1 Peter 3:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Peter 3:16-17

The confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified?a good conscience and a good conversation. conscience is good when it does its office well, when it is kept pure and uncorrupt, and clear from guilt; then it will justify you, though men accuse you. A good conversation in Christ is a holy life, according to the doctrine and example of Christ. ?Look well to your conscience, and to your conversation; and then, though men speak evil of you, and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 3:17-22

3:17-22;4:1-6 For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be the will of God, than to suffer for doing wrong. For Christ also died once and for all for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but he was raised to life in the Spirit, in which also he went and preached to the spirits who are in prison, the spirits who were once upon a time disobedient, in the time when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, while... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 3:17

For it is better, if the will of God be so ,.... For all things are ordered by the will of God, even all the sufferings and afflictions of the saints; and which is a reason why they ought to be patiently submitted to, and bore: and "better" it is, more honourable and profitable, that ye suffer for well doing ; for believing in Christ, professing him and his Gospel, giving a free and open reason for so doing, and for exercising a good conscience, and living godly in Christ Jesus: than... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 3:17

For it is better - See on 1 Peter 2:19 , 1 Peter 2:20 ; (note). read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 3:17

Verse 17 17For it is better This belongs not only to what follows but to the whole context. He had spoken of the profession of faith, which at that time was attended with great danger; he says now that it is much better, if they sustained any loss in defending a good cause, to suffer thus unjustly than to be punished for their evil deeds. This consolation is understood rather by secret meditation, than by many words. It is what indeed occurs everywhere in profane authors, that there is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 3:17

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

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

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

Group of Brands