John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 3:13

"And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?" — 1 Peter 3:13 (ASV)

Who is he that will harm you? He further confirms the previous sentence by an argument drawn from common experience. For it generally happens that the ungodly disturb us, or are provoked by us, or that we do not labor to do them good as we ought; for those who seek to do good even soften minds that are otherwise as hard as iron.

This very thing is mentioned by Plato in his first book of the Republic: “Injustice,” he says, “causes seditions, hatreds, and conflicts with one another; but justice fosters concord and friendship.”

However, although this commonly happens, it is not always the case. For the children of God, however much they may strive to pacify the ungodly with kindness and show themselves kind toward all, are still often assailed undeservedly by many.