1 Peter 3:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

NIV: For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

NASB: For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

CSB: For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

NLT: Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

KJV: For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

NKJV: For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Peter continues his teaching on how Christians should respond to suffering for the sake of Christ. This relates to persecution resulting from being known as a believer in Jesus. Here, Peter reveals what may be a startling idea for some of us: It might be God's will that we suffer.

Contrary to many false teachers, God's will for the Christian life does not always involve wealth, health, and ease. It may require hardship and abuse. Why would God ever want that to happen? 1 Peter chapter 2 explained that our example, Jesus, suffered enormously for our sake. We should not be surprised to be called on to suffer in the same way for His sake.

In addition, the previous verses (1 Peter 3:15–16) describe a scenario in which those who persecute Christians may be attracted to our message. Hopefulness in the face of suffering can lead them to conviction of their own sinfulness in causing that suffering. God can use our suffering to bring even our persecutors to faith in Christ. Or, to prove to others that we, not our tormentors, are following the will of God.

Whatever the reason behind God's will, Peter clearly teaches that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. A Christian suffering for Christ's sake brings blessing (1 Peter 3:14), both for us and the world around us. To suffer for doing wrong, however, means the misery is merely the consequence of our own sin. As a believer, this is especially heinous, since it can harm the reputation of Christ in the world.

1 Peter 3:8–22 addresses all believers, commanding Christians to be unified and to refuse to seek revenge when wronged. Peter quotes from both David and Isaiah to show that God’s people have always been called to reject evil and to do good. This is true even when we are suffering. In fact, it may be God’s will for His people to suffer, in part, to demonstrate His power. Our good example can convict others into repentance. Christ, too, suffered, died, was resurrected, and ascended to power and authority in heaven.

Peter continues teaching about Christian submission to human authorities, now addressing Christian wives. Believing wives must be subject to their own husbands, even if the husband is not a follower of Christ. By doing so, they might win them to Christ through the example of their own changed lives and hearts. Christian husbands must honor their wives. All believers must live in unity together and refuse to seek revenge. In part, God means to use our hopeful response to suffering to provoke the world to see His power in us. Christ, too, suffered and then died, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven.

Peter’s letter to persecuted Christians is about how to endure suffering for faith in Christ. Thus far, he has assured Christians that their future is secure in eternity with God. We are His holy people, set apart for His specific purposes. Because of this, it matters that we live out that truth, even when we suffer. Christians are called to live in submission to every human authority, including kings, governors, and slave masters.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.