15 but honor[a] the Messiah[b] as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason[c] for the hope that is in you.(A) 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear,[d][e](B) so that when you are accused,[f] those who denounce your Christian life[g] will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer(C) for doing good, if that should be God’s will,[h] than for doing evil.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:15 Or sanctify; lit set apart
  2. 1 Peter 3:15 Other mss read set God
  3. 1 Peter 3:15 Or who demands of you an accounting
  4. 1 Peter 3:16 Lit good
  5. 1 Peter 3:16 Or keeping a clear conscience
  6. 1 Peter 3:16 Other mss read when they speak against you as evildoers
  7. 1 Peter 3:16 Lit your good behavior in Christ
  8. 1 Peter 3:17 Lit if the will of God should will

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(A) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(B) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(C) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(D) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(E) to suffer for doing good(F) than for doing evil.

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