¹⁵ but sanctify [the] Lord the Christ in your hearts, and [be] always prepared to [give] an answer [to] every one that asks you to give an account of the hope that [is] in you, but with meekness and fear;

¹⁶ having a good conscience, that [as to that] in which they speak against you as evildoers, they may be ashamed who calumniate your good conversation in Christ.

¹⁷ For [it is] better, if the will of God should will it, to suffer [as] well-doers than [as] evildoers;