ETB 1 Peter 4:12-19

Session #9 - p.82 - Be Prepared

This week’s lesson title is the Boy Scouts’ motto. It is a good reminder that things do not always go as we plan. When we encounter opposition, be it from circumstance or personal interaction, it reveals our character and our true desires.

Ask: How do you usually respond when someone opposes your ideas? Does your response change based on the severity and type of opposition?

Understand the Context

First Peter is addressed to Christians in many churches over a wide region of Asia Minor. The book of Acts and other pastoral epistles testify to the sometimes violent opposition that Christians faced for practicing their faith. This background allows us to reasonably conclude that some form of persecution actually existed in every church. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-'25]

Peter wrote his letter during the reign of Emperor Nero who became increasing hostile toward Christians throughout his reign. Whether this level of imperially backed persecution had reached Peter’s first readers is difficult to discern from just our text.

Regardless, Peter made it clear that suffering was no mere possibility. It was not theory, but reality. This truth is reinforced by 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” This direct statement about persecution is universal in scope. Tied with Jesus’s statements and the experiences of those in Acts (to say nothing of other New Testament epistles), Peter’s message affirms that persecution should be an expectation for those who identify themselves as part of the Christian church. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

Peter elaborates on what it means to share in the sufferings of Christ—picking up on his thoughts from

Explore the Text

1 Peter 4:12–14 ESV

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

do not be surprised

The most interesting definitions I read for this phrase was not “to be affected with novelty” and not become “emotionally or cognitively impacted by the introduction of something new or strange.”

Today we might write is as, “don’t give it a second thought.”

Ask: Why are believers so often surprised when they face opposition toward their faith? Why does it still catch us off guard sometimes?

James, 1 - 2 Peter, Jude & Revelation Commentary

As Jobes (2005:286) says, “The idea that normal life should always be harmonious and free from suffering, despite universal suffering and death, remains a lingering echo of life in Eden as God created it before the fall.” But we are living after the Fall, so dislike and persecution (as well as general trials!) should never be “foreign” or unexpected.

I think that is a good insight into our perceptions. We think and expect things to be perfect like Eden while we forget we are living in Sodom.

Believer’s Bible Commentary B. Exhortations and Explanations concerning Suffering (4:12–19)

We have no right to expect better treatment from the world than our Savior received. All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (

fiery trial

Peter seems to be distinguishing this type of trial from others that may not be so “fiery” or harsh.

Do you think that may add to the “surprise factor?”

The distinction may have been made because of its purpose in our life. Although we can learn from everything that God brings into our lives, look at the specific reason Peter mentions.

to test you

This is the key to not being surprised or affected, knowing and accepting it as a test. Not a pass-fail type, but one to show you your progress.

I was one of those odd people in school who never really feared taking tests. I either knew it or found out how much I needed to study for the next one. I usually did poorly (at least in my estimation) in the first couple of tests. The first one I learned how the teacher or courseware asked questions and the subtleties of their expected answers. The second one usually confirmed the patterns I saw and also identified the things that they were trying to emphasize, which usually showed up again on the next tests. After that, I rarely missed many questions. This is the kind of testing that I have tried to expect from God. They are all about learning yourself and how you respond in different situations and temptations. Some have to be taken a lot, some we learn from quickly and move on to other things.

James 1:2–4 “2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

These trials Peter is referencing come from external sources. God sometimes tests us with things on the inside. This is the “thorn in the flesh” that Paul recognized in himself and eventually was able to release to God, but the effects of it never really stopped. A constant reminder of the weakness that can be given to if not constantly on guard to prevent it from being a “surprise.”

Ask: How can we be ready for the test of suffering?

Do not be surprised… but rejoice

Immediately following the temptation to dwell too long on the pain of the trial, we should shift to rejoicing. This is one of those tests that I am still learning how to respond correctly in. My rejoicing does eventually come, but it usually well after the trial when painful part of it is subsiding or at least seems to have diminished. Peter and Paul in his letters, gives us a clue on how to close that gap from the initial shock to joy.

you share Christ’s sufferings

Believer’s Bible Commentary B. Exhortations and Explanations concerning Suffering (4:12–19)

The privilege of sharing Christ’s sufferings should cause us great rejoicing. We cannot of course share His atoning sufferings; He is the only Sin-Bearer. But we can share the same kind of sufferings He endured as a Man. We can share His rejection and reproach.

Our suffering gives us a small glimpse into the torture that our Savior went through. We do not suffer in isolation. Jesus knows these trials and is also our example how to go through them without giving in to fleshly or sinful escapes from them.

Hebrews 4:15 “15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Paul correlates this suffering and rejoicing to make us more Christ-like in his letter to the Romans

Romans 5:3–5 “3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 4

Jesus gave us a wonderful illustration concerning suffering when He reminded us that after a woman endures pain and suffering to give birth, she forgets about the agony when her baby is born because the suffering is transformed into glory. The same baby who causes pain brings joy.

The heartache, setback, or difficulty that is causing you pain and agony will be the very thing that will ultimately bring joy. That which is breaking your heart right now will soon be the delight of your soul—watch and see!

Our rejoicing is not only for this age and for the privilege to suffer for Christ’s sake today.

be glad when his glory is revealed

Not only can we rejoice that our trials show us how we can be more like Christ, but there is also a promised attached. Because we suffer for Him, when He reveals Himself again, we will rejoice and be exalted with Him for we are His Bride, brothers, and fellow heirs. Those not justified will never be able to rejoice in His coming and will regret their rejection of Him for eternity.

