3:13 For 1 who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 3:14 But in fact, if you happen to suffer 2 for doing what is right, 3 you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them 4 or be shaken. 5
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “For” to indicate that what follows gives an explanation.
2 sn The Greek construction here implies that such suffering was not the norm, even though it could happen, and in fact may well have happened to some of the readers (cf. 4:4, 12-19).
3 tn Grk “because of righteousness.”
4 tn Grk “do not fear their fear,” referring to those who cause their suffering. The phrase “their fear” may mean “what they fear” (subjective genitive), but in a situation of persecution it more likely means “fear of them” (objective genitive).
5 sn A quotation from Isa 8:12.
6 tn Grk “if the will of God should will it.” As in 3:14 the Greek construction here implies that suffering for doing good was not what God normally willed, even though it could happen, and in fact may have happened to some of the readers (cf. 4:4, 12-19).