Explore the Bible Online

1 Peter 3:14-17

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

14. But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17. For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 3:14-17 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:14

Theological / Devotional

But and if. Or, “but even if.”

Righteousness’ sake. See on Matt. 5:10, 11; 1 Peter 2:20. Persecution would come and the believers should be prepared for it.

Happy. Gr. makarios, also translated “blessed” (see on Matt. 5:3).

Their terror. That is, their attempts to terrify you. This clause might be paraphrased, “Do not let them frighten you.” The Christian “hope of salvation” is a “helmet” (1 Thess. 5:8) designed to prevent a mortal blow to confidence in God’s power to deliver His people from the designs of evil men.

Troubled. Gr. tarasso, “to confuse,” “to disorder,” the same word used by Christ when He counseled His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). We should never forget that God sits secure on the throne of the universe, holding the affairs of all dedicated men in His hand (cf. Rom. 8:31). Important textual evidence maybe cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of “neither be troubled.”

By SdaBc