Epistle Reading
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try
you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye
are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed,
ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of
Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon
you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But
let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer
as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
For
the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it
first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not
the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that
suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him
in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Epistle Commentary
Peter's words here were for those Christians
who were suffering persecution, hence the "fiery trial". They were in the heat of tribulation. This trial shouldn't surprise them, rather
Peter instructs them to rejoice in this high honor God was giving them, for God
would be glorified thereby and the "Spirit of Glory" rested upon
them. When we suffer hardships from the
world which hates us, particularly because we believe and trust in Christ, such
is true persecution and godly suffering.
"If ye be reproached for
the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God
resteth upon you." Contrary to this,
if however one is suffering for their own sins (as a thief, evil-doer, etc),
this is not something to glory in, but rather repent of and acknowledge this is
the just desserts of our sin. Thus when
we suffer as a Christian, let us
learn to glorify and thank God for such, for this is His good will which is
always best. "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God
commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a
faithful Creator."
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