Suffering for Righteousness

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, [you are] blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”[fn] 15 But in your hearts sanctify [the] Lord God.[fn] Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope [that is] in you. But [respond] with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you as evildoers[fn] may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. 17 For [it is] better, if [it is] God’s will, to suffer [for] doing good than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered[fn] for sins once for all, [the] righteous for [the] unrighteous, to bring you[fn] to God. He was put to death in [the] body but made alive in [the] Spirit, 19 in whom[fn] He also went [and] preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in [the] days of Noah [while the] ark was being built.

In [the ark] a few [people], [only] eight souls, were saved through water. 21 And [this water] symbolizes [the] baptism [that] now saves us {also}[fn]—not the removal of dirt from the body, but [the] pledge of[fn] a clear conscience toward God—through [the] resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven [and] is at [the] right hand of God, [with] angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.