1 Peter 3:17

17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Read Chapter Compare

PREVIOUS 1 Peter 3:16 NEXT 1 Peter 3:18

1 Peter 3:17 in Other Translations

KJV

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

ESV

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

NLT

17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

MSG

17 It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad.

CSB

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:17 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 3:17

For it is better, if the will of God be so
For all things are ordered by the will of God, even all the sufferings and afflictions of the saints; and which is a reason why they ought to be patiently submitted to, and bore: and "better" it is, more honourable and profitable,

that ye suffer for well doing;
for believing in Christ, professing him and his Gospel, giving a free and open reason for so doing, and for exercising a good conscience, and living godly in Christ Jesus:

than for evil doing;
as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a busy body in other men's matters, ( 1 Peter 4:15 1 Peter 4:16 ) .

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

1 Peter 3:17 In-Context

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—