Verse of the day.
- Inspire Global Outreach
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
I Peter 3:15 NKJV
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Let's break down the different components of this verse to elaborate on its meaning:
1. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord."
The Foundation: This is the most crucial part of the verse. Before any outward action or defense, Peter emphasizes the internal state of the believer. The word "revere" or "sanctify" (as translated in other versions) means to set apart as holy. This means that Christ should be the supreme authority and central focus of a Christian's life.
A Call to Worship: This is not just a mental exercise. It's a call to let the Lordship of Christ permeate one's inner being. When Christ is truly revered as Lord, it drives out fear of people and persecution. The believer's confidence is not in their own wisdom or ability, but in the power and presence of Christ in their heart.
2. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
The Action: The Greek word for "answer" is apologia, from which we get the English word "apologetics." It doesn't mean apologizing for your faith, but rather, giving a reasoned defense or a verbal account.
The Context of Hope: Peter is not telling Christians to be ready to debate theology with everyone they meet. The "apologia" is specifically for the "hope that you have." This hope is not a wishful thought, but a firm and confident expectation of what God has promised in Christ. This hope, especially in the midst of suffering (which is the context of 1 Peter), should be so evident in a believer's life that it provokes questions from others.
A Universal Call: The command to "always be prepared" and to give an answer "to everyone who asks" is not just for pastors, scholars, or professional apologists. It's for every Christian. The defense is rooted in one's personal experience of the Christian hope.
3. "But do this with gentleness and respect."
The Manner: The way in which a Christian defends their faith is just as important as the defense itself. Peter warns against a harsh, argumentative, or arrogant approach.
Gentleness and Respect: "Gentleness" (prautēs) implies a humble, meek, and non-retaliatory spirit. "Respect" (phobos) can be translated as "fear" or "reverence," but in this context, it refers to a reverent attitude not just toward God, but also toward the person you are speaking with. It means treating them with dignity and honor, regardless of their beliefs or their hostility toward your own.
Winning the Person, Not Just the Argument: This final instruction highlights that the goal is not to win a debate or to verbally crush an opponent. It is to lovingly and respectfully share the truth of the gospel, reflecting the character of Christ himself.
In summary, 1 Peter 3:15 provides a holistic framework for Christian evangelism and apologetics. It emphasizes that a powerful external defense of the faith stems from a vibrant internal reverence for Christ. This reverence produces a life of hope that others will notice, leading them to ask questions. The Christian's response should then be a reasoned defense of that hope, delivered not with arrogance or anger, but with a Christ-like spirit of gentleness and respect.
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