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Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.(A) 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,[a] which is the Spirit of God,[b] is resting on you.[c](B) 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.[d](C) 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.[e] 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(D) 18 And

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust their lives to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

Tending the Flock of God

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you(E) to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight,[f] not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it,[g] not for sordid gain but eagerly.(F) Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.(G) And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.(H) In the same way, you who are younger must be subject to the elders.[h] And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for

“God opposes the proud
    but gives grace to the humble.”(I)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.(J)

Footnotes

  1. 4.14 Other ancient authorities add and of power
  2. 4.14 Or spirit of glory and of God
  3. 4.14 Other ancient authorities add On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified
  4. 4.15 Meaning of Gk uncertain
  5. 4.16 Other ancient authorities read in this respect
  6. 5.2 Other ancient authorities lack exercising the oversight
  7. 5.2 Or in a godly manner; other ancient authorities lack as God would have you do it
  8. 5.5 Or of those who are older

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(D) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(E) you are blessed,(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(G) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(H) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(I) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](J)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(K) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(L) and a witness(M) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(N) Be shepherds of God’s flock(O) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(P) not pursuing dishonest gain,(Q) but eager to serve; not lording it over(R) those entrusted to you, but being examples(S) to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd(T) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(U) that will never fade away.(V)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(W) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(X) toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[b](Y)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(Z) Cast all your anxiety on him(AA) because he cares for you.(AB)

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  2. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34