1 Peter 3:15

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:

But {G1161} sanctify {G37} the Lord {G2962} God {G2316} in {G1722} your {G5216} hearts {G2588}: and {G1161} be ready {G2092} always {G104} to {G4314} give an answer {G627} to every man {G3956} that asketh {G154} you {G5209} a reason {G3056} of {G4012} the hope {G1680} that is in {G1722} you {G5213} with {G3326} meekness {G4240} and {G2532} fear {G5401}:

but treat the Messiah as holy, as Lord in your hearts; while remaining always ready to give a reasoned answer to anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you — yet with humility and fear,

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:

The Apostle Peter, writing to Christians undergoing various trials and persecutions, provides a foundational verse for Christian living and witness. Following his exhortation to not be afraid of their adversaries, Peter shifts the focus inward, emphasizing the believer's internal posture and external readiness to articulate their faith.

Context

First Peter is a letter of encouragement and instruction to scattered believers facing hostility and suffering for their faith. Peter urges them to live holy lives, honor Christ, and maintain a good conscience, even when unjustly treated. This verse immediately follows a discussion on suffering for righteousness' sake and living righteously, even if it leads to persecution. It sets the stage for how believers should respond when their faith is questioned or challenged, especially in a hostile environment. The surrounding verses in 1 Peter 3:16 further elaborate on maintaining a good conscience to silence accusers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctify the Lord God in Your Hearts: This is the prerequisite for effective witness. To "sanctify" means to set apart as holy, to revere, and to acknowledge Christ as Lord above all else in one's inner being. It implies a heart devoted to God, where His authority and truth reign supreme. This internal reverence empowers the external witness.
  • Readiness to Give an Answer: Believers are commanded to be prepared to articulate the "reason of the hope that is in you." This isn't just about sharing personal feelings, but about providing a reasoned, coherent explanation for the Christian faith and the blessed hope of eternal life that defines them. This forms the basis of Christian apologetics – defending the faith.
  • The "Hope" of the Believer: The core of the Christian message is hope, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation and eternal life. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's faithfulness and power. It is this profound hope that prompts questions from the world.
  • Manner of Delivery: "With Meekness and Fear": The way the answer is given is as important as the answer itself.
    • Meekness: Implies gentleness, humility, and consideration for the questioner. It's not weakness, but strength under control, avoiding arrogance or condescension. Jesus Himself exemplified meekness.
    • Fear: Refers to reverence for God and His truth, and a sober awareness of the gravity of the spiritual conversation. It also suggests a humble respect for the person asking, recognizing their dignity and the seriousness of their spiritual journey.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "sanctify" comes from the Greek verb hagiazo (ἁγιάζω), meaning "to make holy," "to consecrate," or "to set apart." Here, it means to set Christ apart as holy and supreme within one's heart.
  • "Answer" translates the Greek word apologia (ἀπολογία), from which we derive the English word "apologetics." It signifies a reasoned defense, a verbal justification, or a formal explanation. It's not an apology in the modern sense of saying "I'm sorry," but a well-reasoned defense of one's beliefs.
  • "Meekness" is prautēs (πραΰτης), denoting gentleness, humility, and considerateness. It's often associated with strength harnessed for a good purpose, like a tamed horse.
  • "Fear" is phobos (φόβος), which in this context means reverence, awe, or respect, rather than terror or fright. It refers to a proper awe of God and a respectful attitude towards others.

Practical Application

1 Peter 3:15 is a timeless call to both internal devotion and external readiness in sharing the Christian faith. It encourages believers to:

  • Cultivate a Deep Relationship with Christ: The foundation of effective witness is a heart where Christ is truly Lord. This involves daily spiritual disciplines and a growing understanding of God's Word.
  • Be Prepared: While we don't need to be theologians to share our faith, we should be able to articulate why we believe what we believe. This involves understanding core Christian doctrines and being able to explain the transformative power of the gospel.
  • Live a Life that Prompts Questions: The "hope that is in you" should be evident in one's life, character, and peace, especially in challenging circumstances. This living testimony often creates opportunities for others to inquire.
  • Witness with Grace and Humility: When sharing our faith, the manner is crucial. Arrogance or condescension can hinder the message. Speaking with gentleness, respect, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit is paramount. This approach honors God and respects the individual.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 4:6

    Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

  • 2 Timothy 2:26

    And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

  • Luke 21:14

    Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

  • Luke 21:15

    For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

  • 1 Peter 3:2

    While they behold your chaste conversation [coupled] with fear.

  • 1 Samuel 12:7

    Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.
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