 | But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, |
 | But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: |
 | but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being readyto make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; |
| 1 Peter 3:15 |
Commentary
"Set apart in your hearts Christ as Lord." The heart is the sanctuary in which He prefers to be worshiped. Live in submissive communion with the Lord Jesus, loving and obeying Him-and you have nothing to fear. always be ready to give a defense. The Eng. word "apologetics" comes from the Gr. word here translated "defense." Peter is using the word in an informal sense (cf. Phil. 1:16,17) and is insisting that the believer must understand what he believes and why one is a Christian, and then be able to articulate one's beliefs humbly, thoughtfully, reasonably, and biblically.MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 3:15). Nashville: Word Pub.