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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - 1 Peter 3:15 - 3:15
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1Pe 3:15. Ἕτοιμοι δὲ, but prepared) The word prepared gives the idea of boldness; δὲ has force. Not only ought the conversation to be good, on which point see ch. 1Pe 2:12, note, but every one also ought to be prepared to make confession.-τῷ αἰτοῦντι, to him that asketh) Among the Gentiles some were openly wicked, 1Pe 3:16; others were in doubt. To these latter believers are ordered to give a kind answer.-ἐλπίδος, of the hope) which they confess, who say that they are strangers in the world, and avoid its lusts, ch. 1Pe 2:11. Comp. Heb 11:13, and following verses. The hope of Christians has often excited others to inquiry.-μετὰ, with) Twells, P. I. p. 125, joins this with every man that asketh; but it depends upon prepared to give an answer. There is need of meekness with regard to ourselves; of fear, with respect to others; of a good conscience towards God.-φόβου, fear) In common language, respect. They who have a good conscience, when accused, are more easily provoked, and less easily preserve meekness and fear, than the guilty. Therefore they are here admonished, to unite with a good conscience, meekness and fear, and thus to gain a complete victory. Meekness avails especially, when we have to do with inferiors; fear, when we have to do with superiors.