I honestly have to ask, is 1 Pet 3:15 even being exegeted properly? Maybe someone [Stephen] : ) can shed some light on this. Since I read several different translations with regularity, I have opportunity to notice different nuances in the different versions.

Here is the NKJV: “But sanctify the Lord God [fn] in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

Here is the 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: ”

Here is the NASB. “but 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”

Here is the ESV. ” but in your hearts regard 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; 1 Pet 3:16 yet do it with gentleness and respect…”

Now I ask, why is the comma placed after the word “you”? In the KJV, it could easily be understood to mean that the *asker* is the one to have meekness and fear. This understanding would square with other scriptures where the prophets and even Jesus dealt with hostile opponents, not just “honest” confused seekers.

The ESV seems to have taken this meekness thing even further down the road, putting the “gentleness and respect” phrase into the latter verse where it leaves no room for the Christian to answer fools according to their folly. Not being a greek student, I dont know what to make of this, but it’d be nice to have it looked into. BTW, I”m no KJV only nut.

Agreed,

it is a very emotional doctrine due to what is taught today in churches, it brings up a lot of questions that I would say need to be hashed out in scripture.

How do you know what his intentions were, maybe they were just instructional for specific situations.

Could it be you whom is being stubborn, as well as Mr. Morey.

I agree with you it doesnt always need to be done, but I think Mr. Moreys life is an example of that as well, he doesnt deal with all people like that, just the “Pharisees” and the “mockers” and the like.

Dont be so quick to understand the heart of men from a BLOG POST!

In Conclusion, tactics such as are described in Mr. Morey’s article here are only meant to be used on arrogant, stubborn fellows such as Dr. Robert Morey himself.