1 Peter 3:17

It is better that you should suffer, if that should be God’s will, for doing right, than for doing wrong.

Open English Bible (US)

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

16and keeping your consciences clear, so that, whenever you are maligned, those who vilify your good and Christian conduct may be put to shame.

18For Christ himself died to atone for sins once for all – the good on behalf of the bad – that he might bring you to God; his body being put to death, but his spirit entering on new life.

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Cross References

Matthew 26:39Going on a little further, he threw himself on his face in prayer. “My Father,” he said, “if it is possible, let me be spared this cup; only, not as I will, but as you will.”

Acts 21:14So, as he would not be persuaded, we said no more to him, only adding – “The Lord’s will be done.”

1 Peter 2:20What credit can you claim when, after doing wrong, you take your punishment for it patiently? But, on the other hand, if, after doing right, you take your sufferings patiently, that does win the approval of God.

1 Peter 4:15I need hardly say that no one among you must suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a criminal, or for interfering in matters which do not concern Christians.

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 →

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