1 Peter 3:17

For it is better (if it be the will of God) to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1770 John Worsley NT

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, that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may be ashamed who calumniate your good conversation in Christ.

18As Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust (that He might introduce us to God) being indeed put to death in the flesh, but raised to life by the Spirit:

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Cross References

Matthew 26:39And going a little farther, He prostrated himself, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Acts 21:14And as he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

1 Peter 2:20For what glory is it, if when ye sin and are punished for it, ye bear it patiently? but if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye bear it patiently, this will gain favor with God.

1 Peter 4:15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as a malefactor, or as an intermeddler with other people's affairs.

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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