If you are insulted

Peter moves from “fiery trials” to “insults.” Sometimes these can be harder to endure because only people who know you well enough to see Jesus in you can hurl insults of that nature at you. Those trials could be environmental, situational, political, or physical issues. Insults are always perpetrated by people and are personal attacks. Peter reminds us that is the “Spirit of glory and of God” that the people see and are attacking, but it is sometime difficult to disassociate the attack from the attacker. When we realize that their discomfort causes them to verbalize their malcontent toward us, it can give us insight into their spiritual state and need. Then we can accept their slander on behalf of our Savior and try to find ways to bring them to peace - both with God and of God.

1 and 2 Peter, Jude §20 Suffer Cheerfully for God (1 Pet. 4:12–19)

the very reviling is a proof that Christ is in them, and God’s enemies intuitively recognize this and react accordingly

When think about that it seems kind of odd how those who revile can see Christ in us, but we do not see Him enough to rejoice about it.

Peter then reminds his readers as he did earlier in the letter to be sure to suffer for the right reasons.

1 Peter 4:15–16 ESV

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

These two verses contrast the reasons we may face suffering. The first are not spiritual reasons, while the second is. Peter warns us to make sure we are not surprised by either form.

let none of you suffer as

We cannot help others come to Christ if we are acting in very ungodly manners. Peter does not specify whether these accusations are valid or not, but we must be beyond reproach, like Daniel, that such accusations are quickly dismissed. We cannot hold the moniker of Christian and any one of these at the same time. Only one would stick, so we much be sure that Christ’s name is the most exalted.

Peter’s list seems to have a progression downward in severity of harm. Starting with the most extreme down to the minimum, but they are all attributed as equal sin by God’s standard. Although it is doubtful that born again Christians would willing participate or initiate the first two criminal acts, that last two are not outside the actions of person yielding to temptations in the midst of social persecution.

The term meddler(allotriepiskopos) is a very challenging word. In fact, the word was not known to exist in Greek literature before the apostle coined it in 1 Peter. Given the severity of the other sins listed, some scholars believe Peter described a more severe type of “meddling” such as inciting riots or embezzling money. Others see it as an alternative to the other more severe sins. This could include actions that appear more subtle, but are still dangerous, such as being nosy or a busybody. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Do not miss the fact that Peter, through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, places being overtly nosy and a murder in the same list of things not to be called. On God’s scales, they are both sin. If we are to suffer, it should not be for our sinfulness - but for our Christlikeness.

but let him glorify God in that name

As we saw in the last verse we can be called many things, some of which are not good. At the time Peter wrote this “Christian” was more of a slur or derogatory terms than something you would willing call yourself. But if they call you “Christ-like” they are seeing enough of Him in your actions to label you that way. Praise God when they see Him, even if we are not the best representation, and pray that they see Him even more.

Peter finished this portion of the letter on suffering with a few more reminders of their source.

1 Peter 4:17–19 ESV

17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

As I read this week, there were many different interpretations revolving around this word “judgment.” Some saw it coming from God, some from those doing the persecution, others had more symbolic ideas. I prefer to keep both verse 17 and 18 with the same “Judge” and one administering the judgement. Keeping in the context of the fiery trials being used to test and prove our faith, these judgments on God’s people have the same intent.

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 4

Judgment here is not punitive, however, but purifying and cleansing. The suffering of God’s people refines them (

I like one writer’s interpretation of “scarcely saved” pointing out that only one choice is difference between heaven and hell for eternity. It is the only pass-fail test that really matters.

Psalm 112:7 “7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.”

In contrast to a believer’s refining judgment, Peter points to the non-believer who cannot be refined and therefore will suffer rightly for judicial reasons in God’s court.

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?

We know the unfortunate answer to this question because we have finished reading the Bible. God’s justice will be applied to all with perfect fairness and adherence to His law. One author pointed out that the “fiery trials” of the believer and “scarcely anything” compared to the tribulations we read of in Revelation and the final eternal fire for the demons, Lucifer, and all who reject Christ. Those who persecute or malign us as a Christ do not understand this is their current fate so we must pray that our suffering will somehow reveal Christ’s heart and sacrifice for their soul. We may what the suffering to stop, but we cannot desire this ultimate fate upon them.

Ask: What are some promises God’s people can cling to during suffering?

1 Peter 4:16 “16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

Verse 16 is our memory verse for the week, but are there any other Scripture verses that you cling to when suffering comes along?

Peter gives us another promise we can cling to in the last part of verse 19.

Entrust their souls

From what I read this week; the word translated as “entrust” was a banking term. Today we may place part of our inheritance in a “trust fund” for one our children. It is stored away to accrue value until such time as it is needed. God created the body in which He encrusted our soul, therefore we can “trust” Him to take care of our soul if anything happens to this body during those trials.

There was more than one commentator that noted that by using the term Creator for God, Peter was reminding his readers that the same God that made us in His image, also made all that which is causing us to suffer as well - be it other image bearers or a part of His other created works. We can trust God to help us through whatever situation comes into our lives for it had to be “approved” by Him for our refinement. He is forever faithful and will always do what is best for our fellowship with Him and growth in spiritual maturity.

Apply the Text

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 4

may we be those who slowly but surely learn to embrace suffering. May we begin to understand that it truly loosens sin’s grip on us personally, causes others to see us differently, places us in good company, keeps us focused on eternity, frees us to participate in ministry, allows us to experience glory, and reminds us to commit our souls unto our Creator faithfully.

Pray: Thank You Holy Spirit for providing encouragement and direction during times of suffering for Christ.  God, help us to anticipate and prepare for the opposition and ridicule for following Christ. Help us to suffer for our faith in a way the honors and glorifies You the most. Give us the strength and faith to trust You in the midst of the suffering. Remind us to praise You and proclaim Your goodness when it is over.