Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 3:14

"But even if ye should suffer for righteousness` sake, blessed [are ye:] and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;" — 1 Peter 3:14 (ASV)

The expression “But even if you should suffer” points to the fact that suffering is not the expected outcome of zeal for doing good, though it can and does happen. The suffering in view results from righteousness—i.e., from the kind of life that conforms to God’s standard. If this should happen to his readers, they are “blessed” (GK 3421). This blessedness or happiness is the certainty that comes from belonging to God and his kingdom with the promises of future vindication (cf. Matthew 5:3–10).

Verses 14b—15 are built on Isa 8:12b—13, where the prophet admonishes the godly in Israel not to fear the impending invasion as do the unbelievers. Instead, godly reverence is to be their concern (cf. Matthew 10:28). Thus Peter admonishes his readers not to be afraid of other people but acknowledge “Christ as Lord.” This passage is important for Peter’s Christology, for here again he ascribes to Christ the OT name for the Lord . Peter’s readers are to acknowledge in their “hearts” Christ as the Holy One. When the center of a person’s life is rightly related to God, he or she is able to respond properly to the vicissitudes of life.

One of the distinguishing marks of Christians is their possession of “hope” (GK 1828; cf. 1:3, 21; Romans 4:18; Ephesians 2:12; Titus 2:13). Christian hope is so real and distinctive that non-Christians are puzzled about it and ask for a “reason” (GK 3364). The type of questioning could be either official interrogations by the governmental authorities (cf. Acts 25:16; 26:2; 2 Timothy 4:16) or informal questioning.

Christians should respond with care. “Gentleness” (GK 4559) is the quality that trusts God to do the work of changing attitudes (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24–25; cf. also Pr 15:1); “respect” (GK 5832) is reverential awe of God (cf. 1:17; 2:17; 3:2). The “clear conscience” relates to the liberty and boldness that come from living before God in purity (cf. Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 1:19). So in the case in which nonChristians slander believers the statement of the truth may shame them into silence (cf. Lk 13:17).