1 Peter 3:16
Verse
Context
Suffering for Righteousness
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.17For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having a good conscience - The testimony of God in your own soul, that in simplicity and godly sincerity you have your conversation in the world. See on the term conscience at the end of Hebrews. Whereas they speak evil of you - See the same sentiment in Pe1 2:11 and the note there.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Having a good conscience--the secret spring of readiness to give account of our hope. So hope and good conscience go together in Act 24:15-16. Profession without practice has no weight. But those who have a good conscience can afford to give an account of their hope "with meekness." whereas-- (Pe1 2:12). they speak evil of you, as of evildoers--One oldest manuscript reads, "ye are spoken against," omitting the rest. falsely accuse--"calumniate"; the Greek expresses malice shown in deeds as well as in words. It is translated, "despitefully use," Mat 5:44; Luk 6:28. conversation--life, conduct. in Christ--who is the very element of your life as Christians. "In Christ" defines "good." It is your good walk as Christians, not as citizens, that calls forth malice (Pe1 4:4-5, Pe1 4:14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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, Pe1 4:15.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified - a good conscience and a good conversation. conscience is good when it does its office well, when it is kept pure and uncorrupt, and clear from guilt; then it will justify you, though men accuse you. A good conversation in Christ is a holy life, according to the doctrine and example of Christ. "Look well to your conscience, and to your conversation; and then, though men speak evil of you, and falsely accuse you as evil-doers, you will clear yourselves, and bring them to shame. Perhaps you may think it hard to suffer for well-doing, for keeping a good conscience and a good conversation; but be not discouraged, for it is better for you, though worse for your enemies, that you suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing." Learn, 1. The most conscientious persons cannot escape the censures and slanders of evil men; they will speak evil of them, as of evil-doers, and charge them with crimes which their very souls abhor: Christ and his apostles were so used. 2. A good conscience and a good conversation are the best means to secure a good name; these give a solid reputation and a lasting one. 3. False accusation generally turns to the accuser's shame, by discovering at last the accuser's indiscretion, injustice, falsehood, and uncharitableness. 4. It is sometimes the will of God that good people should suffer for well-doing, for their honesty and for their faith. 5. As well-doing sometimes exposes a good man to suffering, so evil-doing will not exempt an evil man from it. The apostle supposes here that a man may suffer for both. If the sufferings of good people for well-doing be so severe, what will the sufferings of wicked people be for evil-doing? It is a sad condition which that person is in upon whom sin and suffering meet together at the same time; sin makes sufferings to be extreme, unprofitable, comfortless, and destructive.
1 Peter 3:16
Suffering for Righteousness
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.17For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Montana) Daniel
By Keith Daniel4.5K53:35DanielGEN 39:3PRO 22:1DAN 1:8DAN 6:10MAT 6:33PHP 2:151PE 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God three times a day, even in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own commitment to God and asks if the world knows that they are faithful followers of Jesus. He encourages them to be blameless and shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to start applying the teachings they have heard and to choose God's best for their lives.
Power of a Pure Conscience
By Tom Allen1.0K42:32Pure ConscienceMAT 28:19ACT 23:11PE 3:16In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of baby robins in a nest to illustrate how some Christians are constantly relying on others for spiritual nourishment instead of taking their own leap of faith. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a clear conscience and poses three questions to help the audience evaluate their own spiritual state. The sermon explores the results of having a clear conscience, including peace, boldness, and joy. The preacher encourages the audience to examine their lives and address any areas where they may have unresolved issues that are hindering their clear conscience.
Tongues - Part 2
By Ken Baird4171:05:13MAT 7:11TI 3:16HEB 4:111PE 3:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the rest that believers can find in Christ, a rest that was not fully realized in the Old Testament. He emphasizes the supernatural nature of the Word of God, describing it as a living and powerful sword that penetrates deep into the soul and spirit, discerning our thoughts and intentions. The preacher encourages listeners to live a supernatural life, rather than being consumed by earthly concerns. He also highlights the transformative power of the Word of God, which exposes false professions of faith and leads to genuine salvation.
