1 Peter 3:13–17

Follow Christ and His way, not a political party.

Trust God and follow His commands to love HIM above all and others as yourself. In so doing we will fulfill His will in our life!

Isaiah 8:12 

“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,

’Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,

Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

1 Peter 2:15 

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

God calls each of us not only to be hearers of His Word but also doers (James 1:22-25). …as Christians, we're called to demonstrate loyalty, faithfulness and devotion to others, and most importantly to God, for the long run (Hebrews 12:1). That's how we finish strong. First5 

1 Peter 3:13–17

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. The New King James Version

By experiencing suffering for being Christians, believers identify with Jesus. Believers demonstrate their faith by sharing in Jesus’ sufferings; they learn what it means to be like Him in their anguish. They can have joy because they honor God through their suffering and know that God will vindicate their faithfulness one day. Paul and James, sees this as a reason for celebration and joy. 

Suffering refers to Jesus’ second coming. Peter often appeals to Christ’s future return to ground his teaching in a real event. Peter calls believers to find joy in their suffering and trials. The response to suffering Peter demands is counterintuitive to the natural human desire to avoid difficulty, but ultimately demonstrates the believers’ trust in the power of Christ’s sufferings and God’s judgment. 

Peter identifies a wrong kind of suffering: suffering for the sake of evil criminal activity. He discourages this kind of suffering, which comes as a consequence of sin. Peter mentions two sins that can result in social persecution, but not necessarily criminal prosecution. Believers should avoid behavior that is dishonoring to other people in general.

Here Peter probably uses the term to affirm believers’ identification with Christ and His sufferings. It likely refers to future judgment at Jesus’ return rather than present sufferings. Those who suffer for Christ’s sake can be confident that God’s judgment will validate their hardship. 

Peter maintains that God will judge all people impartially, but also stresses that He will begin with His own people. All people will be held accountable for their actions, even though God will grant mercy to those who chose the path of faith in Jesus. Faithlife Study Bible

Since not everything in the world functions as it should, even those who do God’s will may undergo suffering. Believers should make certain that when they suffer it is only because they have served God faithfully and not because they have done anything wrong. 

God specially honors those who suffer for doing what is right. Believers should acknowledge the eternal holiness of Christ by revering Him as the Lord of the universe who is in control of all things. 

Meekness is not weakness. Scripture indicates that both Moses and Christ were meek men; however, they were certainly not weak men. 

Fear implies a high degree of reverence or respect. Peter is not encouraging believers to seek out situations in which they will experience suffering. Instead, he is saying that believers should make certain that when they suffer it is the result of having been faithful to God rather than because they have done evil. Suffering may be part of God’s perfect and wise plan for a believer. The NKJV Study Bible

Surely it is better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing, whatever our natural impatience at times may suggest. The example of Christ is an argument for patience under sufferings. 

In the case of our Lord’s suffering, he that knew no sin, suffered instead of those who knew no righteousness. The blessed end and design of our Lord’s sufferings were, to reconcile us to God, and to bring us to eternal glory. 

He was put to death in respect of his human nature, but was quickened and raised by the power of the Holy Spirit. If Christ could not be freed from sufferings, why should Christians think to be so? God takes exact notice of the means and advantages people in all ages have had. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 8:13 

The LORD of hosts, 

Him you shall hallow;

Let Him be your fear,

And let Him be your dread.

1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.