1 Peter 3:13-17

Suffering for Right and Wrong Reasons

Where the New King James puts "followers of what is good, the A.S.V. puts "if ye be zealous of that which is good." More than just a follower, this individual is an enthusiastic worker who puts his whole self into doing good. Who can really hurt such people? Ultimately, the answer is no one. They may put such to death but through Christ the grave will be overcome and the victory won (1 Peter 3:13; Matthew 10:28; Mark 10:29-30; Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58).

Lest they assume that they would face no difficulties, Peter tells them an inner peace belongs to those who suffer because of right living (Matthew 5:10). Some would persecute Christians and cause them to be terrified, but Jesus' followers could remain calm because the Lord was on their side (Romans 8:31-39). The last part of verse 14 and first part of 15 come from Isaiah 8:12-13. Instead of fearing their persecutors, Peter would have Christians to set apart in their "hearts Christ as Lord" (A. S. V.). Also, he urged Christians to be ready to defend and give reasons for their hope to anyone who asked. The Christians' hope is for a home in heaven. The answer should be given without haughtiness toward the person asking and with a proper fear of God because the teaching comes from his word.

Of course, such an answer would be worthless if one's life was inconsistent with the truth he was defending. If one followed the course Peter outlined, they might speak against him as an evil doer and bring wild accusations against him, but his life and manner of answering will put them to shame (1 Peter 3:16).

Those who suffer for wrong doing know they are getting what they deserve. It is better to suffer for doing what is right because one can then know God will only chasten him for his betterment (Hebrews 12:7-11). Notice Peter does not state such suffering would absolutely be within God's will, but indicates it might be (1 Peter 3:17).