1 Peter 3:17

For it is better to suffer doing good, if the will of God desires, than for doing evil.

A Conservative Version

In The King James Version

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

In Context

16Having a good conscience, so that, in what they speak against you as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed, those who revile your good behavior in Christ.

18Because Christ also once suffered for sins, a righteous man for unrighteous men, so that he might bring you to God. Having indeed been killed in flesh, but made alive in spirit,

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Cross References

Matthew 26:39And having gone forward a little, he fell on his face praying, and saying, My Father, if it be possible, may this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I want, but as thou.

Acts 21:14And since he was not persuaded, we were quiet, having said, May the will of the Lord happen.

1 Peter 2:20For what kind of credit is it, if, sinning and being beaten, ye will endure? But if, doing good and suffering, ye will endure, this is graciousness with God.

1 Peter 4:15For let not any man of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a busybody.

Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 3:17-18

Good Conscience and Good Conversation. ( a. d. 66.) 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 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… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Peter 3:17