A Reason for the Hope in You

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.  Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” –I Peter 3:13-17 (ESV).

Peter knew the Christians were suffering for their faith and would undergo further persecution.  He wrote the epistle of I Peter about 62-63 A. D. when Nero was emperor of Rome. They had already been dispersed to Pontius, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.  He wrote to scattered Christians to encourage them to endure hardship, assuring them that they would receive a final reward.  They are urged to give themselves fully to the Lord, to honor Him, and to do good (works)..A key concept in this passage is “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience” (vv. 16-17).  The King James and other versions say to be ready “to give an answer.”

How do Christians provide a reason (answer, rationale) for their faith?  First, make your calling and testimony sure.  Know whom it is you believe in and the truths you believe about Him.  “Sanctify Christ as Lord.”  Second, commit wholly to Christ.  Read I Peter 4:12-19 wherein Peter writes about glorifying God, even in suffering, and how total commitment to His way is the goal for the Christian. Third, expect a blessing for faithfulness.  We serve and suffer for Him because we love Christ.  But faithful and gentle, unpretentious service is rewarded by blessings we cannot imagine.  Fourth, always be ready with an answer (defense) for the faith you hold; be prepared for every opportunity to share, and if one does not present itself, make an opportunity.

I can well remember taking witnessing classes when I was a young Christian and refreshing what I first learned about it by subsequent classes.  One of the “practice” sessions of witnessing is for the Christian to give his/her testimony in one minute, with the knowledge that you might have only a very short time to witness to another about the saving grace of the Lord.  Certainly, if the Christian was living under persecution, and having to give a defense for the hope that he holds of salvation and eternal life, he would have to speak quickly, sincerely, and without any animosity to the one hearing the testimony.  And to give it in a good conscience” means with knowledge.  That is, we will be able to sincerely and with wisdom give our testimony. 

Many martyrs of the faith have followed Peter’s advice.  I recall the example of Felix Manz of Switzerland who on January 5, 1527 was led from prison to a boat, pinioned so he could not move, and the boat put afloat on the River Lummat, headed to the lake where he was drowned.  Along the way he sang praises and preached to those gathered to watch him die.  Among Manz’s statements that have survived is this one:  “It is love alone that is pleasing to God.  He that cannot show love cannot stand in the sight of God.”  His last words before he was thrown overboard were, “Into Your hands, O God, I commend my spirit.”  We may or may not be called upon to die for the Lord; but we certainly are called upon to stand for Him and to live for Him.  How will our defense of the hope that lies in us come through?  Will we, like Manz and so many others, be faithful to the end?