Loving Jesus and People in the Face of Reproach and Slander (1 Pet. 3:16)
By Mike Bickle1653:13Responding to SlanderSpiritual GrowthMAT 5:44MAT 10:36MAT 24:10LUK 6:22ACT 5:41EPH 6:161PE 2:231PE 3:161PE 4:12REV 12:10Mike Bickle addresses the challenges of responding to reproach and slander, emphasizing that such trials are opportunities for growth and spiritual promotion. He encourages believers to maintain a proper perspective, respond with love, and not yield to fear or anxiety when facing accusations. Bickle highlights that these experiences can reveal personal deficiencies and strengthen one's character, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God. He reminds the congregation that standing for truth may lead to slander, but it is a privilege to bear reproach for Christ's sake. The sermon concludes with a call to respond in love and prayer rather than engaging in a spirit of accusation.
Is Your Heart Blameless?
By David Wilkerson0Pursuing RighteousnessBlameless LivingPSA 24:4PRO 11:3MAT 5:82CO 11:13PHP 2:15COL 3:231TH 2:31PE 3:16David Wilkerson emphasizes the call for Christians to live blameless lives, drawing from Paul's example in 1 Thessalonians 2:10. He explains that a blameless Christian is characterized by honesty, purity, and a sincere desire to honor Jesus, avoiding deceit and unclean speech. Wilkerson warns against false prophets and encourages believers to pursue righteousness by faith, highlighting that a true blameless walk cannot be faked. He urges listeners to set their hearts on being blameless today, promising that such a commitment will lead to God's favor and a positive impact on others.
A Seared Conscience
By Charles Finney0Moral ResponsibilityConsciencePSA 32:3PRO 28:13ROM 2:15EPH 4:191TI 4:22TI 3:1HEB 10:22JAS 1:221PE 3:161JN 1:9Charles Finney addresses the concept of a seared conscience, explaining that it is not merely a lack of knowledge of right and wrong, but a state of insensitivity to moral obligations and guilt. He outlines the characteristics and consequences of a seared conscience, emphasizing how it can develop through neglecting moral duties, indulging in sin, and resisting the affirmations of reason. Finney warns that a seared conscience leads to apathy towards moral issues and a lack of remorse for wrongdoing, ultimately distancing individuals from God. He encourages self-examination and a return to a sensitive conscience to restore moral clarity and spiritual health.
Having a Good Conscience
By Charles Finney0ConscienceMoral IntegrityPRO 28:1ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:51TI 3:92TI 1:3HEB 13:181PE 2:191PE 3:16Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, explaining that it involves moral awareness, enlightenment, and obedience to its dictates. He outlines the conditions necessary for a good conscience, including the need for divine light and the importance of indulging and obeying one's conscience. Finney argues that a good conscience is essential for self-respect, peace of mind, and usefulness in society, while also being indispensable for salvation. He warns that those who neglect their conscience become a nuisance to society and are ultimately odious to God and others. The sermon concludes with a call to heed the conscience, as it is vital for spiritual well-being and moral integrity.
1 John 3:16
By John Gill0Brotherly LoveSacrificial LoveMAT 5:44JHN 15:13ROM 16:3GAL 6:2EPH 5:2PHP 2:3HEB 13:161PE 3:161JN 3:161JN 4:9John Gill emphasizes the profound love of God as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for humanity, showcasing His grace and mercy. This act of love is not based on human merit but is a reflection of God's rich compassion. Gill encourages believers to imitate this love by being willing to lay down their lives for one another, as exemplified by figures like Priscilla and Aquila. He highlights that true brotherly love involves risking oneself for the sake of others and the Gospel. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding and practice of sacrificial love among Christians.
1 Peter 3:16
By John Gill0Good ConscienceLiving the GospelMAT 5:16ROM 12:172CO 5:17EPH 4:1PHP 2:15COL 3:121TI 1:5HEB 9:141PE 2:121PE 3:16John Gill emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, which is transformed through the sanctification of the Spirit and the blood of Jesus. He explains that a good conscience leads to a life that reflects the teachings of the Gospel, requiring both internal faith and external profession. Gill highlights that despite being falsely accused by others, a humble and sincere demeanor can lead to shame for those who speak ill of believers. Ultimately, living according to a good conscience serves to defend and recommend the doctrines of the Gospel.
