1 Peter 3:15
Verse
Context
Suffering for Righteousness
14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” 15But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts - To sanctify God may signify to offer him the praises due to his grace, but as to sanctify literally signifies to make holy, it is impossible that God should be thus sanctified. We have often already seen that ἁγιαζω signifies to separate from earth, that is, from any common use or purpose, that the thing or person thus separated may be devoted to a sacred use. Perhaps we should understand Peter's words thus: Entertain just notions of God; of his nature, power, will, justice, goodness, and truth. Do not conceive of him as being actuated by such passions as men; separate him in your hearts from every thing earthly, human, fickle, rigidly severe, or capriciously merciful. Consider that he can neither be like man, feel like man, nor act like man. Ascribe no human passions to him, for this would desecrate not sanctify him. Do not confine him in your conceptions to place, space, vacuity, heaven, or earth; endeavor to think worthily of the immensity and eternity of his nature, of his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. Avoid the error of the heathens, who bound even their Dii Majores, their greatest gods, by fate, as many well-meaning Christians do the true God by decrees; conceive of him as infinitely free to act or not act, as he pleases. Consider the goodness of his nature; for goodness, in every possible state of perfection and infinitude, belongs to him. Ascribe no malevolence to him; nor any work, purpose, or decree, that implies it: this is not only a human passion, but a passion of fallen man. Do not suppose that he can do evil, or that he can destroy when he might save; that he ever did, or ever can, hate any of those whom he made in his own image and in his own likeness, so as by a positive decree to doom them, unborn, to everlasting perdition, or, what is of the same import, pass them by without affording them the means of salvation, and consequently rendering it impossible for them to be saved. Thus endeavor to conceive of him; and, by so doing, you separate him from all that is imperfect, human, evil, capricious, changeable, and unkind. Ever remember that he has wisdom without error, power, without limits, truth without falsity, love without hatred, holiness without evil, and justice without rigour or severity on the one hand, or capricious tenderness on the other. In a word, that he neither can be, say, purpose, or do, any thing that is not infinitely just, holy, wise, true, and gracious; that he hates nothing that he has made; and has so loved the world, the whole human race, as to give his only-begotten Son to die for them, that they might not perish, but have everlasting life. Thus sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and you will ever be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you to every serious and candid inquirer after truth. Most religious systems and creeds are incapable of rational explanation, because founded on some misconception of the Divine nature. "They set at odds heaven's jarring attributes, And with one excellence another wound." The system of humanizing God, and making him, by our unjust conceptions of him, to act as ourselves would in certain circumstances, has been the bane of both religion and piety; and on this ground infidels have laughed us to scorn. It is high time that we should no longer know God after the flesh; for even if we have known Jesus Christ after the flesh, we are to know him so no more. What I have written above is not against any particular creed of religious people, it is against any or all to whom it may justly apply, it may even be against some portions of my own; for even in this respect I am obliged daily to labor to sanctify the Lord God in my heart, to abstract him from every thing earthly and human, and apprehend him as far as possible in his own essential nature and attributes through the light of his Spirit and the medium of his own revelation. To act thus requires no common effort of soul: and just apprehensions of this kind are not acquired without much prayer, much self-reflection, much time, and much of the grace and mercy of God. Instead of τον Θεον, God, ABC, four others, both the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, the Coptic, Vulgate, and Armenian, with Clement and Fulgentius, read τον Χριστον, Christ. Sanctify Christ in your hearts. This reading is at least equal to the other in the authorities by which it is supported; but which was written by St. Peter we know not. A reason of the hope - An account of your hope of the resurrection of the dead and eternal life in God's glory. This was the great object of their hope, as Christ was the grand object of their faith. The word απολογια, which we translate answer, signifies a defense; from this we have our word apology, which did not originally signify an excuse for an act, but a defense of that act. The defences of Christianity by the primitive fathers are called apologies. See the note on Act 21:1. With meekness and fear - Several excellent MSS. add the word αλλα, but, here, and it improves the sense considerably: Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, But with meekness and fear. Do not permit your readiness to answer, nor the confidence you have in the goodness of your cause, to lead you to answer pertly or superciliously to any person; defend the truth with all possible gentleness and fear, lest while you are doing it you should forget his presence whose cause you support, or say any thing unbecoming the dignity and holiness of the religion which you have espoused, or inconsistent with that heavenly temper which the Spirit of your indwelling Lord must infallibly produce.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
