The term catches the sort of conduct Peter expects his readers to perform while they are suffering for the gospel. Peter had mentioned the need for “doing good” numerous times throughout this letter (1 Peter 2:12, 1 Peter 2:14f, 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 3:6, 1 Peter 3:11, 1 Peter 3:16–17). Such conduct is necessary because of the suspicions a population has toward “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11) in their midst. Doing good in the face of unjust oppression (let alone to unjust oppressors) recalls Jesus’ conduct toward undeserving sinners: he healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons and even laid down his life for sinners. See also Romans 12:19–21.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.