1 Peter 3:13-18 KJV: Enduring Suffering for the Sake of Conscience
The Righteous Suffering (1 Peter 3:13-14)
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
In these verses, Peter reminds believers that if they are following God's will and doing good, they shouldn't fear persecution from others. However, if they do suffer for being righteous, they are blessed. This is because their suffering is a result of their commitment to doing what is right and pleasing to God.
The Importance of a Good Conscience (1 Peter 3:15-16)
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Here, Peter emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience. Believers should always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within them, and this should be done with gentleness and respect. A good conscience is essential, as it allows believers to respond to accusations and criticisms with confidence and integrity.
Committing to God's Will (1 Peter 3:17-18)
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
In these final verses, Peter encourages believers to commit to doing God's will, even if it means suffering. He reminds them that Christ, who was sinless, suffered on behalf of sinful humanity to bring people to God. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of enduring suffering for the sake of conscience and doing what is right in the eyes of God.
