1 Peter 3:17

17 For [it is] better, if the will of God should will it, to suffer [as] well-doers than [as] evildoers;

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 ) .

1 Peter 3:17 In-Context

15 but sanctify [the] Lord the Christ in your hearts, and [be] always prepared to [give] an answer [to] every one that asks you to give an account of the hope that [is] in you, but with meekness and fear;

16 having a good conscience, that [as to that] in which they speak against you as evildoers, they may be ashamed who calumniate your good conversation in Christ.

17 For [it is] better, if the will of God should will it, to suffer [as] well-doers than [as] evildoers;

18 for Christ indeed has once suffered for sins, [the] just for [the] unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in flesh, but made alive in [the] Spirit,

19 in which also going he preached to the spirits [which are] in prison,