1 Peter 3:17
It is better to suffer for well doing, such as believing in Christ, than for evil doing, as it is more honourable and profitable.
John Gill emphasizes that suffering for doing good is more honorable and beneficial than suffering for wrongdoing, as it aligns with God's will. He explains that all events, including the afflictions faced by believers, are under God's sovereign control, encouraging patience and submission in trials. Gill highlights the importance of maintaining a good conscience and living righteously in Christ, contrasting this with the consequences of evil actions.
Text
Ver. 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, 1Pe 4:15.
Sermon Outline
- The Will of God in Suffering
- Patient Submission to Suffering
- The Contrast between Suffering for Good and Evil
- Suffering for well doing, such as believing in Christ
- Suffering for evil doing, such as being a murderer or thief
Key Quotes
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing;” — John Gill
Application Points
- We should patiently submit to suffering as it is ordered by the will of God.
- Living godly in Christ Jesus is a reason for patiently submitting to suffering.
- It is more honourable and profitable to suffer for well doing than for evil doing.