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1 Peter 3:17

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 3:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.
1 Peter 3:17 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14But even if ye should suffer for righteousness` sake, blessed [are ye:] and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;
15but 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:
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.
17For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.
18Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
19in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison,
20that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:
← 1 Peter 3:161 Peter 3:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, etc.] For all things are ordered by the will of God, even all the sufferings and afflictions of the saints; and which is a reason why they ought to be patiently submitted to, and bore: and “better” it is, more honourable and profitable, that ye suffer for well doing; for believing in Christ, professing him and his Gospel, giving a free and open reason for so doing, and for exercising a good conscience, and living godly in Christ Jesus: than for evil doing; as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a busy body in other men's matters, (<600415>1 Peter 4:15,16).”
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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
“better--One may object, I would not bear it so ill if I had deserved it. Peter replies, it is better that you did not deserve it, in order that doing well and yet being spoken against, you may prove yourself a true Christian [GERHARD]. if the will of God be so--rather as the optative is in the oldest manuscripts, "if the will of God should will it so." Those who honor God's will as their highest law (Pe1 2:15) have the comfort to know that suffering is God's appointment (Pe1 4:19). So Christ Himself; our inclination does not wish it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For it is better, if the will of God be so - That is, if God sees it to be necessary for your good that you should suffer, it is better that you should suffer for doing well than for crime. God often sees it to be necessary that his people should suffer. There are effects to be accomplished by affliction which can be secured in no other way; and some of the happiest results on the soul of a Christian, some of the brightest traits of character, are the effect of trials. But it should be our care that our sufferings should not be brought upon us for our own crimes or follies. No man can promote his own highest good by doing wrong, and then enduring the penalty which his sin incurs; and no one…”
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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
“It is infinitely better, if it be the will of God, ye should suffer. His permissive will appears from his providence. 1 Peter 3:18”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“if: Pe1 4:19; Mat 26:39, Mat 26:42; Act 21:14 suffer: Pe1 3:14 1 Peter 3:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification