What is the context?
This verse sits within encouragement to believers who may suffer for doing right. Honoring Christ as Lord in the heart comes before answering those who question their hope.
The Greek word for defense means a spoken answer or defense. Peter expects them to be ready to explain, and he names gentleness and respect as part of that readiness. The next verse joins their explanation with a clear conscience and good conduct.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Calvin and Wesley read this as readiness to acknowledge faith and hope without being ruled by fear or anger. Calvin distinguishes a basic explanation of faith from being able to settle every question. Wesley emphasizes the damage anger can do to both the witness and the person speaking.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Acts 4:7–13, 18–20 shows Peter and John answering questions by pointing to Jesus’ resurrection and the salvation found in Him. The same risen Christ is the ground of the hope believers are called to explain.
The witness is therefore more than describing a personal outlook. It points people to the One through whom God has acted to save.
What is our position?
Our study I Am a Disciple understands this as a call to be ready to explain the hope we have in Christ. Our witness includes words as well as conduct, and the explanation should be given with gentleness and respect.