Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(D) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(E) you are blessed,(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(G) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(H) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(I) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](J)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(K) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(L) and a witness(M) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(N) Be shepherds of God’s flock(O) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(P) not pursuing dishonest gain,(Q) but eager to serve; not lording it over(R) those entrusted to you, but being examples(S) to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd(T) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(U) that will never fade away.(V)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(W) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(X) toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[b](Y)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(Z) Cast all your anxiety on him(AA) because he cares for you.(AB)

Be alert and of sober mind.(AC) Your enemy the devil prowls around(AD) like a roaring lion(AE) looking for someone to devour. Resist him,(AF) standing firm in the faith,(AG) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(AH)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you(AI) to his eternal glory(AJ) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(AK) will himself restore you and make you strong,(AL) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(AM)

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  2. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34

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