13 Now (A)who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 (B)But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. (C)Have no fear of them, (D)nor be troubled, 15 but (E)in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, (F)always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and (G)respect, 16 (H)having a good conscience, so that, (I)when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For (J)it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

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Undeserved Suffering

13 And who will harm[a] you if you are deeply committed to what is good?[b] 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness,(A) you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear(B) or be disturbed,(C)[c] 15 but honor[d] the Messiah[e] as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason[f] for the hope that is in you.(D) 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear,[g][h](E) so that when you are accused,[i] those who denounce your Christian life[j] will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer(F) for doing good, if that should be God’s will,[k] than for doing evil.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:13 Or mistreat, or do evil to
  2. 1 Peter 3:13 Or you are partisans for the good; lit you are zealots
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 Is 8:12
  4. 1 Peter 3:15 Or sanctify; lit set apart
  5. 1 Peter 3:15 Other mss read set God
  6. 1 Peter 3:15 Or who demands of you an accounting
  7. 1 Peter 3:16 Lit good
  8. 1 Peter 3:16 Or keeping a clear conscience
  9. 1 Peter 3:16 Other mss read when they speak against you as evildoers
  10. 1 Peter 3:16 Lit your good behavior in Christ
  11. 1 Peter 3:17 Lit if the will of God should will