In today’s world the term “conscience” refers to the inner court of appeal that renders judgment on our own behaviour. Peter, however, uses the term to describe an inner conviction that we have behaved uprightly before God so that we are not troubled by a sense of guilt. A sense of guilt would make a Christian feel hypocritical when he is asked to explain the good deeds the neighbour has noticed.
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.