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12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears turned to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

Christian Suffering.[a] 13 Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 3:13–22 This exposition, centering on 1 Pt 3:17, runs as follows: by his suffering and death Christ the righteous one saved the unrighteous (1 Pt 3:18); by his resurrection he received new life in the spirit, which he communicates to believers through the baptismal bath that cleanses their consciences from sin. As Noah’s family was saved through water, so Christians are saved through the waters of baptism (1 Pt 3:19–22). Hence they need not share the fear of sinners; they should rather rejoice in suffering because of their hope in Christ. Thus their innocence disappoints their accusers (1 Pt 3:13–16; cf. Mt 10:28; Rom 8:35–39).

12 For the Lord watches over the righteous
    and listens to their prayers;
    but he opposes those who do evil.”

13 Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 (A)But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. 15 But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,

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12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.”

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is right? 14 But even if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;

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12 (A)For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

13 (B)And who is [a]there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should (C)suffer for the sake of righteousness, (D)you [b]are blessed. (E)And do not fear their [c]intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but [d]sanctify (F)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (G)to make a [e]defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (H)hope that is in you, but (I)with gentleness and (J)respect;

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:13 Lit the one who will harm you
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 Or would be
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 Lit fear
  4. 1 Peter 3:15 I.e., set apart
  5. 1 Peter 3:15 Or argument; or explanation

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a](A)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(B) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(C) “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c](D) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(E) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(F) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12