The author of 1 Peter understands the gospel and its consequences quite differently. Around the world believers are facing persecution for their faith. Don’t be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12) I like being comfortable. The International Institute for Religious Freedom estimates that 8,500 believers continue to be martyred each year. Our entire Study 1 Peter Bible study guide in one convenient E-book (Epub, PDF, and Mobi format). 1 Peter 4:13 What Does 1 Peter 4:13 Mean? 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. on StudyLight.org 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. I.e., alien from you and your condition as Christians. And when we do so, we determine by God’s grace to live righteously, knowing that in so doing we will bring opposition and persecution. 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). Compare Zechariah 13:9. And he is the suffering Christ in whose footsteps we are called to follow (2:21). 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. 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. 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. He gives us five words of wisdom for how to suffer without shame. 1 Peter 4:12(NASB) Verse Thoughts. He writes: “for you know that your brothers and … Continue reading "Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11" 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. The other word Peter uses to describe our sufferings is "trial" (NIV, KJV) or "ordeal" (NRSV). In the following few verses, he touches on subjects already mentioned in his letter. Facing social rejection because they are interfering nuisances is quite different from suffering for Jesus’ sake. 1 Cor. Surface appearances can be deceptive. 1 Peter 4:15, ESV: "But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler." "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." Think it not strange.âThe same word as in 1Peter 4:4. 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 … St. Stephen & St. Luke by the Sea Episcopal Churches, A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. As Christians we are not exempt from God’s judgment. (2:11) We've seen these words before in 1 Peter, reminding of our status on earth: 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Being associated with Christ is 1 peter 4:12 meaning an insult, but a badge of honor following. Know that he loves them deeply means, properly, a being on fire, burning, ;... 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