1. 1 Peter 3:14 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How does "but" function here?

1 Peter 3:14 (ESV)

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

The conjunction does not function here to contrast the present clause from the previous one but rather to “strengthen the idea of the previous clause.”1