1 Peter 3:15 NIV
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Explain with reference to the context.
1 Peter 3:15 is a verse from the 1st Letter of Peter, written by the apostle Peter. In this particular verse, St.Peter encourages believers to hold Christ in high esteem in their hearts and to always be ready to explain to others the reason for their hope in Christ.
The broader context of this verse comes from a section where St.Peter is addressing the conduct of Christians, particularly in the face of suffering and persecution. He speaks about how believers should conduct themselves even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
In the preceding verses (1 Peter 3:13-14), St.Peter talks about the reality that those who seek to do good may still face suffering or persecution. Despite this, believers are encouraged not to fear what others fear or be troubled, but instead, to set apart Christ as Lord in their hearts.
Then in verse 15, St.Peter instructs believers to be ready to articulate the reason for their hope when asked by others. This implies that Christians should be able to give a rational and understandable explanation for why they have hope, even in the midst of adversity. It's not merely about sharing feelings or personal beliefs but being prepared to provide a reasoned defense for their faith and the hope they have in Christ.
Moreover, St.Peter adds an important caveat: he advises believers to do this with gentleness and respect. This emphasizes the importance of presenting their beliefs in a respectful and humble manner, avoiding arrogance or a confrontational attitude. It's about sharing the hope they have in Christ with love, kindness, and humility.
1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to be both spiritually prepared and emotionally equipped to explain the foundation of their hope in Christ when asked, doing so with a demeanor characterized by gentleness and respect, even in challenging situations.
