Suffering and glory

Read 1 Peter 4:12-13

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The theme of suffering for Christ has been central to this letter. Just as Jesus suffered unjustly and yet did not retaliate, Christians are called to “follow in his steps” (2:23-23). When wrongs are done to us, instead of revenge we should respond with blessing (3:9; Lk.6:27-28; Rom.12:19-21). Now, in a final paragraph, Peter brings these thoughts to a glorious conclusion.

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First, he reminds them that such trials are to be expected (12) for Jesus was clear that anyone who wants to follow him must be willing to “take up the cross” (Mk.8:34-38). There will always be a cost involved in following Jesus (Mt.10:37-39). What Peter’s readers were experiencing was – and is – a common experience of Christians “throughout the world” (5:9).

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So they should rejoice when they suffer for their faith, because it means that they “participate in the sufferings of Christ” (13). The Christian life is “in Christ” – we are united with him in his death and resurrection (Rom.6:3-5) and so we share too in “the fellowship of his sufferings” (Ph.3:10-11). But that also means that we will also share in the joy “when his glory is revealed”. In Christ, we have “the hope of glory” (Col.1:17).