1 Peter 4:12-13 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings ,.... Not of his personal sufferings; though they were partakers of the benefits and blessings which come through them, and result from them, such as justification, peace, and pardon, and which are matter and ground of rejoicing; but of the sufferings of his body, the church, which is mystically himself; and are called his, because of the union between him and his people, and the sympathy he bears to them, and because they are... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:13

Verse 13 Hence, then, is the whole consolation of the godly, that they are associates with Christ, that hereafter they may be partakers of his glory; for we are always to bear in mind this transition from the cross to the resurrection. But as this world is like a labyrinth, in which no end of evils appears, Peter refers to the future revelation of Christ’s glory, as though he had said, that the day of its revelation is not to be overlooked, but ought to be expected. But he mentions a twofold... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings. St. Peter speaks in stronger language; he repeats the Lord's words in Matthew 5:12 . Christians should learn to rejoice in persecution; they must rejoice in so far as, in proportion as ( καθό ), they are partakers of Christ's sufferings (see 2 Corinthians 9:10 ; Philippians 3:10 ; Hebrews 13:13 ). Suffering meekly borne draws the Christian nearer to Christ, lifts him, as on a cross, nearer to the crucified Lord; but... 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