The Moral Person
By Olin Alfred Curtis0PRO 20:27ROM 2:151TI 1:5HEB 13:181PE 3:16Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the complexities of conscience, exploring how it guides individuals in distinguishing between right and wrong, feeling a sense of personal obligation to do what is right, and experiencing self-blame or moral content based on their actions. He emphasizes the importance of moral distinction, obligation, and settlement in shaping one's moral character and decision-making process, highlighting the inner spiritual tribunal that drives moral distress and self-blame. Curtis also discusses the impact of education on conscience, pointing out how moral judgment is influenced by one's educational environment and the need for a clear understanding of the intuitive notion of right and wrong.
From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning of the General Conference of 1832
By Nathan Bangs0PSA 133:1PRO 22:11CO 1:101PE 3:16Nathan Bangs preaches about the controversies and challenges faced by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1828, including the radical controversy, the formation of the Oneida conference, advancements in education, missionary work, and the establishment of the Publishing Fund. The Church faced opposition and misrepresentations regarding the character of prominent figures like Dr. Adam Clarke and John Wesley, as well as accusations about the Church's property ownership and government structure. Controversies also arose around the American Home Missionary Society and its claim to be a national institution, leading to concerns about the influence of denominations in American society.
Opposition to New Measures
By Frank Grenville Beardsley0PRO 16:7MAT 5:11ROM 8:311PE 3:161PE 4:14Frank Grenville Beardsley preaches about the challenges and opposition faced by Charles Finney in his revival work, including false accusations and exaggerated statements about his methods. Despite the opposition, Finney continued his work and witnessed triumphs in his revival labors. The accusations against Finney were proven to be mostly untrue, and his friends defended him against the attacks. The New Lebanon convention was held to address differences of opinion regarding revivals of religion, where resolutions were passed to rebuke the spirit of opposition and clarify misconceptions about Finney's work.
Epistle 22
By George Fox0Inner LightObedience to GodECC 5:2JER 9:3MIC 5:11MRK 9:502CO 10:4EPH 5:11PHP 3:14COL 4:62TH 2:3HEB 3:131PE 3:16REV 3:11REV 16:10REV 17:16George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying close to the inner light and the power of God's words, urging believers to avoid distractions from vain thoughts and to focus on the truth that leads to obedience. He warns of the impending judgment on the wicked and encourages the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, walking in love, wisdom, and purity. Fox calls for mutual support among believers, urging them to stir up purity in one another and to be bold in their witness for the truth, while also maintaining humility and integrity in their conduct.
Guidelines for the Godly Man
By Eli Brayley0GEN 4:6GEN 5:3LEV 19:28PSA 1:1PSA 5:3PSA 55:17PSA 103:2PRO 8:8PRO 10:11PRO 10:19PRO 15:3ISA 29:23MAT 5:16MAT 6:1MAT 12:37MAT 18:20MAT 23:25MRK 2:16LUK 3:11LUK 6:45LUK 12:57JHN 3:30JHN 14:5JHN 17:4JHN 17:15ACT 2:441CO 8:91CO 10:311CO 12:41CO 15:332CO 5:20GAL 2:20PHP 1:27PHP 3:81TI 4:82TI 2:21JAS 3:111PE 3:31PE 3:161JN 3:14Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to conform to the image of the Father, just as Jesus Christ did on earth, bringing glory to God in all things. This calling requires a solitary practice of devotion through regular study of the Word and prayer, done privately for God's eyes only. In the public sphere, the man of God must represent God on earth by displaying the fruit of the Spirit, maintaining an above-reproach lifestyle, and presenting Christ through every aspect of his being.
