Daily Reading: (1 Peter 3:13-15)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 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,
“Who is going to harm you” doesn’t mean that you will not suffer because of someone else for doing good (1 Peter 3:13). You will suffer for doing good, this is very clear in verse fourteen, “But even if you should suffer for what is right you are blessed.” The context of verse 13- who is going to harm you comes from Peter quoting (Psalm 34:12-16) in verse 12.
Peter is saying people might cause you pain, they might persecute you- but in matters of eternity they can’t touch you, who is going to harm you and going one step further- in your suffering for what is right, you are blessed.
Breaking it down in the Greek sheds even more light. If you “should suffer for what is right”. Right/(dikaiosynē): the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God. You are blessed knowing the true Gospel and blessed as you help spread it even during intense times of persecution.
A very special Greek word for blessing is used (makarios)- supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off: This use is special because it is always joined to a name for God. By extension of us being children of God- we are supremely blessed no matter what may happen to us.
“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”.
Peter: "Always be ready to make a case for your hope." (1 Peter 3:15)
Jesus: "Don't meditate beforehand how to make a case for your hope (Luke 2:12-14)."
So, what gives?
Literally there is no verb in the phrase "be ready" or "be prepared."
Reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and in that way, you will always be ready to make a case for your hope (1 Peter 3:15). When suffering comes, fear is replaced as we “revere Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:14-15).”
When you set apart (revere) hagiazō- to render or acknowledge Christ (Messiah/Son of God) as “Lord” you are literally saying Jesus is the ultimate power and authority.
The way to get ready to make a case for your hope is to get hopeful (1 Peter 3:15). When we spend time with God we are given a renewed and lively hope in His promises, and we will be ready to make a case for our hope.