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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13 Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. “Never be afraid of their threats, and never get upset. 15 Instead, exalt[a] the Messiah”[b] as Lord in your lives.[c] Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. 16 But do this[d] gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in the Messiah[e] will be ashamed of slandering you. 17 After all, if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:15 Or set apart
  2. 1 Peter 3:15 Or Christ; cf. Isa 8:12
  3. 1 Peter 3:15 Lit. hearts
  4. 1 Peter 3:16 The Gk. lacks do this
  5. 1 Peter 3:16 Or Christ