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 (quoted by Huther) says, "Quid parum auctoritatis habet sermo absque vita." That, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers. The Revised Version follows the Sinaitic Manuscript in reading, "Wherein ye are spoken against," and omitting "as of evil-doers? It is possible that the received reading may have been interpolated from 1 Peter 2:12 , where the same words occur; except that there the mood is indicative, here, conjunctive, "wherein they may possibly speak evil of you." They may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ ; rather, as the Revised Version, they may be put to shame; that is, "proved to be liars". The word translated "falsely accuse" is that which is rendered "despitefully use" in Matthew 5:44 . Luke 6:28 . It is a strong word. Aristotle defines the corresponding substantive as a thwarting of the wishes of others out of gratuitous malice ('Rhet.,' Luke 2:2 ). For "good conversation," see 1 Peter 1:15 , 1 Peter 1:18 . The Christian's life is in Christ, in the sphere of his presence, he dwelling in us, and we in him.