sanctify--hallow; honor as holy, enshrining Him in your hearts. So in the Lord's Prayer, Mat 6:9. God's holiness is thus glorified in our hearts as the dwelling-place of His Spirit. the Lord God--The oldest manuscripts read "Christ." Translate, "Sanctify Christ as Lord." and--Greek, "but," or "moreover." Besides this inward sanctification of God in the heart, be also ready always to give, &c. answer--an apologetic answer defending your faith. to every man that asketh you--The last words limit the universality of the "always"; not to a roller, but to everyone among the heathen who inquires honestly. a reason--a reasonable account. This refutes Rome's dogma, "I believe it, because the Church believes it." Credulity is believing without evidence; faith is believing on evidence. There is no repose for reason itself but in faith. This verse does not impose an obligation to bring forward a learned proof and logical defense of revelation. But as believers deny themselves, crucify the world, and brave persecution, they must be buoyed up by some strong "hope"; men of the world, having no such hope themselves, are moved by curiosity to ask the secret of this hope; the believer must be ready to give an experimental account "how this hope arose in him, what it contains, and on what it rests" [STEIGER]. with--The oldest manuscripts read, "but with." Be ready, but with "meekness." Not pertly and arrogantly. meekness-- (Pe1 3:4). The most effective way; not self-sufficient impetuosity. fear--due respect towards man, and reverence towards God, remembering His cause does not need man's hot temper to uphold it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having a good conscience,.... Meaning not the faculty of the conscience itself, which is naturally evil, and defiled with sin, and is only made good by the sanctification of the Spirit, and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, by which the heart is sprinkled from it, and that itself purged from dead works; but a life and conversation according to the dictates of such a conscience, in the uprightness and sincerity of it, and by the grace of God, and according to the Gospel, and whereby the doctrines of it are adorned; for, as besides internal sanctification of God, or a fearing of him, and believing in him with the heart, there must be a profession of him with the mouth, and a reason of faith and hope given verbally, when there is an occasion for it; so to both must be added a conscientious discharge of duty, both to God and men, which is one way of defending and recommending the doctrines of the Gospel: that whereas they speak evil of you as of evildoers; as vain, proud, haughty, and arrogant persons, as seditious men, enemies to order and civil magistracy; as such that speak evil of dignities, and despise government; when they shall see your modest and humble deportment in the world, and before them, and with what reverence and esteem you treat them: they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ; which was in consequence of their being in Christ, and made new creatures by him, and was as became his Gospel, and by and under the influence of his grace and Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15
Suffering for Righteousness
14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” 15But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days!
By Keith Daniel7.7K1:12:59LUK 21:15ACT 6:101TI 4:132TI 2:152TI 4:22TI 4:51PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He criticizes theological centers and seminars that teach preachers to be entertainers rather than faithful messengers of the Bible. The preacher warns against compromising the message of the Bible for the sake of pleasing the masses, stating that this leads to a distortion of God's blueprint for our lives. He urges preachers to prioritize the salvation of souls over entertaining the congregation, emphasizing the importance of preaching the truth even if it may offend some.
Strange Incense
By David Wilkerson6.8K1:18:41WorshipISA 1:15MAL 2:16MAL 3:21PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in order to face the challenges and tribulations that are to come. The preacher warns that there will be a time of judgment and fear like never before, and urges the congregation to cleanse their lives and seek holiness. He also shares visions of chaos and destruction, highlighting the need for spiritual readiness in the face of impending turmoil.
