1 Peter 3:16
Having 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.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καταισχυνθῶσιν
they may be ashamed
G2617
καταισχυνθῶσιν
they may be ashamed
Strong's:
G2617
Word #:
11 of 19
to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.Hebrews 13:18Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.1 Peter 2:15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:Titus 2:8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.Matthew 5:11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.1 Peter 2:19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.Romans 9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Historical Context
Early Christians faced accusations of cannibalism (misunderstood communion), atheism (rejecting Roman gods), immorality, disloyalty. Peter's strategy: live so virtuously that accusations appear obviously false. Good conscience before God enables bold witness. Early apologists (Justin Martyr, Tertullian) combined reasoned arguments with moral conduct to defend Christianity. Their personal integrity and church's charity impressed observers and won converts. Modern application: Christian witness requires both verbal proclamation and moral credibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does maintaining 'good conscience' before God enable bold witness even when falsely accused?
- What role does godly conduct play alongside verbal defense of faith in effective witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter commands respectful apologetics. "Having a good conscience" (syneidēsin echontes agathēn)—maintain clear conscience before God through righteous living. The purpose: "that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (hina en hō katalalousia hymōn hōs kakopoiōn kataischynthōsin hoi epēreazontes hymōn tēn agathēn en Christō anastrophēn). Accusers will be ashamed when godly conduct disproves slander. Good conscience provides confidence; godly lifestyle silences critics more effectively than arguments alone. Conduct and character validate verbal defense.