⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(A) though now for a little while^(B) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^(C)

⁹ Do not repay evil with evil^(A) or insult with insult.^(B) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,^(C) because to this^(D) you were called^(E) so that you may inherit a blessing.^(F)

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^{(A) 14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(B) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b](C) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(D) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(E) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(F) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(G) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(H) to suffer for doing good^(I) than for doing evil.

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{(B) 2} As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(C) but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(D) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(E) 4} They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^(F)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.