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5
By Alan Redpath5.0K59:34Challenge1CH 4:23MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 9:10EPH 3:20PHP 4:131PE 3:15The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love of Christ as the motive for sharing the message. The importance of discipline and seeking God's face is highlighted, along with the need to examine one's actions and sowing. The speaker also emphasizes the consequences of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit, and the importance of showing God that one means business in order to receive His abundant grace. The sermon concludes with the reminder that there are no shortcuts to holiness.
The Carnal Christian
By A.W. Tozer4.6K35:14Carnal ChristiansPRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 10:31COL 3:23JAS 1:221PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living above our feelings and senses as Christians. He shares a story about a young man who struggled with having the desire to pray and emphasizes that this is a common issue among the modern generation of Christians. The preacher highlights the temptation to blame secondary causes and encourages listeners to shift their focus away from themselves and towards spiritual things. He concludes by stating that there is no instant transformation into a spiritual person, but rather it is a process that requires purpose and a focus on the character within.
(Biographies) Athanasius
By John Piper4.6K1:21:05ROM 12:21CO 1:181CO 9:222CO 4:42TI 1:7HEB 13:71PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel in a way that challenges and transforms people's understanding. He cautions against simply presenting the basic truths of Christianity without addressing the fallen human mind's limitations. The speaker highlights several key principles, including God's sovereignty over all things, the accountability of all people before Him, and the inability of humans to come to Christ on their own. He also emphasizes the need to defend and explain doctrine for the sake of the gospel and to aim at creating biblical categories of thought that may not be readily understood by the current generation.
Human Rights
By Brother Andrew4.2K1:16:03Human RightsMAT 28:19ACT 4:12ROM 12:151CO 12:261TH 5:172TI 3:121PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful encounter with a street child who wandered into their church service. The child, barefoot and filthy, mistakenly believed he was the conductor of the choir. Despite his appearance, the child showed kindness by cleaning wilted flowers and offering them to the speaker. This encounter deeply impacted the speaker, highlighting the plight of street children and the suffering church in restricted countries. The speaker emphasizes the need for action and returning to the principles of God's word to make a difference in these situations.
Apologetics
By Francis Schaeffer4.1K57:23ApologeticsPRO 2:3JHN 14:6ACT 17:11ROM 10:171TH 5:212TI 2:151PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural framework and mindset of the people we are trying to communicate with. He compares it to speaking in a foreign language without learning it first. The speaker suggests that in order to effectively preach the Gospel, we must take the time to understand the generation we are living in and address their objections and concerns. He also highlights the need for both defense and positive communication in engaging with others. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel in a way that resonates with the culture of the second half of the 20th century.
The Two Judaisms
By Art Katz3.8K1:29:40JudaismJER 17:5MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 3:18ROM 1:161TI 2:11PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the materialistic mindset prevalent in America, where success is measured by wealth and possessions. He acknowledges the struggle of those who are not able to achieve this level of prosperity. However, he also highlights the importance of having a spiritual disposition that allows for a loving regard for the Jewish people. The speaker believes that bringing the gospel to the Jewish people is a significant part of the ongoing conflict between good and evil. He refers to Jeremiah 17 to discuss the two ways described in the Bible - the way of God and the way of men, which determine blessings and curses. The speaker urges the audience to understand and embrace God's divine order and authority.
God Is Our Refuge & Strength
By A.W. Tozer3.7K47:12RefugePSA 46:1MAT 6:33LUK 21:26JHN 3:16ACT 16:311CO 13:11PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's word and not being swayed by negative news or pessimistic talk. He encourages the audience, especially the young people, to remember that sin will ultimately be defeated and righteousness will prevail. The preacher uses the example of Hitler to illustrate that evil may seem powerful in the present, but ultimately God's plan will prevail. He also addresses the concern that Israel may be destroyed by the Arabs, asserting that God is in control and Israel will not cease to exist. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's creation of man in His own image and the breath of life He breathed into him, emphasizing the significance and value of every individual.
