I Peter 3:15-16
The apostle Peter writing (God speaking via scripture...The
Word) to the mostly gentile believers toward Rome (who were undergoing widespread questioning and
persecution) about how to face the hard times.
Wycliffe Bible of 1384: 3:15 But halewe ye the
Lord Crist in youre hertis, and euermore be ye redi to satisfaccioun to ech man
axynge you resoun of that feith and hope that is in you,
3:16 but with myldenesse and drede, hauynge good conscience; that in that thing
that thei bacbiten of you, thei ben confoundid, whiche chalengen falsly youre
good conuersacioun in Crist.
King James Bible of 1611: 15But
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:
16Having 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.
NAS Bible of 1960: 15but sanctify
Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone
who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness
and reverence;
16and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you
are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to
shame.
NIV Bible 1973-78: 15But in your hearts set apart 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, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
(posted 6 January 2004)