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.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)

Suffering as a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, because you are participating in the sufferings of the Messiah,[a] keep on rejoicing, so that you may be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of the Messiah,[b] you are blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God is resting on you.[c]

15 Of course, none of you should suffer for being a murderer, thief, criminal, or troublemaker. 16 But if you suffer for being a Christian, do not feel ashamed, but glorify God with that name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?

18 “If it is hard for the righteous person to be saved,
    what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?”[d]

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do what is good.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:13 Or Christ
  2. 1 Peter 4:14 Or Christ
  3. 1 Peter 4:14 Other mss. read on you. For their sake he is being blasphemed, but for your sake he is being glorified.
  4. 1 Peter 4:18 Cf. Prov 11:31 (LXX)