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)

¹¹ trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ^(A) in them was pointing when he predicted^(B) the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.

²¹ To this^(A) you were called,^(B) because Christ suffered for you,^(C) leaving you an example,^(D) that you should follow in his steps.

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(G) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(H) Instead, he entrusted himself^(I) to him who judges justly.^{(J) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(K) in his body on the cross,^(L) so that we might die to sins^(M) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(N) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](O) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(P) and Overseer of your souls.^(Q)

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^{(A) 14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(B) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b](C) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(D) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(E) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(F) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(G) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(H) to suffer for doing good^(I) than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(J) for sins,^(K) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(L) He was put to death in the body^(M) but made alive in the Spirit.^(N)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^(B)

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,

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