1 Peter 4:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

NIV: However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

NASB: but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

CSB: But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.

NLT: But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

KJV: Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

NKJV: Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

The actual word "Christian" appears only three times in the Bible: this verse, in Acts 11:26, and Acts 26:28. It's entirely possible that the word was used as an insult by unbelievers in Peter's day. He rejects the idea that being associated with Christ should ever be received as an insult, though. Believers must reject any shame for genuinely suffering for Jesus' sake. Instead, we should boldly give glory to God, in the name of Christ, right in the middle of our suffering for Him.

It is an honor to carry the title of Christian, if it truly indicates our identity in Christ, and our place in God's family forever. In a culture that hates Christianity and Christian values, this is a parallel honor to physical persecution. If we are different enough from the world, and similar enough to Christ, that the world hates us, it is a sign we are doing something right.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 7:55:00 AM