1 Peter 3:14 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake; if ye suffer unjustly, whether it be for the true profession of the gospel, or in the exercise of righteousness, being followers of that which is good, and walking in the practice of the duties before mentioned. Happy are ye; both in the spiritual benefit you gain by sufferings, viz. your edification in faith, patience, humility, &c.; the glory which redounds to God, who supports you under and carries you through them; and the reward you yourselves expect after them, Matthew 5:10, &c. And be not afraid of their terror; either be not afraid after the manner of carnal men, (as the prophet's meaning is, Isaiah 8:12,13), or rather, (the apostle accommodating the words of the prophet to his present purpose), be not afraid of those formidable things wherewith they threaten you; or, be not afraid of themselves and their threatenings, whereby they would strike terror into you: and so here is a metonymy in the words; fear, the effect, being put for the cause; thus fear is taken, Psalms 64:1, Psalms 91:5 Proverbs 1:26. Neither be troubled; viz. inordinately, with such a fear as is contrary to faith, and hinders you from doing your duty, 1 Thessalonians 14:1.

1 Peter 3:14

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;