when they see your pure and reverent conduct.

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires,

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.

Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.