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.

Read full chapter

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 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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12