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1 Peter 3:15

King James Version (KJV)

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:

Translations

1 Peter 3:15 - Amplified Bible

But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.

1 Peter 3:15 - American Standard Version

but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:

1 Peter 3:15 - Bible in Basic English

But give honour to Christ in your hearts as your Lord; and be ready at any time when you are questioned about the hope which is in you, to give an answer in the fear of the Lord and without pride;

1 Peter 3:15 - Darby Bible

but sanctify [the] Lord the Christ in your hearts, and [be] always prepared to [give] an answer [to] every one that asks you to give an account of the hope that [is] in you, but with meekness and fear;

1 Peter 3:15 - English Standard Version

but 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,

1 Peter 3:15 - King James Version

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:

1 Peter 3:15 - La Biblia de las Americas

sino santificad a Cristo como Señor en vuestros corazones, estando siempre preparados para presentar defensa ante todo el que os demande razòn de la esperanza que hay en vosotros, pero hacedlo con mansedumbre y reverencia;

1 Peter 3:15 - The Message

1 Peter 3:15 - New American Standard Bible

but (I.e. set apart) sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always {being} ready to 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 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

sino santifiquen a Cristo como Señor en sus corazones, estando siempre preparados para presentar defensa ante todo el que les demande razòn de la esperanza que hay en ustedes. Pero háganlo con mansedumbre y reverencia,

1 Peter 3:15 - World English Bible

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:

1 Peter 3:15 - Young's Living Translation

and the Lord God sanctify in your hearts. And [be] ready always for defence to every one who is asking of you an account concerning the hope that [is] in you, with meekness and fear;

1 Peter 3:15 - Additional Comments

Set apart ("sanctify") God in our heart as the only center, the only ruler, the owner of our hearts. With Him as the ruler and center of our hearts, we are ready to defend our relationship with Him.
We are to always, at any time, be able to defend our faith, our hope.
First, what is our hope?
- It is a hope of our inheritance reserved for us in heaven, that cannot be diminish (1 Peter 1:3,4, Col 1:5, Heb 6:18-19)
- It is a hope of the gospel, the good news that our sins will be forgiven (Col 1:23)
- It is the hope that we will one day no longer sin, that we will be perfect (Heb 6:1)
- It is the hope of our glorification (Col 1:27)
- It is the hope of eternal life with God ( Titus 1:2)
- It is the hope of an eternal relationship ("house") with Christ (Heb 3:6)
This is our hope. Yet, when asked why, what is the reason for this hope, we are to always be ready with an answer.
So, how do we answer? We have to recognize that we will not be able to have a perfect presentation nor be able to answer every objection. It is merely communicating why you personally have your hope. It is best not to jump into our answers when they have not been asked. We need to listen to the beliefs, ideas, and concerns of others, and if appropriate, to ask questions which spur their thinking. We should focus more on asking questions than tossing out answers.
The greatest reason for the hope that is within us is the transformation Christ brings to our lives. We can argue all the evidences for the Christian faith, but the most convincing apologetic is our personal experience with the living Lord of creation. If our witness is challenged beyond our personal relationship with Christ and the changes that the Holy Spirit has brought into our lives, then we can give the rationale evidences for our faith.
Yet, we are to do so with meekness and fear. We are not to allow any arrogance seep into our defense. Otherwise, we build walls instead of tear them down.

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