One House : 1 PeterSample

Suffer for Doing Good

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:13–17 ESV

Verse 13 opens today’s passage with a rhetorical question. Peter asks, "Who harms those who are passionate about doing good?" His point is obvious; good behavior isn't usually punished. However, the history of Christianity tells a different story, one Peter was familiar with. The early church was a community marked by generosity, marital fidelity, and thriving communities. Yet, a few short years after this letter was written, Emperor Nero would launch one of the greatest persecutions of Christianity in history. The world, under control of the enemy, isn't antagonized by the kind of good behavior that doesn't threaten to expose it, but Christian behavior has the unique ability to expose evil while doing good. The Romans were critical of the early Christians who would save babies left exposed to the elements. In saving these babies, Christians weren't just doing good; they were rejecting the morality of a society that saw women and the disabled as having less value.

Peter goes on to say that every Christian should be prepared to defend this kind of righteous living. The Greek word he uses for 'defense' in verse 15 is apologia, from which we get the word apologetics. At the heart of Christian apologetics is the desire to defend the hope of Christ within us. The hope that spurs us to do good and reject evil.