New Testament · Letter

1 Peter 4

Rejoice in Suffering

Don't be surprised by the fiery ordeal as though something strange were happening. Rejoice that you share in Christ's sufferings so you may also share in his glory.

Berean Standard Bible BSB KJV

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

2Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.

3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.

4Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

5But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

8Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

10As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.

13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

16But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Understand This

1 Peter 4, explained

What 1 Peter 4 is saying

Peter exhorts believers to arm themselves with Christ's mindset toward suffering, having 'ceased from sin' in the sense of a decisive break with the former Gentile lifestyle of sensuality and idolatry. The eschatological urgency intensifies: 'the end of all things is near,' demanding sober prayer, fervent love, hospitality, and faithful stewardship of God's varied grace (poikilēs charitos). The 'fiery trial' (pyrōsis) should not surprise believers; rather, sharing in Christ's sufferings is cause for rejoicing because God's glory-Spirit rests upon them.

The background behind it

The catalog of Gentile vices—debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, detestable idolatry—reflects the actual social environment of Roman Asia Minor. The surprise and hostility of former associates at the believers' changed lifestyle (4:4) indicates relatively recent conversions. The 'judgment beginning at God's household' language may echo Ezekiel 9:6.

Themes running underneath

The suffering-glory paradigm reaches its climax: participation in Christ's sufferings now guarantees participation in His glory at the revelation. The stewardship of charismatic gifts within the community reveals an ecclesiology of mutual service. The distinction between suffering 'as a Christian' and suffering as a wrongdoer is ethically crucial.

Why it still matters

Peter's eschatological urgency does not produce withdrawal from the world but intensified love and service within the community. The call to rejoice in suffering is not masochistic but eschatological: present suffering is the pathway to future glory.

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Scripture text: Berean Standard Bible — used by permission, Bible Hub.