1 Peter 4:12 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Peter 4:12-19

The frequent repetition of counsel and comfort to Christians, considered as sufferers, in every chapter of this epistle, shows that the greatest danger these new converts were in arose from the persecutions to which their embracing Christianity exposed them. The good behaviour of Christians under sufferings is the most difficult part of their duty, but yet necessary both for the honour of Christ and their own comfort; and therefore the apostle, having extorted them in the former part of this... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:12-13

4:12-13 Beloved, do not regard the fiery ordeal through which you are passing and which has happened to you to test you, as something strange, as if some alien experience were happening to you, but rejoice in so far as you share the sufferings of Christ so that you may also rejoice with rapture when his glory shall be revealed. In the nature of things persecution must have been a much more daunting experience for Gentiles than it was for Jews. The average Gentile had little experience of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial ,.... By which may be meant either the destruction of Jerusalem, which was at hand, and of which the apostle may be thought to give the Jews he writes to notice of before hand; that they might be prepared for it, and not be overwhelmed with consternation and amazement when they should hear of it; who, though in other countries, must be affected with it, and would be a trying dispensation to them: or else the afflictions and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:12

Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial - Πυρωσει· The burning. The metaphor is old, but noble; it represents the Christians at Pontus as having fire cast upon them for the trying of their faith, as gold is tried by fire, 1 Peter 1:7 , to which the apostle alludes - Macknight. St. Peter returns here to what he had often touched upon in this epistle, namely, to exhort the Christians to behave with patience and integrity under their present severe persecution; to which purpose he... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:12

Verse 12 12Beloved, think it not strange, or, wonder not. There is a frequent mention made in this Epistle of afflictions; the cause of which we have elsewhere explained. But this difference is to be observed, that when he exhorts the faithful to patience, he sometimes speaks generally of troubles common to man’s life; but here he speaks of wrongs done to the faithful for the name of Christ. And first, indeed, he reminded them that they ought not to have deemed it strange as for a thing sudden... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, thank it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you ; literally, be not astonished at the burning among you, which is coming to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were happening to you. St. Peter returns to the sufferings of his readers. The address, "beloved," as in 1 Peter 2:11 , shows the depth of his sympathy with them. He resumes the thought of 1 Peter 1:7 ; the persecution is a burning, a fiery... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, think it not strange - Do not consider it as anything which you had no reason to expect; as anything which may not happen to others also.Concerning the fiery trial which is to try you - Referring, doubtless, to some severe persecution which was then impending. We have not the means of determining precisely what this was. The word rendered “fiery trial” (πυρώσει purōsei) occurs only here and in Revelation 18:9, Revelation 18:18; in both of which latter places it is rendered burning.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Peter 4:12-13

1 Peter 4:12-13. Think it not strange, &c. Wonder not at the fiery trial The dreadful series of furious and bitter persecutions. The original expression, εν υμιν πυρωσει , is literally, the burning which is among you; denoting the grievous persecution which the Christians in Pontus, &c., were suffering for their faith; including both martyrdom itself, which frequently was by fire, and all the other sufferings joined with or previous to it. The metaphor is bold, but noble: it... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:12-19

Joy amid persecution (4:12-19)Christians should not be surprised when they have to suffer because of their faith in Christ. Their association with him means that they have to share his suffering now, just as they will share his glory in the future. They should be glad when they suffer for his sake, because it gives them added assurance that they are God’s people. They know that God is testing and purifying their faith (12-14). They have no need to be downhearted because of persecution, provided... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Peter 4:12

Beloved . App-135 . concerning = as to. the fiery trial, &c. Literally the fire (of persecution) which is among ( App-104 .) you, coming to you for ( App-104 .) trial. Not coming in the future, but a present condition. fiery . Greek. purosis. Here and Revelation 18:9 , Revelation 18:18 . trial . Greek. peirasmos. See 1 Peter 1:6 and 2 Peter 2:9 . some = a. strange . Greek. xenos. See Acts 17:18 . unto = to. read more