One of the easiest things for a Christian to fall into in is using a particular passage so much that you zoom in on aspects and lose the full meaning. I know that is true for me. That is why it is so enriching to read a passage I have read hundreds of times before and seeing something I missed. In the case of this passage, someone else experienced what I’m talking about and taught me in the process. (Here is a link to James White’s “Dividing Line” in which he discusses it. )

It is popular (and rightfully so) to cite 1 Peter 3:15 when referring to apologetics:

…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do
it with gentleness and respect…

Here we are given clear instruction to be prepared to give a reason for our faith. We should have the gospel at the tip of our tongues because it is the very power that has changed us and it is the only hope for those around us. We must also have some level of understanding (proportionate to your ability to learn these things) of what kind of objections to the gospel exist and be able to respond to them in a biblical way.

Furthermore, we are given the attitude with which we should do this. Not in a defensive way, not with arrogance that belittles others, but with gentleness and respect. This doesn’t mean that we should allow people to walk all over us but it does mean that we should approach the conversation with the humility of one who understands grace and a willingness to rid ourselves of any snarky elitism so as not to detract of the gospel.

What James White explains in the podcast I linked that I hadn’t really thought through is that there is a reason given in the passage why someone would ask you this question. Consider the context of verses 13-15:

Be passionate for good things.
13 “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” Peter has just talked about blessing those who persecute you. Now He is saying that there is no reason for someone to harm you if you have a passion for something that is good.

Do not fear evil.
14 “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled…” Some people will be persecuted despite their righteous passion. They shouldn’t fear these evil people (I can’t think of two better definitions of evil than 1. One who defies his Creator and 2. One who does harm to another without righteous cause) but instead, have peace because of the blessings that await you.

Regard Christ as holy.
15 “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy…” This is why people will ask you for a reason for the hope that is within you. When you fall victim to the evil of the world around you but still have a passion for doing good that is grounded in your love for the righteousness of Christ people will notice and they will ask questions.

This is much different from the evangelistic plan to which we have become accustomed. It is a call to a lifestyle more so than steps, laws, or roads (which are not bad in and of themselves).

Grace and Peace,
Stephen