14. but if ye also should suffer because of righteousness, happy [are ye]! and of their fear be not afraid, nor be troubled,
15. and the Lord God sanctify in your hearts. And [be] ready always for defence to every one who is asking of you an account concerning the hope that [is] in you, with meekness and fear;
16. having a good conscience, that in that in which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may be ashamed who are traducing your good behaviour in Christ;
17. for [it is] better doing good, if the will of God will it, to suffer, than doing evil;
18. because also Christ once for sin did suffer--righteous for unrighteous--that he might lead us to God, having been put to death indeed, in the flesh, and having been made alive in the spirit,