Called to Bless: Considering an Under-appreciated Aspect of "Doing Good" in 1 Peter 3:8–17. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaw, David M.
• Is Part Of: Biblical theology bulletin. Volume 50:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: 1 Peter 3 -- blessing -- doing good -- social identity -- narrative -- mission; 230.041
• DOI: 10.1177/0146107920934701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-1079

Abstract

This article investigates the notion of mission as blessing in 1 Peter 3:8–17. Drawing on insights from both Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Narrative Transportation Theory (NTT), I consider how the use of Old Testament quotations and allusions are deployed in such a way as to subvert normal social identity processes by exhorting the recipients of 1 Peter to pursue a life oriented towards blessing one's opponents through the refusal to retaliate; the pursuit of holistic well-being; and the willingness to defend the hope of one's faith.