After Ascension A, Easter 7AaI. Epistle

Sharing Christ's sufferings. 4:12-19

Introduction
The passage before us begins the third and final part of Peter's letter. In this passage Peter further develops his teaching on Christian suffering. He gives practical advice and explains how suffering is but a sign of the coming judgement of God.
The passage
v12. Peter opens by encouraging his readers to not be astonished in the face of suffering, as though something were happening to them which was out of the ordinary. Suffering serves as part of our apprenticeship for Christ.
v13. Yet, along with suffering there is glory. Christ rose from the dead and entered glory. Those who follow him will similarly move from suffering to joy, shame to glory.
v14. A believer who suffers is blessed, is happy. That is, they are privileged, and this because the "shekinah", or manifestation of God's glory, is upon them. Glory comes through suffering, thus in suffering there is glory.
v15. Since suffering for Christ honours Christ, a believer must be careful that they don't dishonor Christ by suffering for doing evil. The suffering Peter refers to is legal punishment at the hands of government authorities. Suffering as a murderer or a thief is not suffering for Christ. Peter also includes suffering prompted by being a "meddler". This is an interesting reference and is probably directed to those Christians who try to impose their ethical views on their neighbors. "Do gooders" leave themselves open to the resentment of those unworthy mortals who have to live next to them.
v16. If persecution does happen to come our way because we are a "Christian", we should not be "ashamed", but rather praise God. Peter here uses the term "Christ's men", a term first used by Agrippa in a derogatory way, Act.26:28. Although this title had obviously come to be regarded with disdain by both Gentiles and Jews, it was not something to be ashamed of, but rather a badge of honour.
v17-18. Peter now gives a very interesting insight into the suffering of believers. The suffering of the people of God is the first sign of God's judgement upon the human race - judgement begins with "the family of God." If the people of God face tribulation, then those who are against God will face even harder times. Jesus himself warned that the day of judgement would indeed be a time of wailing and grinding of teeth. Peter backs up his point by quoting the LXX (Greek) version of the Old Testament, Proverbs 11:31.
v19. Peter concludes his argument by encouraging his readers to trust in the Lord during times of trouble and to continue to act rightly in difficult circumstances. The kingdom comes through suffering, such is God's will. We must accept this truth and remain faithful.

Life wasn't meant to be easy
Although Peter's letter concerns persecution, it has something to say about the general troubles of life. We all face difficult times; things don't always work out for the best. When the fates conspire, how should we behave?

1. Do not be surprised, v12
There is nothing "strange" or unusual about suffering. There is no point to shaking the fist at God when we have to face the "what will be will be" reality of life. It is the nature of things - humanity out of control, nature groaning as it awaits its redemption.

2. Rejoice, v13
The believer is in the box-seat when it comes to the troubles of this world, for we know that these are but shadows and that glory is yet to come. More than that, we are aware that troubles prepare us for eternity. As Joe Cocker put it, "troubles lift us up where we belong." Indeed they do, especially for a believer. So rejoice.

3. Be happy, v14
If we find that the fates conspire to do us in, then we do well to see ourselves standing with the "man of sorrows". If we find ourselves suffering as Christ suffered, the promise of scripture is that his Spirit stands with us in the suffering. It is because of this that we may say, "happy is the person who suffers for righteousness sake".

4. Praise God, v16
Praising Jesus in in the face of trouble is applicable when the trouble is ours as a Christian. Suffering for the Name of Jesus is an honour and can be seen as something to praise God for.

5. Know the times, v17-18
The scriptures promise that in the last days trouble will increase as the day moves closer. Dark days are before us, times when the powers of darkness turn on the people of God as if in a last ditched stand to defeat the dawning of the kingdom. We must know the hour, see the signs. The "family of God" always stands close to the edge of darkness and must expect times of trouble. We must know the times.

Discussion
1. Why shouldn't we be surprised by troubled times?
2. How is a person "blessed" by suffering?
3. Discuss the notion that the church will increasingly suffer as the day of Christ's return draws near.
4. How should we handle bad times?

Textual notes Abbreviations, Bibliography

This letter from Peter to the churches in the provinces, serves as a warning to believers facing imminent trouble. Persecution is on the way, indeed, has already arrived. Peter therefore encourages his readers to stand firm in trouble. In particular, he wants to give them some practical advice. If persecution comes, let it be for following Christ, not for acting foolishly or with evil intent.
When a believer does suffer for their Christian faith, there is a sense where they share, or identify, with Christ's suffering. Such is a privilege and it serves to purify us, prepare us for eternity, strengthening us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. What we have to be careful about is that we not suffer as an evil-doer. When we are faced with suffering, we need to remember that it is but the first sign of God's coming judgement. In the face of suffering, the believer should renew their faith in the living God through Christ.

v14
oneidizesqe (oneidizw) pres. pas. "insulted" - reviled. Used in the Greek Old Testament (LXX) of a reproach to God and his people. Used in the New Testament of the insults that were heaped on Christ.
anapauetai (anapauw) pres. "rests" - give rest, refresh. In times of suffering, the indwelling Spirit of Christ counters the hurt with his refreshing presence.

v15
allotriepiskopoV (oV) "a meddler" - a person who interferes with the affairs of another, a mischief maker.

v17
arxasqai (arxw) aor. inf. "to begin" - indicating the starting of judgment, beginning. There are two ways to view this "judgement" upon "the household of God": First, the judgement may be God's chastisement on the people of God to purify them prior to the final judgement upon all mankind. Such purification is spoken of by the Old Testament prophets, Ezk.9:6, Mal.3:1-6. The "family of God" (the people of God, Israel, the church) will face the purifying fire prior to the day of judgement so that they will stand firm in that day. In this sense it serves to train us for our rule with Christ in eternity. Second, the coming judgement on mankind may prompt an increased attack by the powers of darkness upon the people of God. The final days are marked by a general persecution of the church. So, in this sense, the coming judgement that begins with the church may be referring to an indirect attack upon the church by the condemned.
twn apeiqountwn (apeiqew) "those who do not obey" - the disobedient. Participle as a substantive. The context indicates that the common meaning of this word in the New Testament is of rejecting the gospel, refusing to believe. In the middle voice it may mean to disbelieve, be an unbeliever.

v18
moliV adv. "hard" - scarcely. Difficult in the sense that it is no easy matter for God to achieve salvation for those who believe. There is no implication here that some believers will not be saved because it is such a difficult process.
pou faneitai (fainomai) "what will become of" - Literally, "where will it appear?" A question concerning what will become of those who do not believe. If the believer is only "scarcely" saved, then the unbeliever has no hope.

v19
wJste kai "so then" - The first word "therefore" serves to sum up the thoughts of the passage and the second word "and" serves to develop a new idea based on what has already been said. So, resting on the certainty of divine judgment, the believer needs to reaffirm their faith in God (through faith in Christ).
kristh (hV ou) "Creator" - one who creates.
paratiqesqwsan (paratiqhmi) pres. imp. "commit" - entrust, deliver over, entrust for safekeeping. Given the judgment, the believer should entrust their person [literally, their souls] completely to their creator.
en agaqopoiia "continue to do good" - in active well-doing. Well-doing is a practical expression of our personal commitment in faith to the living God in Christ. It is not the substance of our commitment. faith is the substance.

Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons

1 Peter

Notes