 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
 | Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. |
 | not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. |
| 1 Peter 3:9 |
Commentary
A person to whom God has given undeserved blessings instead of judgment, should seek the blessing he will receive when giving a free gift of forgiveness to someone who has wronged him (cf. v. 21; Matt. 18:21-35).
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 3:9). Nashville: Word Pub.
This whole Epistle (1 Peter) is written against a backdrop of persecution and suffering. From this verse to 4:6 the subject is the Christian and his relation to persecutors. Repeatedly, believers are urged to suffer for righteousness' sake without retaliating.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Pe 3:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.