Christ's Indwelling
By Stephen Olford3.0K30:07Indwelling SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:16COL 1:271PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sanctifying the Lord God in one's heart. He urges the audience to give Christ complete lordship over their lives. The speaker shares a testimony of a missionary who initially lacked joy, power, and fruitfulness in her service. However, after seeking a private interview with a servant of God, she realized that she had never truly experienced Christ's indwelling. The speaker concludes by highlighting the need for a supreme empowering to receive the indwelling of Christ, acknowledging that the heart may have reservations about His absolute indwelling.
Persecution: Is It Coming? How Do We Prepare?
By Paul Washer2.8K08:02MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ACT 5:41ROM 12:21TI 4:7HEB 10:251PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences in Peru during a time of great persecution and danger. He shares stories of how God miraculously protected and provided for a little Baptist congregation in the mountains. The speaker encourages believers to focus on Christ and fellowship with other believers, rather than being consumed by worldly concerns like money and politics. He urges listeners to seek the Lord's guidance and live godly lives, even in the midst of dark and uncertain times.
Personal Testimony - Part 3
By Milton Green2.7K14:43PSA 40:2COL 1:13HEB 4:151PE 1:31PE 2:91PE 2:241PE 3:15This sermon shares a powerful testimony of transformation and redemption, highlighting the journey from a place of deep despair and self-condemnation to experiencing God's grace and becoming a new creation in Christ. It emphasizes the profound impact of surrendering to God, receiving His mercy and grace, and being transformed by His love. The speaker's testimony reflects a life changed by faith, humility, and a desire to serve others, ultimately finding purpose and joy in sharing the message of God's grace and redemption.
Training Young Men for Ministry (Midwest Center for Theological Studies)
By Paul Washer2.6K1:14:04TrainingMAT 6:33MRK 16:152TI 2:22TI 3:16JAS 1:221PE 3:15REV 5:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing 2 Timothy 3:16, which states that all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. He compares this to a full course meal, explaining that just as a meal requires multiple dishes, a full course ministry of the Word of God requires teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The speaker then shares a personal anecdote about staying up all night with his son and emphasizes the importance of individualized ministry. He concludes by mentioning 2 Timothy 2:2, which encourages believers to pass on what they have learned to faithful individuals who can teach others. The sermon ultimately focuses on the benefits of a church-based theological education.
The Epistle to the Torontonians - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer2.6K12:30EpistlePSA 23:4PSA 51:12JHN 1:14ACT 1:8ROM 8:31EPH 3:191PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions. He shares personal experiences of witnessing to Catholics and how the Holy Spirit helped him in those encounters. The preacher also talks about the victory we have in Jesus and how we are covered by His blood. He uses the analogy of a log jam in a river to illustrate how conflicts and disagreements can hinder the work of God in the church, but the Holy Spirit can help resolve these issues. The sermon concludes with the preacher sharing a personal testimony of how he was set free from an inward burden by boldly praying to God.
The Real Roots of the Emergent Church Documentary
By Elliott Nesch2.5K2:01:45ISA 43:19MAT 7:13MAT 16:181CO 3:6COL 2:82TI 4:31PE 3:151JN 4:1JUD 1:3This sermon discusses the concept of the emergent church, likening it to the emergent growth in forestry or agriculture, symbolizing a small beginning with potential for significant growth. It explores the emergence of a new breed of churches challenging traditional approaches and addressing cultural conflicts. The sermon delves into interpretations of hell, emphasizing disconnection from God over eternal damnation, and questions the exclusivity of heaven. It also touches on the dangers of post-modern thinking and the need to defend the foundational faith amidst evolving ideologies.
