¹⁵ but in your hearts regard^[a] Christ^[b] the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.^{(A) 16} Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience,^(B) so that when you are accused,^[c] those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer^(C) for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.