13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV) 中文 

Continue suffering theme

Peter continues the suffering theme – actually through the end of the chapter with the example of Jesus. He’s talked about taking care of the body (of Christ) and even suffering in the process. Here he encourages us to do what is right – even if we have to suffer.

Doing right

Surely if we are doing the right thing among others, even being zealous about it, we won’t cause anyone to become angry. But there will be times when that is not the case; someone will be upset and let you know. Great example: you pass out flyers about crisis pregnancy at an abortion clinic. Not only will people yell at you, they will try to get you arrested. Peter reiterates in v17 what he said in 1 Peter 2:18-20 – it’s better to suffer for doing good than evil. 

Our response

How do we respond? 

• Do what is right, according to the law (1 Peter 2:13-15) without fear of them, and be blessed.
• Keep Christ Lord of our lives. Set Him apart as holy. Remember whom we serve and why. And in our behavior, demonstrate Christ to them (Matthew 5:16). 
• Be ready. Some may ask us why we do these righteous deeds. Know the reason for the hope that we have and tell them with gentleness while respecting them as a person – though not for any wicked behaviour, of course. 
• Maintain a good conscience. “’A good conscience’ is possible when we know that our suffering has happened in spite of our ‘good behavior,’ not because of bad behavior (cf. 2:19; 3:4, 6). A simple explanation of our good conduct may take the wind out of the sails of our critics and put them to ‘shame.’” (Constable commentary)

If we respond in this way, like Daniel who was unrighteously accused (Daniel 6:1-5), our accusers won’t have a leg to stand on. Not to say they will meet the same end as Daniel’s (Daniel 6:24) accusers, but, we trust their end to the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25). 

RЯeflection

• Are you boldly taking a stand for what is right? Keep it up, in Christ’s name. Are you being persecuted for it? Keep it up, in Christ’s name. Your reward in Heaven for these things done here in Christ’s name for His glory, will be great.
• How can we be ready to explain the hope that we have?  We certainly need to know the basics of the gospel message and how it has transformed our lives. We should be able to talk about how it provides us hope of eternity with Him, free of sin.