New Birth (Rora 2003)
By Norman Meeten2.5K1:26:49New BirthMAT 6:33JHN 6:63ROM 15:42TI 3:161PE 3:151JN 1:71JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a testimony of Jesus in our daily lives. He highlights the impossibility of embracing this without the constant supply of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a man who confessed his faith in Jesus but had a huge problem - his wife was dying of cancer. The speaker and a few others visited the woman and witnessed her emaciated state, yet she still had a smile on her face. This story serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between the material abundance in some parts of the world and the extreme poverty and suffering in others.
Evolution or Creation
By Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith2.3K1:17:44EvolutionGEN 1:27JHN 1:3JHN 8:32JHN 17:17ROM 1:181PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready to give a reason for our faith. He uses humor to engage the audience and create a relaxed atmosphere. The preacher then introduces his unique perspective on the creation of nature, claiming that Jesus was the creator. He explains that his understanding of God's creation is based on scientific evidence and encourages the audience to study and understand the truth for themselves.
The Do's and Don'ts of Witnessing to Cults
By Walter Martin2.3K57:03CultsMAT 6:33ACT 16:312CO 10:5EPH 6:10COL 4:62TI 2:151PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having Christ enthroned in our hearts and lives before defending the Christian Gospel. He shares a personal story of a young boy who was transformed by Christ and became a witness for Him. The speaker also highlights the need to prioritize winning souls over winning arguments, showing love and compassion to others. He advises against trying to impress people with biblical knowledge and instead encourages understanding their mindset in order to effectively communicate.
The Signature of God
By Grant Jeffrey2.1K1:02:23MAT 5:181PE 3:152PE 1:16The video titled "The Signature of God" is a two-part series that presents archaeological evidence supporting the trustworthiness of the Bible. It showcases archaeological digs in Jericho and the Dead Sea Caves, where confirmations of biblical events and even quotations from the New Testament were found. The video aims to satisfy the hunger of Christians who want to know if they can truly trust the Bible. It emphasizes that God presents evidence for us to examine and encourages Christians not to blindly accept other religious texts.
Preachers in the Last Days
By Keith Daniel2.1K1:25:37Last DaysPRO 15:28LUK 2:49JHN 4:342TI 2:152TI 4:21PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of uncompromising preaching and safe spiritual fellowship for Christians worldwide. He highlights the need for a group of people who will urgently herald the coming of the Lord and wake up a slumbering church in these last days. The preacher refers to the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the spiritual state of the true church, which he believes is a result of widespread erroneous preaching. He quotes Amos 8:11-13 to further emphasize the scarcity of hearing the words of the Lord and the resulting thirst among believers.
Is It Ok to Have a Beer as a Christian?
By Bob Jennings1.9K04:45MAT 5:13ROM 12:21CO 9:22COL 4:51PE 3:15This sermon discusses the balance between being 'all things to all men' and maintaining biblical principles, particularly in the context of engaging in activities like pub theology or going to bars for Bible studies. It explores the tension between reaching out to others in unconventional ways while also upholding personal convictions and not compromising one's faith. The story shared highlights the importance of being a representative of Christ in every situation, showing kindness and love while not conforming to sinful behaviors.
Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.8K52:21LEV 19:32JOB 36:5JHN 17:232CO 9:7JAS 1:26JAS 3:91PE 2:171PE 3:151JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicates insecurity. 2. Embracing honesty before God, acknowledging failures without pretense, is vital for true repentance. 3. Recognizing that God desires cheerful, voluntary obedience, not compelled actions, fosters genuine worship. 4. Treating every human being with dignity, honoring all as made in God's image, reflects true reverence for God and transforms our interactions.
Pray, Read, Witness
By Jose Muniz1.7K1:02:48PSA 119:105PRO 28:13MAT 28:19ROM 10:17EPH 6:171TH 5:172TI 2:15HEB 4:12JAS 1:221PE 3:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible and spending time in prayer to strengthen one's faith and witness effectively. It highlights the need for Christians to be diligent in studying God's Word, confessing sins, and seeking God's guidance through prayer. The speaker urges the congregation to prioritize reading the Bible daily, aligning their lives with God's teachings, and being bold in sharing the Gospel with others.
