1 Peter 3:17 Exposition & Application: Suffering for Righteousness or Sin?

1 Peter 3:17 teaches that it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. Suffering for righteousness aligns believers with Christ, who suffered for us, as seen in 1 Peter 2:21. It reflects faithfulness in a fallen world, echoing the warning of 2 Timothy 3:12 that all who desire to live godly lives will face persecution. Suffering for sin, however, is a result of disobedience, as stated in Galatians 6:7, "For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." This verse calls believers to examine their lives, reject sin, embrace righteous suffering as part of God’s will, and trust His sovereign purpose, as affirmed in Romans 8:28. Faithful endurance in suffering glorifies God and demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel.