The subject of suffering has always been a difficult subject. Inevitably it ends up with the question of “why?” The question why God would allow something has been a thorn in the side for many unbelievers, it certainly has hindered evangelism efforts. The quick answer about suffering is that all types of suffering are the direct result of sin.
Obviously sin is an important subject as well. Jesus came to save us from the results of having sin in our lives. God created Adam perfect but sin changed everything, humans, animals and all of creation. Simply put, we are no longer perfect. The Bible informs us that we are all in a ‘fallen state’. Since man and creation are no longer perfect, everything is subject to breaking down, pain and decay (also known as entropy, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, more on this in chapter 41).
From our perspective it is unfortunate that suffering includes experiencing some form of pain. What is the purpose of pain? In our bodies pain is used to alert us that something is wrong. Some pain can be minor and easily ignored while other pains demand our full attention and a solution needs to be found immediately. If we had perfect bodies, pain would not be necessary. Just like pain in the body, any pain (psychological, spiritual, emotional, or physical) we experience from suffering alerts us to our need for God. Pain, suffering, and judgment are all due to the direct result of sin.
In this epistle, Peter said we would face fiery trials as Christians (see 1 Peter 4:12, previous chapter). He wrote that these trials would test our faith. While experiencing these trials we understand that these trials help us sort out our priorities in life. Just like a child growing up loses interest in childish desires, trials will mature and strengthen our relationship with Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 13:11).
Even though suffering and the experience of pain may vary in believers, God will never test you beyond your ability to withstand (read 1 Corinthians 10:13). Peter recognized that the judgment process begins with us (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 11:32) and Jesus is our judge (see John 5:22 and Romans 14:10-12). Unbelievers will be judged much later (see Revelation 20:11-15). Since we are covered by the blood of Jesus, our judgment is very different than unbelievers (see Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, note that the location of this judgment is on a ‘bema seat’, not the great white throne found later in the book of Revelation). Even though we experience judgment, persecution, and suffering, Paul would remind us that there is no condemnation for believers (see Romans 8:1-11). When we die we go immediately into the presence of God (see 2 Corinthians 5:8; Ephesians 2:4-7; Philippians 1:23-26; John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 that when we are before Jesus sitting on the “bema” judgment seat, we will be there to receive what is due to us for what we have done in the body of Christ (rewards for being obedient followers of Jesus, read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15), not punishment or denial of heaven.
4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Peter states it clearly that the time for judgment of Christians has begun. The word for ‘time’ in this verse is the Greek word ‘karios’ (not the general word for time, ‘chronos’). This word is similar to the English word ‘season’ referring to a specific portion or period of time.[1] The Greek word translated here as ‘judgment’ is the legal term ‘krima’ referring to a judicial process,[2] which can be found elsewhere in the Bible translated as ‘judged’, ‘penalty’, ‘lawsuit’, and ‘condemnation’. If we wonder who Peter might be referring to with the phrase, “household of God,” he clarifies by saying, “and if it begins with us” making it very clear he is talking about believers. In this verse Peter asks, in what might be best described as a rhetorical question, namely if judgment begins with us, “what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Peter is referring to those who have rejected the gospel message (euangeliō).
4:18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Peter quotes from Proverbs 11:31 and like all of the Old Testament quotes in the New Testament, this is from the Septuagint. There are a few differences between this Greek version of the Old Testament and most Hebrew versions. This verse contains one of those variations. Most Hebrew versions replace the word ‘scarcely’ with the word ‘repaid’ making this verse a lot more difficult to understand. The word in both the Septuagint version of Proverbs 11:31 and this verse, is the Greek word ‘molis’ meaning something done with great difficulty. The KJV and the NKJV read, “Where will the ungodly and sinner appear?” The word ‘sinner’ is the word ‘hamartõlos’ referring to someone that is not free from sin.[3] Now with some clarification we can see that this is really a great question. Jesus gave us clear understanding where these unbelieving people will end up. They will appear before Him at the great white throne and then into the lake of fire, also known as hell for eternity (see Revelation 20:11-15; see also Matthew 7:21-23; 25:44-46). It is infinitely better and more appealing to endure suffering now as believers, being purified and sanctified, than to be condemned and bear eternal torment (see 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12; Hebrews 12:3-11).
4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
The last verse in chapter four is a great summary of the entire book. In other words, what are you doing now? The New Living Translation renders this verse, "So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” King David gave us tremendous insight on how to live while we wait for Jesus to return in Psalm chapter 31, here is how he concluded that psalm, “Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:23-24) Take the time to read the entire psalm, you will be glad you did.
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[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2540
[2] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. Strong’s Greek No. 2917
[3] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 268