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.

¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(A)

⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(A) though now for a little while^(B) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^{(C) 7} These have come so that the proven genuineness^(D) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire^(E)—may result in praise, glory and honor^(F) when Jesus Christ is revealed.^{(G) 8} Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him^(H) and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(A) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^[b](B)

¹³ But rejoice^(A) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(B) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(C) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(D) you are blessed,^(E) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.