1 Peter 4:16 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 4:14-16

4:14-16 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the presence of the glory and the Spirit of God rest upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer or a busybody. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him by this name bring glory to God. Here Peter says the greatest thing of all. If a man suffers for Christ, the presence of the glory rests upon him. This is a very strange phrase. We think it can... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:16

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian ,.... Because he is one, and professes himself to be one. This name was first given to the disciples at Antioch, either by themselves, or by the Gentiles; however, it being agreeable to them, was retained; it is only mentioned here, and in Acts 11:26 , let him not be ashamed ; neither of Christ, and his Gospel, for which he suffers, nor of the name he bears, nor of the punishment he endures, however ignominious and shameful it may be among men; but... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:16

Yet if - as a Christian - If he be persecuted because he has embraced the Christian faith, let him not be ashamed, but let him rather glorify God on this very account. Christ suffered by the Jews because he was holy; Christians suffer because they resemble him. The word Χριστιανος , Christian, is used only here and in Acts 11:26 ; Acts 26:28 . See the note on the Acts 11:26 ; (note). read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:16

Verse 16 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian After having forbidden the Christians to do any hurt or harm, lest for their evil deeds, like the unbelieving, they should become hateful to the world, he now bids them to give thanks to God, if they suffered persecutions for the name of Christ. And truly it is no common kindness from God, that he calls us, freed and exempted from the common punishment of our sins, to so honorable a warfare as to undergo for the testimony of his Gospel either... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 4:16

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian . The word "Christian" occurs only three times in the New Testament—twice in the Acts of the Apostles ( Acts 11:26 ; Acts 26:28 ), and here. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." They were originally described amongst themselves as "the disciples," "the brethren," "the believers," "the elect," or" the saints;" by the Jews they were called "the Nazarenes" ( Acts 24:5 ), as still in Mohammedan countries. The name was probably... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 4:16

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian - Because he is a Christian; if he is persecuted on account of his religion. This was often done, and they had reason to expect that it might occur in their own case. Compare the notes at 1 Peter 3:17. On the import of the word Christian, and the reasons why the name was given to the disciples of the Lord Jesus, see the notes at Acts 11:26.Let him not be ashamed - Ashamed of religion so as to refuse to suffer on account of it. (2)Ashamed that he is despised... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Peter 4:14-16

1 Peter 4:14-16. If ye be reproached for Christ Reproaches and cruel mockings were always one part of their sufferings, and to an ingenuous mind, reproach is often worse than the spoiling of goods, or even than bodily pain; happy are you The apostle alludes to Christ’s words, Matthew 5:11, Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, &c. For the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you Conquering all reproach, and spreading a lustre around you, while he supports and comforts you... 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 4:16

Christian . See Acts 11:26 . behalf = respect, literally part, but the texts read "name". read more