Our text starts by setting this in context one to another. He reiterates the theme of being pilgrims and strangers, having a homeland, and also that it is means of being ridiculed and persecuted. Be he urges to be able to speak and give account of the hope that lies within them. We too should be ready often times going "back into our shells." It is a CALLING! An admonition to give an account for our hope, our walk, and our reason for living the way we live! (Lord's day 32)

When: "Be ready ALWAYS to give answer." Literally it says apology. This is not the meaning today, but it means a CLEAR explanation and setting forth of the reason. (Apologetics.) A defense NOT an excuse. We set our affections on those things above and having that viewpoint others will look upon us and not understand and will ask us. Some want to distinguish between their calling and their dealings with the secular world (politics.) That distinction does not exist and we are called to be of the world BUT faithful to God who has given us His word for faithful walking and LIVING! The world would like us to be quiet and yet the calling comes to us to be ready to give an account of that hope...being witness' of our Lord Jesus Christ!

How: We tell them why we don't do certain things and give them evidence of how and why our lives are impacted. It is all the HOPE that lives within us! Although it is not always noticeable in us we are not called upon to put our lights under a bushel basket and hide being afraid or embarrassed, but to give an a ccount of that hope that is within us even within and among a world that eats or of the hands of the devil! "Faith of our fathers living still." Not undetected. Not forsaking, but a CLEAR testimony as Daniel who turned and prayed three times a day to the praise of God! To do this requires KNOWLEDGE! A CLEAR, knowledgeable, logical explanation! Not casting pearls before swine that do not want it. Our lives should be a living testimony with further explanation of it when it is asked of us. The knowledge of faith!

Why: Because we are victors with Christ as heirs of eternal glory! The hope that lives within us as we in principle dwell in "tents" with our children and families! It surpasses everything that the world can give to us or has to offer. We are to do this with meekness and fear! Who are we to have been dealt God's glory?! "This is who I am and what God has done for me! Let me tell you about it!"

In the fear of the Lord we give an account as it is our CALLING to sanctify the Lord in our hearts! He is our Master and Redeemer who has bought us and leads us!