1 Peter 3:16

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Having a good conscience - the spring of readiness to give account of our hope. Hope and flood conscience go together, Acts 24:15. Profession without practice has no weight. But those who have a food conscience can afford to give an account of their hope 'with meekness.'

Whereas - (1 Peter 2:12.)

Falsely accuse, [ epeereazontes (G1908)] - malice shown in deeds as well as words; "despitefully use," Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28,

Conversation - conduct.

In Christ - the element of your life as Christians: it defines 'good.' It is your good walk as Christians, not as citizens, that calls forth malice (1 Peter 4:4; 1 Peter 4:14).