1 Peter 3:17

17 For ¹it 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 ) .

1 Peter 3:17 In-Context

15 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,

16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

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

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,

Cross References

• 1. 3:17 ch. 2:20; [ch. 4:15, 16]