1 Peter 3:15-16

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:1-22

The subject of this section is the necessity for a life becoming the Christian name; this is applied to Christian citizens and to Christian servants, and, here, to Christian wives. The reason for the conspicuous place here assigned to wives is obvious. The writer is addressing Churches in pagan countries, many of whose members were wives of heathen husbands. What were these to do? were they to continue in that relationship, or did their Christianity sever the marriage bond? That question... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. From Isaiah 8:13 . The reading of the best and oldest manuscripts here is κύριον δὲ τὸν ξριστόν , "Sanctify the Lord Christ," or, "Sanctify the Christ as Lord." The absence of the article with κύριον is in favor of the second translation; but the first seems more natural, more in accordance with the original passage in Isaiah, and the common expression, κύριος ὁ θεός , is in its favor. Whichever translation is adopted, St.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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

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

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Peter 3:15

sanctify. i.e. separate. Give Him His right place. the LORD God . The texts read "the Christ as Lord". There is no art. before Lord, which shows that it is the predicate. Compare Romans 10:9 . Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:6 . The quotation is from Isaiah 8:12 , Isaiah 8:13 . always . App-151 . to give = for. App-104 . answer . Greek. apologia. See Acts 22:1 . asketh . App-134 . a reason = an account. App-121 . of = concerning. App-104 . meekness . Greek. praiutes. See James 1:21... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Peter 3:16

a good conscience . See Acts 23:1 . whereas = in ( App-104 .) what. speak evil. Greek. katalaleo. See James 4:11 . evildoers . See 1 Peter 2:12 . be ashamed . See 1 Peter 2:6 . falsely accuse = calumniate. Greek. epereazo. Also in Matthew 5:44 .Luke 6:28 . Christ . App-98 . IX read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Peter 3:15

but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:The prophecy of Isaiah has this: "Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread" (Isaiah 8:13). It is clear that Peter's thought in this and the preceding verses is clearly connected with the words of Isaiah, but there is a notable difference:Peter here substituted the... read more

Group of Brands