14. But you may suffer for doing right. Even if that happens, you are blessed.“Don’t be afraid of the things they fear.Do not dread those things.
15. But respect Christ as the holy Lord in your hearts.” Isaiah 8:12-13Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have.
16. But answer in a gentle way and with respect. Always feel that you are doing right. Then, those who speak evil of your good life in Christ will be made ashamed.
17. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong. Yes, it is better, if that is what God wants.
18. Christ himself died for you. And that one death paid for your sins. He was not guilty, but he died for those who are guilty. He did this to bring you all to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit.
19. And in the spirit he went and preached to the spirits in prison.
20. These were the spirits who refused to obey God long ago in the time of Noah. God was waiting patiently for them while Noah was building the boat. Only a few people—eight in all—were saved by water.
21. That water is like baptism that now saves you—not the washing of dirt from the body, but the promise made to God from a good heart. And this is because Jesus Christ was raised from death.
22. Now Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God’s right side. He rules over angels, authorities, and powers.