Add parallel Print Page Options

12 Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.(A) 13 But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.(B) 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.(C) 15 But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer. 16 But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name. 17 For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God?(D)

18 “And if the righteous one is barely saved,
    where will the godless and the sinner appear?”(E)

19 As a result, those who suffer in accord with God’s will hand their souls over to a faithful creator as they do good.

Read full chapter

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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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