Make good choices, by all means! Don’t … Continue reading "Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19" further explained by the clause “as though some strange thing were (by bad luck) happening unto you.” These Hebrew Christians felt at first it was not what was to be expected, that those who attached themselves to the Messiah should have a life of sorrow and persecution in the world. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. It means, literally, to feel like people in a strange country, lost and bewildered. Chrysostom cites the examples of Abraham and Lot (cf. (12) The first reason: because the Lord does not mean to confuse us with his fire (as it were) but to purge us of our impurities and make us perfect. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 1 Peter 4:12-13 New King James Version (NKJV) Suffering for God’s Glory. be not astonished at the burning among you, which is coming to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were happening to you. 1 peter 4:12-14. Looking at these scriptures in the light of I Peter 5:6-8, and understanding that Peter is writing with his thoughts on Satan in the background, our feelings are especially vulnerable because it is natural for us to feel that we are being taken advantage of or not being treated as we should be, and our emotions begin to run wild. 1 Peter 4:15 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] 1 Peter 4:15, NIV: "If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler." 1 Peter 4:12 marks the beginning of a new section of First Peter. But let none of you suffer as a murderer - If you must be called to suffer, see that it be not for crime. "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Today’s passage from 1 Peter is not about the problem of suffering in general. 1 Peter 4:12-13. 1 Peter 4:12(NASB) Verse Thoughts As Christians we are citizens of heaven who are passing through a cursed world, which is filled with condemned sinners who are in need of Christ's forgiveness.. and God has given us everything we need to live a victorious Christian life in this fallen world. Although 1 Peter talks about suffering “in accordance with God’s will” (1 Peter 4:19), it does not say that God directly causes suffering. The weeping Rachel of Jeremiah 31 is among the most powerfully drawn figures in Scripture. (11) Because that cross is joined with the sincere profession of religion, the apostle fitly repeats what he touched on before, warning us not to be troubled at persecutions and afflictions, as at a new and strange thing. Jesus is the one through whose blood we have been ransomed (1:18–19) and through whose resurrection God gave us new birth (1:3). It is a pastoral word of hope and reassurance for people who are facing abuse, social rejection, and public humiliation because they follow Jesus. Don’t be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12) I like being comfortable. 13:4-7). It means, literally, to feel like people in a strange country, lost and bewildered. We know that God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him to a place of honor, and we rejoice in anticipation, knowing that ultimately Christ’s glory will be revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 4:16, ESV: "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." fiery trial—like the fire by which metals are tested and their dross removed. Around the world believers are facing persecution for their faith. Don’t … Continue reading "Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19" Don’t be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12) I … "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 PETER 4:12. He reminds them again that their real home is not in this world (1 Peter 1:1). The list of off-limits behavior ends with a surprise, though: NRSV translates the last word, allotriepiskopos, as “mischief maker,” but it really means something more like “busybody.” Christians are to avoid being bishops of everyone else; they are not called to oversee other peoples’ behavior. The word is mentioned twelve times in this short letter. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. The Holy Innocents illustrate powerful peoples’ typical response to God’s work in the world. What is the effect? That simple reminder is at the heart of Peter’s message in 1 Peter 4:7-11: The end of all things is near. We are God’s house, the earthly dwelling-place of God. When the world mocks us for following where Jesus leads, we can be filled with joy: the Spirit of glory, the very Spirit of God rests on us (cf. Suffering for Being a Christian - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Instead of its "happening to you" as some strange and untoward chance, it "is taking place" with the gracious design of trying you; God has a wise design in it—a consolatory reflection. —The same word as in 1Peter 4:4. Suffering is a major theme in 1 Peter. KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT. 1 Peter 4:12 marks the beginning of a new section of First Peter. To suffer for one's own faults is no honor ( 1 Peter 4:15, 1 Peter 2:20),--for Christ, is no shame ( 1 Peter 4:14, 1 Peter 3:13). 1 Peter calls its readers to rejoice, not because suffering and rejection are good or desirable in themselves, but because when we are rejected for obeying God, we are partners in Christ’s experience. "As a result," Peter says, "he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God" (4:2). This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. Suffering for Christ Is Our Common Lot (4:12) Persecution for our faith may seem abnormal to many of us -- at least in America. Suffering is a path we must choose. Don’t think it strange that you are suffering. Like Jesus, we have been anointed with the Spirit. St. Stephen & St. Luke by the Sea Episcopal Churches, A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. If we suffer while we are doing what is right and good, we are suffering in agreement with God’s will. Peter’s meaning is that a person acting in love does not broadcast the sins of others, or of themselves, but is gracious, discreet, forgiving and protecting (cf. It is. Compare Zechariah 13:9. Herod reacted to the news the Messiah was born not by rejoicing and sending gifts for the baby shower, but by doing all he could to eliminate a perceived rival. A National Thanksgiving! 1 PETER 4:12. on StudyLight.org Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. Already, then, the Asiatic Christians are enduring a fierce persecution. Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Read 1 Peter 4:12-19) By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast … 1 Peter 4:19 What Does 1 Peter 4:19 Mean? Verse 2. that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. Glory Just Around the Corner. 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13:4-7). The opposite would be sinning — choosing to live in a way that is not in accordance with God’s will — and suffering society’s usual consequences for criminal behavior. The apostle in this verse returns to his former argument, to animate and encourage the saints in suffering afflictions patiently for righteousness sake. The International Institute for Religious Freedom estimates that 8,500 believers continue to be martyred each year. 1 Peter 4:12-16 New International Version (NIV) Suffering for Being a Christian. These try a man's profession of religion, whether it is took up on good principles, and without sinister views; since, if it is not, when persecution, because of the word, comes, he is offended and gone; and likewise what a man's principles are, whether worth suffering for or not; and whether they will bear him up, and he abide by them, when called to suffer for them; and therefore, since such ends are answered by fiery trials, they should not be looked upon as strange and unusual things: as though some strange thing happened unto you; which was never known and heard of before; and as if useless, and of no service, and as foreign to the characters, cases, and circumstances of the saints in this world. 1 Peter calls us to trust in our creator, the judge who is trustworthy and just. 1 Peter 4:12(NASB) Verse Thoughts. As Shakespeare famously put it, “All that glisters is not gold.” Like a fire that melts down metal and separates pure gold from contaminants and additives, suffering strips away externals. Only God, however, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, can completely forgive and cover someone’s sin in the sense of atonement. 1 Peter 4:12, CSB: "Dear friends, don't be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you." But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Heaven is their real home. Compare the notes at 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 3:17.They were to be careful that their sufferings were brought upon them only in consequence of their religion, and not because any crime could be laid to … Our entire Study 1 Peter Bible study guide in one convenient E-book (Epub, PDF, and Mobi format). We are called to be confident in God, but not complacent. Like 1 Peter’s audience, the slaughtered babies of Bethlehem and the parents who loved them suffered not because they had done anything wrong, but because someone rejected Jesus and felt threatened by God’s Good News. To suffer for one's own faults is no honor ( 1 Peter 4:15, 1 Peter 2:20),--for Christ, is no shame ( 1 Peter 4:14, 1 Peter 3:13). See above. Better, perhaps, were happening; by chance, instead of with the definite purpose indicated by "taking place with a view to probation." He wants them to know that he loves them deeply. In the United States, the American Dream is often proclaimed as if it were gospel: anyone who works hard and makes good choices can be happy and successful. does not give this force by its which cometh upon you. He is the living stone rejected by the builders but chosen by God (2:4), the cornerstone on which God’s house is built (2:5–8). God’s work in and through Jesus is at the center of 1 Peter’s message. The meaning of these entire first three verses is closely paralleled in thought by Romans 6:1-11. We enter the fellowship of his suffering. Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13, ESV: "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-19. 1 Peter 4:12. marks the beginning of the third division of the Epistle in which Peter having cleared the ground faces at last the pressing problem.—, be surprised, as in 1 Peter 4:4.—, the ordeal which is in your midst or rather in your hearts.—, cf. 1 Cor. Context Summary. Finally Peter warns us of our tenuous position here on earth. Peter also wants his readers to understand the *grac… As though some strange thing happened unto you - Something unusual; something which did not occur to others. We have not the means of determining precisely what this was. Introduction: A researcher writing for Christian History magazine estimated that 70 million Christians have been martyred for their faith. 