Undeserved Suffering

13 Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness,(A) you are blessed. Do not fear them[a](B) or be intimidated,[b](C) 15 but in your hearts regard[c] Christ[d] the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.(D) 16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience,(E) so that when you are accused,[e] those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer(F) for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:14 Or Do not fear what they fear
  2. 3:14 Is 8:12
  3. 3:15 Or sanctify, or set apart
  4. 3:15 Other mss read set God
  5. 3:16 Other mss read when they speak against you as evildoers

13 Who will harm you if you are zealous for good? 14 But happy are you, even if you suffer because of righteousness! Don’t be terrified or upset by them. 15 Instead, regard Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it. 16 Yet do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience. Act in this way so that those who malign your good lifestyle in Christ may be ashamed when they slander you. 17 It is better to suffer for doing good (if this could possibly be God’s will) than for doing evil.

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