When Someone Doubts
By C.J. Mahaney1.7K1:01:41Doubt1CO 16:142TI 2:23JAS 1:61PE 3:151JN 4:1JUD 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different forms of doubt that Christians may experience. He identifies seven families of doubt, including doubt from ingratitude, a faulty view of God, weak foundation, lack of commitment, lack of growth, unruly emotions, and hidden conflicts. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of and addressing these doubts in order to resolve them. He also highlights the need to focus on the gospel and keeping oneself in the love of God, as well as the assurance provided in the doxology found in the book of Jude.
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1
By Winkie Pratney1.6K54:51PRO 14:15PRO 18:17ISA 41:21MAT 10:16JHN 5:31ACT 17:22ACT 19:8ROM 1:181PE 3:15JUD 1:3This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith in Christ, providing sufficient evidence for an intelligent commitment. The sermon highlights the importance of contending earnestly for the faith, clarifying the truth, and confronting opposing positions with a spirit of reason and conviction.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts - To sanctify God may signify to offer him the praises due to his grace, but as to sanctify literally signifies to make holy, it is impossible that God should be thus sanctified. We have often already seen that ἁγιαζω signifies to separate from earth, that is, from any common use or purpose, that the thing or person thus separated may be devoted to a sacred use. Perhaps we should understand Peter's words thus: Entertain just notions of God; of his nature, power, will, justice, goodness, and truth. Do not conceive of him as being actuated by such passions as men; separate him in your hearts from every thing earthly, human, fickle, rigidly severe, or capriciously merciful. Consider that he can neither be like man, feel like man, nor act like man. Ascribe no human passions to him, for this would desecrate not sanctify him. Do not confine him in your conceptions to place, space, vacuity, heaven, or earth; endeavor to think worthily of the immensity and eternity of his nature, of his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. Avoid the error of the heathens, who bound even their Dii Majores, their greatest gods, by fate, as many well-meaning Christians do the true God by decrees; conceive of him as infinitely free to act or not act, as he pleases. Consider the goodness of his nature; for goodness, in every possible state of perfection and infinitude, belongs to him. Ascribe no malevolence to him; nor any work, purpose, or decree, that implies it: this is not only a human passion, but a passion of fallen man. Do not suppose that he can do evil, or that he can destroy when he might save; that he ever did, or ever can, hate any of those whom he made in his own image and in his own likeness, so as by a positive decree to doom them, unborn, to everlasting perdition, or, what is of the same import, pass them by without affording them the means of salvation, and consequently rendering it impossible for them to be saved. Thus endeavor to conceive of him; and, by so doing, you separate him from all that is imperfect, human, evil, capricious, changeable, and unkind. Ever remember that he has wisdom without error, power, without limits, truth without falsity, love without hatred, holiness without evil, and justice without rigour or severity on the one hand, or capricious tenderness on the other. In a word, that he neither can be, say, purpose, or do, any thing that is not infinitely just, holy, wise, true, and gracious; that he hates nothing that he has made; and has so loved the world, the whole human race, as to give his only-begotten Son to die for them, that they might not perish, but have everlasting life. Thus sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and you will ever be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you to every serious and candid inquirer after truth. Most religious systems and creeds are incapable of rational explanation, because founded on some misconception of the Divine nature. "They set at odds heaven's jarring attributes, And with one excellence another wound." The system of humanizing God, and making him, by our unjust conceptions of him, to act as ourselves would in certain circumstances, has been the bane of both religion and piety; and on this ground infidels have laughed us to scorn. It is high time that we should no longer know God after the flesh; for even if we have known Jesus Christ after the flesh, we are to know him so no more. What I have written above is not against any particular creed of religious people, it is against any or all to whom it may justly apply, it may even be against some portions of my own; for even in this respect I am obliged daily to labor to sanctify the Lord God in my heart, to abstract him from every thing earthly and human, and apprehend him as far as possible in his own essential nature and attributes through