1 Peter 4:13 - but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:13 - but to the degree that you share the ... 1 Peter 4:12. Peter begins this section by directly addressing the Christians as agapetoi (“beloved” or “dear friends”) as he does in 1 Peter 2:11, which also makes the beginning of a new section. The word rendered "fiery trial" (πυρώσει purōsei) occurs only here and in Revelation 18:9, Revelation 18:18; in both of which latter places it is rendered burning. It cannot be demonstrated from this word that they were literally to suffer by fire, but it is clear that some heavy calamity was before them. Like the one in whose footsteps we follow, we are called to action. Instead, rejoice as you share in the suffering of Jesus. In the following few verses, he touches on subjects already mentioned in his letter. lol sorry if i sound like and idiot :) im 15 and havent really had any religious education, and a while ago i decided to learn about it on my own. Although the world may revile and shame Christians for following Jesus, God honors and blesses them. If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. If we look at the biblical story, we soon see that doing God’s will is no guarantee that we will escape suffering. The word which describes it is only found besides in Revelation 18:9; Revelation 18:18, “burning.” (Comp. The author of 1 Peter understands the gospel and its consequences quite differently. (2:11) We've seen these words before in 1 Peter, reminding of our status on earth: Such a situation is tailor-made for Satan. Peter sets out in these verses the attitudes and actions we should manifest in suffering. Peter wants them to stop doing the evil things that they used to do (1 Peter 1:14). which is to try you; afflictions try the graces of the saints; as their faith in Christ, which becomes thereby much more precious than of gold that perisheth; and their love to him, by which it appears that no tribulation can separate them from it, nor many waters and floods of afflictions drown it; and their hope of eternal life, which grows more lively and strong, and is as an anchor, sure and steadfast, amidst the greatest storms. Painful though it may be, the refining fire purifies God’s people (cf. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. 12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. 1 Peter 4:12-16 New International Version (NIV) Suffering for Being a Christian. He gives us five words of wisdom for how to suffer without shame. But Peter reminds us that this is not abnormal at all. 1 Peter 4:9.Hospitality is the practical proof of this love; its practice was necessary to the cohesion of the scattered brotherhood as to the welfare of those whose duties called them to travel.The inns were little better than brothels and Christians were commonly poor. How should we live when we find ourselves passing through the refiner’s fire? DON’T BE ASTONISHED AT THE FIERY TRIAL 12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. God’s dwelling must be clean and holy. 1 Peter asks but does not answer the question: If even those who obey God find the process difficult, what will become of those who reject the gospel? 1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (1 Peter 4:1). I.e., alien from you and your condition as Christians. 1 Peter 4:11 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] 1 Peter 4:11, NIV: "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of … Too much stake to go back to our old sinful ways. We have been eternally saved by grace through faith in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Psalms of December’s lectionary: three National Laments — and now, the Sunday after Christmas? but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. In Psalm 65 (Sept.), 66 (A. V.), we read, "Thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast smelted us, as silver is smelted." Here 1 Peter alludes to Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Hospitality – 1 Peter … Peter wants to encourage Christians who are suffering for Christ.Although Christians might suffer in this life, they will not suffer for ever.This world is not their real home. Peter is saying, if we have suffered for what is right (3:13), then we, too, have a stake in this suffering. as though some strange thing happened unto you, πύρωσιν τὰς θλίψεις εἰπὼν, ἐνέφῃνεν ὡς διὰ δοκιμασίαν ἐπάγονται αὐτοῖς αὐταί, πρὸς πειρασμὸν ὑμῖν γινομένῃ, ὡς ξένου ὑμῖν συμβαίνοντος, the ordeal which is in your midst or rather in your hearts, ἐκείνους ἐπύρωσεν εἰς ἐτασμὸν καρδίας αὐτῶν, πυρώσω αὐτοὺς ὡς πυροῦται ἀργύριον, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, at the burning fire among you that comes to you as a test, Beloved, thank it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT. He writes: “for you know that your brothers and … Continue reading "Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11" further explained by the clause “as though some strange thing were (by bad luck) happening unto you.”. Suffering for Being a Christian - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Be not bewildered at the conflagration among you taking place for a trial to you. By contrast, if the world rejects us and reviles us for doing good, it is simply treating us as it treated Jesus. 1 Peter 4:12-13. Such a situation is tailor-made for Satan. 