The Lord had commanded Isaiah to honour as holy “the Lord of hosts.” Notice the upper-case letters in the word “Lord”; this is a reference to the almighty Creator of heaven and earth who had established a bond of love with Egypt’s slaves and delivered them (Exodus 3:6; Exodus 20:2). The words of hosts
indicate that he has innumerable heavenly legions at his disposal through whom he may care for his people (2 Kings 6:17). Peter replaces the reference to “the Lord of hosts” with Christ the Lord
and so indicates to his readers that Jesus Christ is the Lord of hosts, that is, the commander of heaven’s host of angels. In the face of evil and reviling from the community, it is Jesus’ identity that gives courage to fear him instead of them.
15 but in your hearts honor 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; yet do it with gentleness and respect,