1Pe 3:16 | JFB | STEP | 16. Having a good conscience —the secret spring of readiness to give account of our hope. So hope and good conscience go together in . 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 — ( ). 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," . 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 ( ).

1 Peter 3:16

16. Having a good conscience—the secret spring of readiness to give account of our hope. So hope and good conscience go together in Ac 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— (1Pe 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," Mt 5:44; Lu 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 (1Pe 4:4, 5, 14).