12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Commentary
Vs. 12-13 The Apostle Peter here again takes up the reality of believers suffering. Previously this was done to encourage believers who were suffering at the hands of their unjust masters, yet were commanded to still submit themselves to them, this being justified by analogizing Jesus Christ's sufferings at the hands of unjust men with their own (1 Peter 2:18-25).
Vs. 12-13 The Apostle Peter here again takes up the reality of believers suffering. Previously this was done to encourage believers who were suffering at the hands of their unjust masters, yet were commanded to still submit themselves to them, this being justified by analogizing Jesus Christ's sufferings at the hands of unjust men with their own (1 Peter 2:18-25).
And so here again the Apostle Peter takes up the theme of believers suffering. But this time with an all inclusive emphasis. Since by the time of Peter's writing this epistle, persecution of the early church, indeed all those who were faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ in it, had become an ongoing reality (consider Acts 8:1; 11:19; 13:50; 2 Thess. 1:4). For truly all believers everywhere, in every generation, will suffer for their faith in Jesus, as Jesus Himself first said (consider Matt 5:11-12; Mark 10:29-31; Luke 6:22-23; 21:12-18; John 15:18-25; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim 3:12). Therefore these things though permitted by God must be seen in the light of His permitting evil in world for a season so that He will be most justified when He judges. Therefore these are not meant to weaken our persons or faith, but rather to refine us. To try and test us like a metallurgist forges steel or tests various metals for their intrinsic strengths and qualities. So God tries and tests us by the various trials and sufferings we must pass through in this life, so as to refine and perfect our persons. Which is why the Apostle James says to us all: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 For truly God our Father is through our sufferings (both individually and collectively) working out for us all "a far more exceeding weight of glory", as the Apostle Paul so eloquently states it, by and through them (see 2 Cor 4:17). And so Peter begins here with a kind word to us, reminding us all that we are Beloved of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (even when were in the midst of them); because we have believed and received the love of His truth through His Son Jesus. Who first suffered all things for us, for our individual and common salvation, so that we all might be able to know the love God by faith in His Person. For truly, suffering either at the hands of the unbelieving world, the spiritual forces of darkness, or even when we are being chastised by God (which the Apostle Peter will touch on later) is ever to be taken as a sign of God abandoning us, or forsaking us to our plight (consider Psalm 30:5; Isaiah 54:7-8). For God does not abandon His own redeemed people, whether individually or collectively, when we are in the midst of our trials and tribulations, whether brought on by persecution or even by our own disobedience. Instead He calls us to repentance from our sins, transgressions and or sinful attitudes which often exalt our own righteousness, or justify our own ways, rather than God's (consider Job 33:12-30; 2 Cor 7:9-10). And so God uses our failings, not to condemn us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but to refine us, which ultimately brings about greater righteousness and fruitfulness in our lives (consider Psalm 110:67). And so neither are we to abandon or forsake each other in our time of need (Gal 6:1-2).
That all said, let us return to the opening text where the Apostle Peter says to us all:
That all said, let us return to the opening text where the Apostle Peter says to us all:
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." vs. 12-13
The Apostle Peters opening phrase "Beloved, do not think it strange..." here means do not be amazed, astounded, astonished etc. when such things happen to you, or other believers. Thus we are not to become disillusioned or scandalized by such things, as if we are immune too, or above such things. Which the Apostle Peter describes here as "the fiery trial" without specifying exactly what that trial is, and thus he leaves it open. Now the word translated fiery trial here is also translated burning in Rev 18:9, 18 where it describes the utter destruction of spiritual Babylon as the smoke of her burning is seen afar off. While in the Septuagint (the Authorized Greek version of the Hebrew Old Testament) it is used in Psalm 66:10 of God testing and refining His own (also see Zechariah 13:9) and in Prov 27:21 where it is rendered furnace. Again because the fiery trial is not specified, though it is identified with Christ we must not think ourselves or others above or worse deserving of such things if we believe in Him. The Old Testament saint Job once said while in the midst of his own precarious sufferings that "a lamp (i.e. a burning) is despised in the one who is at ease" (See Job 12:4-5). Therefore we are wise when we don't take the cruel dogmatic path of Job's "friends" when such things befall those around us, for one day such things may also visit us as well (consider Ecc. 9:11-12). Therefore we are not to think it strange (foreign, alien) to us that such things are happening, or even will happen to us or others. For as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ there will be fiery trials that we all must pass through in this life. And just as Daniel's three friends survived King Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace by the Lord's Presence protecting them from the flames (see Daniel 3:1-25). So will we, who have come to trust in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior, be protected from the everlasting flame, that will devour the adversaries (Heb 10:27). And so like Jesus, we too are learning obedience from the things which we suffer (Heb 5:8). Therefore rather then thinking it strange when these things happen, we are to rejoice to the extent that we partake of Christ’s sufferings, "that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (vs 13).
Vs. 14 "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."
Being reproached for the Name of Christ, that is for one's faith in and testimony of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that salvation from sin and eternal damnation is by faith in Him and Him alone (Acts 4:12). Is the highest privilege that God can bestow on mortal man here and now in this life. For truly as the Apostle Peter says here, "the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you", just as it did on Stephen the churches first martyr when he gave testimony of the Lord Jesus to the then ruling priests and elders of the Jews before they stoned him (See Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-60). "On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." For truly God is glorified whenever His people take a stand in faith for His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, whether this means rejection by friends and family or even ones co-workers and community. Taking a stand for Christ, for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is what we are to do, to stand for the truth, (Mark 8:38) regardless of personal consequences (Matt 10:24-42). And as the Apostle Peter says here "Blessed are you", just as the Lord Jesus first said: 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt 5:11-12
Vs. 15-16 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
Suffering for ones faith in Jesus (and or doing what is right, just, and sound in the eyes of God) is what is being commended here, not suffering because one suffers as "a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's affairs" (vs. 15). For believers are called to live righteous lives, and thus we are not to be found suffering as lawless and insubordinate people, who neither regard God, nor obey the legal statutes of man, that are given to govern us all. That's the first part of the Apostle's exhortation, what not to suffer for, the rest entails suffering as a believer and what we are to do.
In this the Apostle Peter says that "if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." Several commentators note here that only three times in the N.T. is the word Christian used of believers. This should not dissuade ones use of the phrase, as it's first use was in Antioch were believers were first called Christians, and there is no indication that it was anything but a title that was to be revered by believers (see Acts 11:26; 26:28). Therefore if anyone suffers as a Christian; that is a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ; let them not be ashamed of this, but rather let them glorify God in this. For as the Apostle Peter has already said "the Spirit and glory of God" rests on us when we do. For as Jesus Himself has said such suffering is proof of ones sonship (see Matt 5:10-12); indeed He says: "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt 5:12
Therefore suffering for ones faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, because they remain loyal to Him and His Word, brings with it not only God's blessing, but also great eternal rewards.
Vs 17-19 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
For truly God's judgment always begins with His own people (consider Heb 12:3-11), so as to produce within us, as the Scripture says, "the peaceable fruit of righteousness." Therefore if it begins with us first in this life, by which we are being trained and perfected, what will the end be of those who do not obey the gospel of God? The answer to Apostle Peter's question here is not unknown to us. Rather it is given to encourage us while in this life, as we must endure many injustices and wrongs, sometimes even while being chastened by God. While those who live wickedly in unbelief sometimes seemingly have no end to ease of life and prosperity. Yet we know as the Scripture so readily declares and warns, God will at His judgment require an accounting of all their evil deeds and unbelief. For He will repay them according to all their blasphemous words and deeds. And there they will find laughter, nor ease of life anymore. For as the Apostle Peter says here: “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (consider Psalm 1). Therefore in light of these things, of a coming judgment and a Resurrection of the just and unjust. Let us who suffer according to the Will of God commit our souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. For truly God is both our Creator, and through Christ our Redemer, and so let us commit our souls to Him in doing good, and let Him take care of all the rest, even when we don't understand all the why's.
Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
Additional Resources Consulted
Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament (Volume 1, page 663)
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