NT: 1 Peter 3:15-17 - Character is the Prepared Answer

Character prepares and provides answers.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3: 15-7).

Our innocence and godly-character, first and foremost, will be our primary answer to every man that asketh us the reason for the hope that is in us.

Oft I have heard this verse quoted—“be ready always to give an answer”—and certainly Christians should be able to do that; Christians should be able to provide answers to their antagonists.

The thrust of these verses, however, transcend the imperative to believers—having premeditated, formulated answers is only half of the equation, and the less important half at that. Notice the thrust and tone of these verses: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts,” “with meekness and fear: having a good conscience,” “your good conversation in Christ,” and “it is better … that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” Overall, I would argue that the text focuses primarily upon the character, innocence, godly speech, and good works conducted by the believer, and less upon that believer’s reply to the antagonist’s questions.

The reason is obvious: Innocence and godly-character not only speak louder than words, but with greater clarity and power. After all, if we are sanctified and meek (not prideful), then upon what basis other than being a follower of Christ will an antagonist bring accusations against us? False accusations tell us more about the antagonist/accuser than the accused; namely, that the accuser is the one with fault/sin, and not the accused that is innocent.

So, will the antagonist accuse us for being charitable? I hope not. Is he going to accuse us for taking care of orphans and widows? Again, I hope not. Is he going to accuse us for being self-controlled and sober? Again, I hope not. Is he going to accuse us for being faithful in our marriage to our spouse? For loving our children? Again, for a third time, I hope not. I hope that we are not accused for holiness, but it may be the case that we will be accused—“it is better … that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”

Which brings me to two points to conclude with: First, rejoice if you suffer for well doing, for we know that Christ also suffered for well doing, and as a result he reconciled and brought sinners to God (1 Peter 3:18). Let this, therefore, be our aim: If we must suffer for well doing, that sinners might notice our innocence, and as a result, they might be reconciled and brought to God by the grace of Christ. Second, don’t forget that if you are a believer suffering for evil doing (e.g. pride, lying, etc), the only appropriate and covenantal response is to repent for your sin, and then go forward innocent, sinning no more.