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.

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Footnotes

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

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