Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 3:9

"not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing." — 1 Peter 3:9 (ASV)

Peter goes on to give his readers a basic imperative for dealing with those who are hostile to them, turning to Christ as the pattern to follow. The natural response to hostility is retaliation. But Jesus in his teaching (Matthew 5:44) and in his practice responded to hostility with grace (1 Peter 2:21–22). What does it mean to “bless” (GK 2328) our enemies? It means “to speak well [of someone].” The word includes friendly disposition toward one’s enemies, but it goes beyond this to active prayer and intercession (cf. Acts 7:60; 1 Corinthians 4:12). The great desire of Christians must not be revenge but for God to grant the gift of repentance to those who do not know him. The phrase “because to this” probably means that the calling of Christians to grace should make them gracious to others.