I Peter 2-3

“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (2:12).  As followers of Jesus in a very antagonistic, pagan Roman Empire, Peter taught the believers that their own personal conduct was their best witness and defense. Knowing that some opposed them and were suspicious of them, believers should “live as people who are free,” honoring and obeying earthly authorities voluntarily, not with fear (2:13-17).  

Speaking with “gentleness and respect” and keeping a “good conscience,” being ready to explain the hope we have, is how we “honor Christ the Lord as holy” (3:15-16).