Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Peter 3:9
(9) Not rendering.—So far St. Peter has been speaking of internal conduct. The two last adjectives, however, lead gradually into the wider field of conduct, and probably now he is thinking solely of relation to the adverse world. Among the Christians surely there would be no “evil” or “railing” to provoke a retort! “Evil,” in act; “railing,” in word. (See 1 Peter 2:23, and Romans 12:17.)But contrariwise blessing.—No doubt a reminiscence of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44). The word... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Peter 3:1-22
(13-4: 6) EXHORTATION TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE.—It is the only charm against persecution. It is like Christ to suffer with a good conscience; and He had His reward for it, in bringing us, and even the spirits of men who had died impenitent, to God thereby. It is the very meaning of the baptism by which He saves us. To feel its beauty and safety, we have but to consider the ugliness and danger of our former life. read more