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Author: Martin Steinbereithner, from the Servants of the Word, an international, ecumenical brotherhood of men living single for the Lord.

Explaining Why We are Different

In Peter’s first epistle, he writes, “In your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15 RSV)

Today’s verse fits into a larger passage where Peter encourages his listeners to suffer well. He writes his letter to the “exiles” in Asia Minor and he expects that they will suffer, simply because they are different, misunderstood and at times even persecuted. But he does not only exhort them to keep a good attitude, to not be afraid and to be kind to those who might harass them. He goes beyond this and he specifically instructs to be ready to explain why they are so hopeful, even under trial. In other words, Peter expects those Christians to stand out, not because of their clothing or strange prayer patterns, but because of their hope—and he anticipates that this will trigger questions among the non-believers around them. He wants his fellow Christians to be prepared to explain what they believe, rather than to stumble through a poor explanation of their faith, and thus miss an evangelistic opportunity. Their life is meant to trigger questions, and when those questions come, they ought to be prepared.

Ask yourself today: “Do I live a life that regularly causes people to ask questions about my hope in Christ?”

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.