do not open out their hearts to each other in the matter of religion. Such unity of mind is no product of indifference, which Leighton describes as “not a knitting together, but a freezing together, as cold congregates all bodies however heterogeneous, sticks, stones, and water.”

Having compassion one of another.—Literally, sympathetic. The word “compassion” has lost the meaning which it once had, and signifies little more than pity. Here the command includes rejoicing with them that do rejoice, as much as weeping with them that weep (Romans 12:15). The same word only occurs again in Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 10:34.

Love as brethren.—Again a single adjective, fraternal, or, loving the brethren. For the meaning see 1 Peter 1:22, Notes.

Be pitiful.—Rather (omitting the word “be”), tender-hearted. So it is translated in Ephesians 4:32, the only other place where it occurs. It differs from “sympathetic” in being limited to yearnings over the afflicted. Strangely enough, in profane Greek, the word is only found to mean “strong-hearted.”

Be courteous.—The injunction is so charming, and so appropriate in the mouth of St. Peter, that one is almost loath to correct the reading, and substitute (undoubtedly the right word) humble-minded. This adjective brings us back to that mutual subjection and complaisance which is the main subject of all these rules. Compare also 1 Peter 5:5.