1 Peter 4:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

NIV: If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

NASB: Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;

CSB: Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.

NLT: If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

KJV: But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

NKJV: But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

In the previous verses, Peter urged Christians to rejoice in the face of persecution. Believers should see themselves as blessed, to the extent that they experience suffering for the sake of Jesus. It is one way that our place with Christ is confirmed now, and it will result in more rejoicing and glory when Christ's glory is revealed later.

Peter is quick to say, though, that not all suffering is equally honorable. A Christian who experiences the natural consequence of sinful choices, including being punished by the state for criminal activity, should not make the mistake of thinking he or she is suffering for Christ. No Christian is obligated to suffer as a murderer or thief or meddler. No Christian is required by God to suffer for doing anything immoral or evil. This is for a simple, logical reason: no Christian is ever told by God to do such things. Even if they themselves are being wrongfully persecuted, insulted, or falsely accused, Christians are called to good and moral conduct.

It can be easy to justify retaliating against those who kill other Christians, or who confiscate our property. But hurting ourselves by doing evil is not something we can boast about in Christ. Peter says we should not confuse well-deserved penalties for crimes with genuine suffering for Jesus' sake.

1 Peter 4:12–19 reminds Christians not to be surprised even by fiery suffering, but instead to see sharing in Christ’s afflictions as something worth rejoicing in. We will be glad when Christ’s glory is ultimately revealed, and we are currently blessed because God’s Spirit is with us. At the same time, we get no credit for the penalties of our own criminal or evil choices, or for retaliating against those who hurt us. When we're persecuted for doing good, God is able to ''judge'' His people, to strengthen our faith in Him. He will judge much more severely all those who reject faith in Christ.

Peter continues to describe how Christians should respond when faced with persecution: Take on Christ’s attitude, and expect God’s purpose for your life to include suffering. Set the course of your life away from mind-numbing pleasure seeking. Be alert so that you can pray effectively in these end times. In fact, rejoice if you share in Christ’s sufferings. God uses suffering to refine the faith of His people, and our present suffering contributes to future glory. If you suffer, keep doing good while trusting your soul to your Creator.

Peter’s letter to Christians is about how to live in the world while suffering for faith in Christ. Thus far, he has assured Christians that their future is secure with God. We are His holy people, set apart for His purposes. Christians are called to live in submission to every human authority. Now in chapter 4, Peter writes that we should take Jesus’ attitude toward suffering and expect it in this life, avoiding mind-numbing sin while loving each other earnestly. God may use suffering in this life to refine our faith, but the end of all things is near.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.