The Testimony of Conscience
By Thomas Reade0PSA 51:10PRO 4:23ACT 23:12CO 1:12PHP 1:10COL 3:231TI 1:5HEB 10:221PE 3:16Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of having a good conscience, highlighting the transformation in Saul of Tarsus from persecutor to Apostle through the enlightenment of the Spirit. He emphasizes that a good conscience is a work of grace, bringing peace and purity to the soul, and enabling a sincere and faithful walk with God. Reade urges believers to maintain a clear conscience, rooted in faith, love, and hope, and to be vigilant against worldly influences that may dull their spiritual sensitivity.
The Pivotal Point
By Ernest O'Neill0PRO 3:5EZK 36:26JHN 3:3ROM 2:151CO 2:11GAL 5:16EPH 4:231TI 1:5HEB 9:141PE 3:16Ernest O'Neill emphasizes the pivotal relationship between our conscience and will, highlighting that our spirit and soul intersect at this point. Obedience of our will to our conscience allows God to infuse our soul with His life, leading to true regeneration. However, rejecting God's laws in our conscience hinders the flow of life into our spirit. The key to experiencing supernatural life is responding positively to our conscience, which can lead to a re-orientation of our spirit by the Spirit of Christ.
Conscience, the Umpire of God
By George Kulp0PSA 139:23PRO 20:27ACT 24:16ROM 2:15ROM 14:22COL 3:231TI 1:5HEB 13:181PE 3:161JN 3:20George Kulp preaches on the power and significance of conscience, emphasizing its role as a witness, judge, and recorder of our actions and thoughts. He illustrates how conscience, being a faculty of the soul, is like a magic ring that warns us against sin and serves as God's umpire within us. Kulp highlights that an enlightened conscience aligns with God's will and Word, guiding us along His straight paths, and stresses the importance of maintaining a good conscience to avoid eternal condemnation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having a good conscience - The testimony of God in your own soul, that in simplicity and godly sincerity you have your conversation in the world. See on the term conscience at the end of Hebrews. Whereas they speak evil of you - See the same sentiment in Pe1 2:11 and the note there.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Having a good conscience--the secret spring of readiness to give account of our hope. So hope and good conscience go together in Act 24:15-16. Profession without practice has no weight. But those who have a good conscience can afford to give an account of their hope "with meekness." whereas-- (Pe1 2:12). they speak evil of you, as of evildoers--One oldest manuscript reads, "ye are spoken against," omitting the rest. falsely accuse--"calumniate"; the Greek expresses malice shown in deeds as well as in words. It is translated, "despitefully use," Mat 5:44; Luk 6:28. conversation--life, conduct. in Christ--who is the very element of your life as Christians. "In Christ" defines "good." It is your good walk as Christians, not as citizens, that calls forth malice (Pe1 4:4-5, Pe1 4:14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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, Pe1 4:15.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified - a good conscience and a good conversation. conscience is good when it does its office well, when it is kept pure and uncorrupt, and clear from guilt; then it will justify you, though men accuse you. A good conversation in Christ is a holy life, according to the doctrine and example of Christ. "Look well to your conscience, and to your conversation; and then, though men speak evil of you, and falsely accuse you as evil-doers, you will clear yourselves, and bring them to shame. Perhaps you may think it hard to suffer for well-doing, for keeping a good conscience and a good conversation; but be not discouraged, for it is better for you, though worse for your enemies, that you suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing." Learn, 1. The most conscientious persons cannot escape the censures and slanders of evil men; they will speak evil of them, as of evil-doers, and charge them with crimes which their very souls abhor: Christ and his apostles were so used. 2. A good conscience and a good conversation are the best means to secure a good name; these give a solid reputation and a lasting one. 3. False accusation generally turns to the accuser's shame, by discovering at last the accuser's indiscretion, injustice, falsehood, and uncharitableness. 4. It is sometimes the will of God that good people should suffer for well-doing, for their honesty and for their faith. 5. As well-doing sometimes exposes a good man to suffering, so evil-doing will not exempt an evil man from it. The apostle supposes here that a man may suffer for both. If the sufferings of good people for well-doing be so severe, what will the sufferings of wicked people be for evil-doing? It is a sad condition which that person is in upon whom sin and suffering meet together at the same time; sin makes sufferings to be extreme, unprofitable, comfortless, and destructive.