1 Peter 3:16

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 3:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
1 Peter 3:16 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Having a good conscience, etc.] Meaning not the faculty of the conscience itself, which is naturally evil, and defiled with sin, and is only made good by the sanctification of the Spirit, and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, by which the heart is sprinkled from it, and that itself purged from dead works; but a life and conversation according to the dictates of such a conscience, in the uprightness and sincerity of it, and by the grace of God, and according to the Gospel, and whereby the doctrines of it are adorned; for, as besides internal sanctification of God, or a fearing of him, and believing in him with the heart, there must be a profession of him with the mouth, and a reason of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Having a good conscience--the secret spring of readiness to give account of our hope. So hope and good conscience go together in Act 24:15-16. Profession without practice has no weight. But those who have a good conscience can afford to give an account of their hope "with meekness." whereas-- (Pe1 2:12). they speak evil of you, as of evildoers--One oldest manuscript reads, "ye are spoken against," omitting the rest. falsely accuse--"calumniate"; the Greek expresses malice shown in deeds as well as in words. It is translated, "despitefully use," Mat 5:44; Luk 6:28. conversation--life, conduct. in Christ--who is the very element of your life as Christians. "In Christ" defines "good." It is…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Having a good conscience - That is, a conscience that does not accuse you of having done wrong. Whatever may be the accusations of your enemies, so live that you may be at all times conscious of uprightness. Whatever you suffer, see that you do not suffer the pangs inflicted by a guilty conscience, the anguish of remorse. On the meaning of the word “conscience,” see the notes at Romans 2:15. The word properly means the judgment of the mind respecting right and wrong; or the judgment which the mind passes on the immorality of its own actions, when it instantly approves or condemns them. There is always a feeling of obligation connected with operations of conscience, which precedes, attends,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Having a good conscience - So much the more beware of anger, to which the very consciousness of your innocence may betray you. Join with a good conscience meekness and fear, and you obtain a complete victory. Your good conversation in Christ - That is, which flows from faith in him. 1 Peter 3:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a good: Pe1 3:21, Pe1 2:19; Act 24:16; Rom 9:1; Co2 1:12, Co2 4:2; Ti1 1:5, Ti1 1:19; Ti2 1:3; Heb 9:14, Heb 13:18 whereas: Pe1 2:12; Tit 2:8 falsely: Mat 5:11 good: Pe1 3:1, Pe1 3:2 1 Peter 3:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification