As mentioned in the introduction to this book, Peter more than likely wrote this letter before Emperor Nero’s anti-Christian campaign of cruelty began. As public dismay over the current condition of Rome got more intense, Nero decided to blame the Christians for its decline. Anti-Semitism was already going strong and since Christianity was viewed as a Jewish Sect, Nero only had to stir the pot, so to speak. He thought Christians were strange and publicly denounced their drinking of blood, eating of flesh, and their need for kissing (see 1 Peter 5:14). He also accused them of having uncontrolled lusts and raised several other potential concerns. Nero regularly used Christians as human torches, allowed them to be viciously attacked by wild animals, and created many other unjust and cruel tortures. Nero was truly a deranged man, most historians record that Nero was directly involved with Rome burning in 64 A.D. The Holy Spirit undoubtedly prompted Peter into writing about the coming suffering so that these exiles would be prepared.
As we fast-forward to today, we may not experience persecution like what the church faced during Nero’s time here in this country, but many of our fellow Christians around the world have. However, we are also seeing a rise in hatred and distrust towards Christians and Christianity in this country. So much so, that many of the churches and church leaders have denied God’s Word and changed their views on many subjects for the sake of being ‘politically correct’. To what end? Where will the revisions of God’s Word end? This is a slippery slope; meaning, when one starts down that path it is nearly impossible to stop or turn around. It appears that our choice is either revision or persecution, which will it be for you?
At this point some ‘Christians’ today might say something like “well I never signed up for that!” We generally don’t expect hatred and persecution for our beliefs. Peter reminds us that we need not to be troubled or confused by suffering, but it is never fun when it comes. Peter will reveal the nature and motivation of persecution through intense scoffing and mocking in 2 Peter 3:3 (see chapter 41).
4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Peter says we should not to be surprised by a fiery trial when it comes our way to test us. The Greek wording is very clear that it is not about something that might come, but something that will come. Interestingly, the word used in this verse translated by most Bible versions as ‘test’ can be, and often is, translated as ‘trials’ (see 1 Peter 1:6; James 1:2, 12). James began his epistle proclaiming that we should count it all joy when we meet trials. Earlier, Peter used the same word to inform us that tests are used to prove the genuineness of our faith (see 1 Peter 1:7). I often use the analogy of sitting in a chair as proof of our belief that the chair will hold our weight. Our ability to handle suffering offers evidence of our faith in God (see Psalm 26:2; 66:12). Jesus used this word when instructing His followers (and us) on how to pray, except in that passage, it is most often translated ‘temptation’ (see Matthew 6:13). Peter then tells us that we are not to think that these trials are something strange (Greek word ‘xenos’ meaning different or unheard of)[1]. Peter is saying that experiencing trials is a normal function of being a Christian.
While the phrase “fiery trial” portrays a painful experience of persecution, it is also used to describe the process of purifying precious metals (as previously discussed for 1 Peter 1:6-7, see chapter 4). The prophet Malachi wrote about the one who is coming (Jesus) and His refiner’s fire (read Malachi 3:1-4). This purifying fire proves the genuineness of our faith (see Job 23:10; Romans 5:3; James 1:3-12). We might want to call them unjust trials but we need to understand that they are not accidents (see Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-11), as Christians we know that God disciplines His people much like a loving parent does their child. God allows trials in our lives for reasons beyond our comprehension. Some trials may lead us to ask why, but be prepared that more than likely we may never know why, just keep your eyes on Him!
4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
Peter then says we should rejoice since we share Christ’s sufferings! I think I can speak for most people, that as human beings, when we are suffering the idea of rejoicing may be the farthest thing on our minds to do. The word ‘share’ is the Greek word ‘koinōneite’ meaning to enter into fellowship.[2] Through suffering for righteousness sake we are entering into a new level of fellowship with Jesus. Peter explains that we may then also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed (see also 1 Peter 1:5-7; Romans 8:17; John 15:20-21; Luke 6:22-23; Matthew 5:10-12). If we are insulted (reviled including feeling someone’s hostility) for the name of Christ you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (see Matthew 10:22; Acts 4:12). These are not two spirits as some scholars point out, these are two attributes of the Holy Spirit. This verse could be translated simply “the glorious Spirit of God” (see Psalms 93:1; 104:1; 138:5). Paul would remind us that God is holding us together (read Colossians 1:17), and since the word here translated as ‘rests’ is present tense, it would mean He is giving us relief and refreshment during these trials (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). He is literally holding us together, especially during our times of trial.
Peter stops for a moment to clarify that suffering for unrighteous situations, such as one might suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a criminal (evildoer), or even a meddler (one who meddles in the affairs of others including doing something they are not called to do), any suffering as the result of these are not considered suffering for righteousness sake.
4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Peter then returns to the subject of righteous Christian suffering by saying if anyone suffers as a Christian (first time that term is used favorably in the Bible) they are not to be ashamed (dishonored) they are to glorify God in the name of being called a Christian. The privilege of suffering for Jesus’ sake!
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[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 3581
[2] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2841