12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:12-19 KJV)
Suffering for God’s Glory
The repeated encouragement and comfort to Christians in every chapter of this letter shows that the greatest danger these new converts faced came from the persecution they experienced for embracing Christianity. The hardest part of their duty was to behave well under suffering, yet it was necessary both for Christ’s honor and their own comfort. The apostle, having urged them earlier to practice self-denial, now directs them to be patient in suffering. A person who hasn’t learned to deny themselves is unfit to bear trials.
The apostle addresses these poor, despised Christians with kindness, calling them his beloved (1 Peter 4:9), and gives them advice about how to face their sufferings. First, they should not be surprised by them, as if something unexpected were happening. Although the sufferings may be sharp and painful, they are meant to test their sincerity, strength, patience, and trust in God—not to destroy them. On the contrary, they should rejoice, because their sufferings are Christ’s sufferings. They are of the same kind and for the same cause that Christ suffered; they make us more like him, and he identifies with us in our weaknesses. If we share in his sufferings, we will also share in his glory and meet him with joy at his return (2 Thessalonians 1:7).
True Christians love and support each other even in their lowest and most distressing situations. The apostle identifies with these afflicted believers and calls them his beloved. Christians should not be surprised at the world’s hostility because Jesus himself endured it, and following him requires self-denial. Believers should not only be patient but also rejoice in their sufferings for Christ, because these are signs of God’s favor. They spread the gospel and prepare us for glory. Those who rejoice in suffering for Christ will eternally rejoice with him in glory.
Moving from violent persecution to verbal attacks, the apostle says they would be slandered and insulted for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:14). In such cases, they are blessed, because the Spirit of God—the Spirit of glory—rests upon them. This Spirit supports, comforts, and prepares them for eternal glory. Their patience and faith glorify the Spirit, even while the world blasphemes him.
The best people and the most sacred things are often slandered in this world—Jesus, his followers, the Holy Spirit, and the gospel itself. But the happiness of godly people not only survives affliction; it often flows from it. A person with God’s Spirit upon them cannot be truly miserable. When people insult believers for Christ’s sake, God takes it personally. At the same time, the Holy Spirit is glorified in those who suffer faithfully for Jesus.
The apostle warns that no one should suffer because of wrongdoing (1 Peter 4:15). Though these Christians were sincere, their enemies accused them of crimes. So Peter reminds them not to harm anyone, not to steal or meddle in others’ affairs. But if anyone suffers for being a Christian, they should not be ashamed but should praise God for being counted worthy to suffer in his name (1 Peter 4:16).
The best people still need to be warned against serious sins. There is little comfort in suffering that we bring on ourselves. It’s not the suffering but the cause that makes a person honorable before God. We should be grateful if God calls us to suffer for his truth, for our faithfulness to Christian teaching.
Peter also reminds them that trials were already beginning, and they should be ready (1 Peter 4:17-18). God often starts judgment with his own people (Isaiah 10:12; Jeremiah 25:29; Ezekiel 9:6). A time of suffering was near, as Jesus had foretold (Matthew 24:9-10), and these instructions were meant to prepare them.
These judgments would begin with God’s people but wouldn’t last long. Their trials would be brief compared to what would happen to the unbelieving world, including their fellow Jews and the pagan nations around them. What will be the end of those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?
Even God’s household needs correction. But for them, the worst comes in this life, and their condition will soon improve. On the other hand, those who disobey the gospel are not part of God’s household, even if they make loud claims to religion. The apostle makes a clear distinction between them and the faithful. The temporary sufferings of believers are a sign of the terrible judgment awaiting the unbelieving. If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what hope is there for the ungodly and the sinner?
Quoting Proverbs 11:31 (as found in the Septuagint), Peter says, “If the righteous is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4:18). The painful experiences of faithful people in this world suggest even more dreadful punishment for the unrepentant. And if salvation is to be understood in the highest sense, it shows how hard it is even for the righteous to be saved. The way is narrow, the gate is small, and there are many temptations and sins to overcome. But because salvation is essential, it’s worth the struggle. Difficulties are greatest at the beginning, but God offers grace and help. The struggle won’t last forever. Be faithful to the end, and God will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
The ungodly are certainly headed for destruction. Where will they appear before God? How will they stand before their Judge?
Finally, Peter encourages them that when they suffer according to God’s will, they should focus on the safety of their souls. Trials threaten the soul more than the body. The only way to preserve the soul is by entrusting it to God while continuing to do what is right (1 Peter 4:19). God, as their Creator, has made many gracious promises of eternal salvation and will keep them all.
All suffering that befalls believers happens according to God’s will. In every distress, Christians should care more about their soul than their body. The soul is of greater value and in more danger. If outward suffering causes inward turmoil, then the soul suffers most. If the soul is not well guarded, persecution may lead to apostasy (Psalm 125:3). The best way to keep the soul safe is to commit it to God through prayer, faith, and persistent obedience (Romans 2:7). Believers have strong reason to do this, because God is their Creator and is faithful to all his promises.