the light of his Spirit and the medium of his own revelation. To act thus requires no common effort of soul: and just apprehensions of this kind are not acquired without much prayer, much self-reflection, much time, and much of the grace and mercy of God. Instead of τον Θεον, God, ABC, four others, both the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, the Coptic, Vulgate, and Armenian, with Clement and Fulgentius, read τον Χριστον, Christ. Sanctify Christ in your hearts. This reading is at least equal to the other in the authorities by which it is supported; but which was written by St. Peter we know not. A reason of the hope - An account of your hope of the resurrection of the dead and eternal life in God's glory. This was the great object of their hope, as Christ was the grand object of their faith. The word απολογια, which we translate answer, signifies a defense; from this we have our word apology, which did not originally signify an excuse for an act, but a defense of that act. The defences of Christianity by the primitive fathers are called apologies. See the note on Act 21:1. With meekness and fear - Several excellent MSS. add the word αλλα, but, here, and it improves the sense considerably: Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, But with meekness and fear. Do not permit your readiness to answer, nor the confidence you have in the goodness of your cause, to lead you to answer pertly or superciliously to any person; defend the truth with all possible gentleness and fear, lest while you are doing it you should forget his presence whose cause you support, or say any thing unbecoming the dignity and holiness of the religion which you have espoused, or inconsistent with that heavenly temper which the Spirit of your indwelling Lord must infallibly produce.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
sanctify--hallow; honor as holy, enshrining Him in your hearts. So in the Lord's Prayer, Mat 6:9. God's holiness is thus glorified in our hearts as the dwelling-place of His Spirit. the Lord God--The oldest manuscripts read "Christ." Translate, "Sanctify Christ as Lord." and--Greek, "but," or "moreover." Besides this inward sanctification of God in the heart, be also ready always to give, &c. answer--an apologetic answer defending your faith. to every man that asketh you--The last words limit the universality of the "always"; not to a roller, but to everyone among the heathen who inquires honestly. a reason--a reasonable account. This refutes Rome's dogma, "I believe it, because the Church believes it." Credulity is believing without evidence; faith is believing on evidence. There is no repose for reason itself but in faith. This verse does not impose an obligation to bring forward a learned proof and logical defense of revelation. But as believers deny themselves, crucify the world, and brave persecution, they must be buoyed up by some strong "hope"; men of the world, having no such hope themselves, are moved by curiosity to ask the secret of this hope; the believer must be ready to give an experimental account "how this hope arose in him, what it contains, and on what it rests" [STEIGER]. with--The oldest manuscripts read, "but with." Be ready, but with "meekness." Not pertly and arrogantly. meekness-- (Pe1 3:4). The most effective way; not self-sufficient impetuosity. fear--due respect towards man, and reverence towards God, remembering His cause does not need man's hot temper to uphold it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having a good conscience,.... Meaning not the faculty of the conscience itself, which is naturally evil, and defiled with sin, and is only made good by the sanctification of the Spirit, and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, by which the heart is sprinkled from it, and that itself purged from dead works; but a life and conversation according to the dictates of such a conscience, in the uprightness and sincerity of it, and by the grace of God, and according to the Gospel, and whereby the doctrines of it are adorned; for, as besides internal sanctification of God, or a fearing of him, and believing in him with the heart, there must be a profession of him with the mouth, and a reason of faith and hope given verbally, when there is an occasion for it; so to both must be added a conscientious discharge of duty, both to God and men, which is one way of defending and recommending the doctrines of the Gospel: that whereas they speak evil of you as of evildoers; as vain, proud, haughty, and arrogant persons, as seditious men, enemies to order and civil magistracy; as such that speak evil of dignities, and despise government; when they shall see your modest and humble deportment in the world, and before them, and with what reverence and esteem you treat them: they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ; which was in consequence of their being in Christ, and made new creatures by him, and was as became his Gospel, and by and under the influence of his grace and Spirit.