1 Peter 3:15-18 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:16

Having a good conscience . This word "conscience" ( συνείδησις ) is one of the many links between this Epistle and the writings of St. Paul. St. Peter uses it three times; St. Paul, very frequently. There is a close connection between this clause and the preceding verse. A good conscience is the best reason of the hope that is in us. An apology may be learned, well-expressed, eloquent; but it will not be convincing unless it comes from the heart, and is backed up by the life. Calvin... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:17

For it is better . St. Peter meets the common objection that suffering could be borne more easily if it were deserved; the Christian must take the cross, if it comes, as from God, sent for his good. If the will of God be so; literally, if the will of God should so will. θέλημα denotes the will in itself; θέλειν , its active operation (Wirier, 3:65. β ). That ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing . The construction is participial, as in 1 Peter 2:20 . As there, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins ; rather, because Christ also once suffered. Two of the oldest manuscripts read " died; " but "suffered" corresponds best with the previous verse. The connection is—It must be better to suffer for well-doing, because Christ himself, the All-innocent One, thus suffered, and they who so suffer are made most like unto him. The apostle refers us again to that transcendent Example which was ever before his eyes (compare the close parallel in ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts - In Isaiah Isaiah 8:13 this is, “sanctify the Lord of hosts himself;” that is, in that connection, regard him as your Protector, and be afraid of him, and not of what man can do. The sense in the passage before us is, “In your hearts, or in the affections of the soul, regard the Lord God as holy, and act toward him with that confidence which a proper respect for one so great and so holy demands. In the midst of dangers, be not intimidated; dread not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:16

Having a good conscience - That is, a conscience that does not accuse you of having done wrong. Whatever may be the accusations of your enemies, so live that you may be at all times conscious of uprightness. Whatever you suffer, see that you do not suffer the pangs inflicted by a guilty conscience, the anguish of remorse. On the meaning of the word “conscience,” see the notes at Romans 2:15. The word properly means the judgment of the mind respecting right and wrong; or the judgment which the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:17

For it is better, if the will of God be so - That is, if God sees it to be necessary for your good that you should suffer, it is better that you should suffer for doing well than for crime. God often sees it to be necessary that his people should suffer. There are effects to be accomplished by affliction which can be secured in no other way; and some of the happiest results on the soul of a Christian, some of the brightest traits of character, are the effect of trials. But it should be our care... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins - Compare the notes at 1 Peter 2:21. The design of the apostle in the reference to the sufferings of Christ, is evidently to remind them that he suffered as an innocent being, and not for any wrong-doing, and to encourage and comfort them in their sufferings by his example. The reference to his sufferings leads him 1 Peter 3:18-22 into a statement of the various ways in which Christ suffered, and of his ultimate triumph. By his example in his... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Peter 3:14-16

1 Peter 3:14-16. But if you should suffer If any should be so wicked as to endeavour to harm you when you are doing good; if your heathen rulers, or any others, should persecute you for righteousness’ sake; that is, upon the account of your religion, because you follow Christ, and believe and obey his gospel; this, properly speaking, will be no harm to you, but a good: yea, happy are you In so suffering, in spite of all the malicious and outrageous efforts of your enemies; yea, your... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Peter 3:17-18

1 Peter 3:17-18. For it is infinitely better, if the will of God be so That you should suffer; and his permissive will in this respect appears from his providence; that ye suffer for well-doing, rather than for evil-doing The testimony of a good conscience, and the sense of the divine favour, affording the no blest supports in the former case; whereas, in the latter, the severest torments that can be endured are those which the guilty mind inflicts upon itself; to which may be added,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 3:13-22

3:13-4:19 SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKEExample of Christ (3:13-22)Persecution cannot really harm those who are eager to please God, because with such people persecution always results in greater spiritual blessing (13). Because they love what is right they may be persecuted by those who love what is wrong, but to suffer for such a reason is a cause for joy, not sorrow. If people are devoted to Christ and are always ready to give others an explanation for their devotion, they will not fear their... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:16

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:17

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:15

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:18

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Peter 3:14-16

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Peter 3:17-18

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 3:13-22

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