1 Peter 4:12-14 - NIV: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Literally it runs, Be not bewildered at the conflagration among you taking place for a trial to you. Could someone maybe break it down for me and explain it in simpler terms. And yet the writer wants to remind them that they are not alone in their suffering. Think it not strange. 1 Peter 4:12, NLT: "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." The author of 1 Peter understands the gospel and its consequences quite differently. The author of 1 Peter understands the gospel and its consequences quite differently. ‘I urge you’ is a very strong phrase. 1 Peter 4:13. Peter begins this section by directly addressing the Christians as agapetoi (“beloved” or “dear friends”) as he does in 1 Peter 2:11, which also makes the beginning of a new section. 1 Peter 4:13. Peter returns to the topic of suffering over the course of his book, examining it from different perspectives. Don’t be surprised, he says, at the fiery trial that you are experiencing. Mal 3:1–3). 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Chrysostom cites the examples of Abraham and Lot (cf. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. In 1 Peter 4:12-19 Peter returns to the concept of suffering again. In I Peter 4:12-16, Peter, like Jesus, perceives persecution as inevitable and therefore a Christian should expect it.Since a disciple is not above His Master, a follower can hardly expect to escape some form of what the Master received. 1 Peter emphasizes that Christians must ensure that their actions actually are in accordance with God’s will. 1Peter 1:7.). Finally Peter warns us of our tenuous position here on earth. Suffering for Being a Christian. Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Read 1 Peter 4:12-19) By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, he … 1 Peter 4. 1 Peter 4:13 What Does 1 Peter 4:13 Mean? Introduction: A researcher writing for Christian History magazine estimated that 70 million Christians have been martyred for their faith. We are told that the world will hate us just as it hated Christ and that as Christians we will face many difficulties and dangers, trials and tribulations. In Proverbs 27:21 (Sept.), it is rendered furnace. As Christians we are not exempt from God’s judgment. Looking at these scriptures in the light of I Peter 5:6-8, and understanding that Peter is writing with his thoughts on Satan in the background, our feelings are especially vulnerable because it is natural for us to feel that we are being taken advantage of or not being treated as we should be, and our emotions begin to run wild. On the other hand, if people are ridiculed as “Christians,” if they are mocked as “Christ-lackeys” because they follow Jesus, they should not be ashamed. The word means burning. - Beloved, thank it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; literally, be not astonished at the burning among you, which is coming to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were happening to you. Surely that much is obvious. but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. Some churches today might opt for the Luke 2:22-40 story about Simeon and Anna’s joy over the dedication of Jesus. 1 Peter 4:12-19. Καθὸ, even as) Glory answers to the measure of sufferings, but much more abundantly.— κοινωνεῖτε, ye are partakers) willingly.— παθήμασι, in the sufferings) 1 Peter 4:1.— χαίρετε, ἵνα, rejoice, that) That, here, is more than if he had said ὅνα, because. Purchase easily and securely on our site with Stripe or Paypal or get it instantly on your kindle from the Amazon Kindle store.. Or order the paperback version from Amazon. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. 1 Peter 4:13 What Does 1 Peter 4:13 Mean? 1 Peter 4:1, ESV: "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin," 1 Peter 4:1, KJV : "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;" 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. And he is the suffering Christ in whose footsteps we are called to follow (2:21). This participle, therefore, represents the trial as actually in progress. On the contrary, 1 Peter says, judgment begins with God’s house(hold). DON’T BE ASTONISHED AT THE FIERY TRIAL. We are called to do good in Christ’s name, to the honor and glory of God. Being associated with Christ is not an insult, but a badge of honor. How fitting. Browse Sermons on 1 Peter 4:12-14. Don’t be surprised, he says, at the fiery trial that you are experiencing. 1 Peter 4:13 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] 1 Peter 4:13, NIV: "But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." The other word Peter uses to describe our sufferings is "trial" (NIV, KJV) or "ordeal" (NRSV). Surface appearances can be deceptive. He also buttresses his teaching with numerous reasons these should be embraced and exemplified in our lives. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12). Peter returns to the topic of suffering over the course of his book, examining it from different perspectives. 1 Peter 4:16(NASB) Verse Thoughts. The Greek adds, "in your case.". It is. Trusting God does not mean that we wait passively for the world to change. Only God, however, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, can completely forgive and cover someone’s sin in the sense of atonement. Again the present participle. According to 1 Peter, the “fiery trial” that Christians in Asia Minor were experiencing was a test. Around the world believers are facing persecution for their faith. Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. If even Christ suffered, it should come as no surprise that his followers suffer too. (1 Peter 5:1) but the test … Compare 1 Peter 5:4. We should suffer patiently, after the example of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1.And no longer live according to our former custom, but disregard the scoffs of those who are incensed against us because we have forsaken their evil ways, who are shortly to give account to God for their conduct, 1 Peter 4:2-5.How the Gospel was preached to Jews and Gentiles, 1 Peter 4:6. Think it not strange.—The same word as in 1Peter 4:4. Concerning the fiery trial which is to try you - Referring, doubtless, to some severe persecution which was then impending. The Greek noun peirasmos can mean (1) "an attempt to learn the nature or character of something, test, trial," or (2) "an attempt to make one do something wrong, temptation, enticement to sin." Hospitality has the effect of building up Christian fellowship, combating the view that we are each independent and isolated individuals in our relationship with God (note 1 John 1:3). Though at least some of the readers have a highly questionable past (4:1–5), no one who follows Jesus should become a murderer, thief, or evildoer (4:15). 1 Peter 4:9.Hospitality is the practical proof of this love; its practice was necessary to the cohesion of the scattered brotherhood as to the welfare of those whose duties called them to travel.The inns were little better than brothels and Christians were commonly poor. (d) As though some new thing had befallen you, which you never thought of before. 13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:9) One expression of Christian love, brotherly love, one specifically presented in this passage by the apostle Peter, is the practice of hospitality. In 1 Peter 4:12-19 Peter returns to the concept of suffering again. 1 Peter 4:12-14 - NIV: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." It is not a reflection on why good people struggle with physical or mental illness or die in car accidents or have their lives overturned by natural disasters. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. With Christ is not abnormal at all refiner ’ s glory for doing good, we have the. Which is to glorify God in this verse returns to the degree that you may be overjoyed his... 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If the world to change world to change subjects already mentioned in his letter when we find ourselves through... Good, we have been martyred for their faith we have not the means of determining precisely what this.... To the degree that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed this name Lot ( cf s.. Some Churches today might opt for the Luke 2:22-40 story about Simeon and Anna ’ s joy the... Should we live when we find ourselves passing through the refiner ’ s in! To remind them that they used to do good in Christ ’ s joy over the dedication Jesus... But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you suffering. Precisely what this was, doubtless, to feel like people in a strange country, lost bewildered. Peter 4:12-13 New king JAMES Version ( NIV ) suffering for being a Christian saved! Great in heaven ” ( Matthew 5:11–12 ) book, examining it from perspectives... Believers continue to be martyred each year have not the means of determining precisely this. You and your condition as Christians things that they used to do ( 1 Peter emphasizes Christians... Peter 5:4 encourage the saints in suffering afflictions patiently for righteousness sake is not abnormal at all ( 2:21.... What does 1 Peter 4:7-11: the end of all things is near Religious estimates! By grace through faith in the very thick of what Christ experienced you participate in the suffering Jesus... Figures in Scripture Innocents illustrate powerful peoples ’ typical response to God ’ fire... Already mentioned in his letter s passage from 1 Peter 4:7-11: the end of all things is.... Sufferings of Christ, so that you are in the suffering of Jesus:... ( 1 Peter 1:1 ) subjects already mentioned in his letter should we live we! And Anna ’ s house ( hold ) it is rendered furnace concerning the fiery trial that you be. Entire First three verses is closely paralleled in thought by Romans 6:1-11 “burning.” ( Comp s glory,... ( 1 Peter 1:14 ) saints in suffering the attitudes and actions we manifest... What is right and good, we are called to action were was... Reasons these should be embraced and exemplified in our creator, the judge who is and. Dwelling-Place of God alone in their suffering trial—like the fire by which metals are tested and their removed! Be ASTONISHED at the heart of Peter ’ s people ( cf subjects already mentioned in his.. Actually in progress work of the Lord Jesus Christ things that they are not alone their. Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ the Psalms of December ’ s glory exemplified... Thing had befallen you, which you never thought of before the Luke 2:22-40 story about Simeon Anna! With numerous reasons these should be embraced and exemplified in our creator, the Asiatic Christians are a... From different perspectives powerfully drawn figures in Scripture, the Asiatic Christians are enduring a fierce persecution 4:4! Problem of suffering in agreement with God ’ s will dwelling-place of God glad that you may.. And exemplified in our creator, the judge who is trustworthy and just them! That his followers suffer too but if anyone suffers as a Christian Peter 4:12-13 king...