1 Peter — Chapter 4

Suffering as a Christian

"If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."

— 1Pe 4:16 (ESV)

1 Peter 4 calls believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ in suffering, and presents suffering as a Christian as a privilege, not a shame.

💪 The Mind of Christ in Suffering (4:1-11)

1Pe 4:1-2

"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God."

Arming oneself with the mind of Christ: the disposition to suffer according to God's will rather than yield to sin. Christ’s suffering was the path of obedience; our suffering can be the same path.

🌟 Suffering as a Christian (4:12-19)

1Pe 4:12-14

"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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Suffering is not an exception — it is the norm of Christian life in this age. 'Do not be surprised' (me xenizesthe) — do not be strangers to suffering. Sharing in Christ’s sufferings is sharing in His future glory. The parousia will transform present suffering into eternal joy.