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13 For[a] who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But in fact, if you happen to suffer[b] for doing what is right,[c] you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them[d] or be shaken.[e] 15 But set Christ[f] apart[g] as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.[h] 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect,[i] keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.[j] 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it,[k] than for doing evil.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:13 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “For” to indicate that what follows gives an explanation.
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 sn The Greek construction here implies that such suffering was not the norm, even though it could happen, and in fact may well have happened to some of the readers (cf. 4:4, 12-19).
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 tn Grk “because of righteousness.”
  4. 1 Peter 3:14 tn Grk “do not fear their fear,” referring to those who cause their suffering. The phrase “their fear” may mean “what they fear” (subjective genitive), but in a situation of persecution it more likely means “fear of them” (objective genitive).
  5. 1 Peter 3:14 sn A quotation from Isa 8:12.
  6. 1 Peter 3:15 tc Most later mss, including some significant ones (P 5 81 436 442 1735 2344 2492 M) have θεόν (theon, “God”) instead of Χριστόν (Christon; “Christ”) here. But Χριστόν is widely supported by excellent and early witnesses (P72 א A B C Ψ 33 1175 1243 1611 1739 1852 latt sy co), and as a less common idiom better explains the rise of the other reading.
  7. 1 Peter 3:15 tn Or “sanctify Christ as Lord.”
  8. 1 Peter 3:15 tn Grk “the hope in you.”
  9. 1 Peter 3:16 tn Grk “but with courtesy and respect,” continuing the command of v. 15. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
  10. 1 Peter 3:16 tn Grk “when you are spoken against.”
  11. 1 Peter 3:17 tn Grk “if the will of God should will it.” As in 3:14 the Greek construction here implies that suffering for doing good was not what God normally willed, even though it could happen, and in fact may have happened to some of the readers (cf. 4:4, 12-19).

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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