1 Peter 3:17

Because if it is God's purpose for you to undergo pain, it is better to do so for well-doing than for evil-doing.

Bible in Basic English

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

16Being conscious that you have done no wrong; so that those who say evil things about your good way of life as Christians may be put to shame.

18Because Christ once went through pain for sins, the upright one taking the place of sinners, so that through him we might come back to God; being put to death in the flesh, but given life in the Spirit;

Read all of 1 Peter 3

Cross References

Matthew 26:39And he went forward a little, and falling down on his face in prayer, he said, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup go from me; but let not my pleasure, but yours be done.

Acts 21:14And as he might not be moved we did no more, saying, Let the purpose of God be done.

1 Peter 2:20What credit is it if, when you have done evil, you take your punishment quietly? but if you are given punishment for doing right, and take it quietly, this is pleasing to God.

1 Peter 4:15Let no one among you undergo punishment as a taker of life, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is over-interested in other men's business;

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