Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In this verse, Peter is contrasting suffering punishment because of wrongdoing (such as the types he mentions in verse 15 -- murder, theft, or any other kind of sinful crime) with suffering punishment (whether imposed by the legal system of a nation, or in the form of personal abuse and persecution from private individuals) solely because of being a Christian.

Christ warned His followers (Matthew 10:21-22) that they would undergo opposition and persecution because of being His disciples, just as He Himself was unjustly condemned to death and executed by the religious and civil authorities of both Israel and Rome on the alleged charge of having set Himself up as an earthly king in opposition to the Roman emperor, although He had committed no crime of any kind. He had only acknowledged Himself as the Messiah (which He was, but which the Jewish religious authorities regarded as false blasphemy that was punishable (according to the Mosaic Law) by death).

As Christians, although we should obey the civil authorities (which Peter himself (1 Peter 2:13-17), as well as Paul (Romans 13:1-7) commanded Christians to do), if those authorities seek to compel us (by law or other means) either to renounce our faith, or to punish us for practicing it, our first obligation is to obey and serve God, rather than man (Acts 5:29).

If we are justly and deservedly punished for committing sinful violations of the civil law, we receive no reward from God for that punishment. But if we are punished for exercising our faith while having committed no sinful crime (even if the law has categorized our exercise of faith as a crime), then any legal penalty or personal hardship that we undergo as a consequence brings glory to God and makes us sharers in the same kind of unjust suffering that Christ underwent, for which God will reward us in eternity, just as Jesus was rewarded by His resurrection from the dead.

March 24 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tjohn Ritchie Supporter

Based on a few insights and studies, I have gotten to understand that the word "Christian" is rarely mentioned in the bible solely because it wasn't a name ordained by Jesus Christ himself.
According to Mathew 28 Jesus Christ stated, "Go ye therefore out into all the nation and make "Disciples"not Christians.
With that being said we now get a clearer scope upon the origin and existence of this word "Christian"from the book of Acts 11:26 which states that "they were first called "Christians" in Antioch". Which means the origin of this word was birthed from out of Antioch by the rulers and the kings who made fun of the disciples and persecuted them. With that being said the name "Christian" given to them in those days was rather an insulting word for the disciples who sternly believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is also confirmed in Acts 26:28 king Agrippa stated "thou almost persuaded me to be a Christian" when Paul confronted him. Now in 1 Peter 4:16, Peter now creates a metaphorical platform of comparing "Suffering" and "Christian" using the key word "AS" solely because of the history and insulting reputation attached to the name first given in Antioch.

July 01 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean to suffer as a Christian in 1 Peter 4:16?

To "suffer as a Christian" in 1 Peter 4:16 means to endure hardship, slander, or persecution for one's faith, and to do so without shame, instead glorifying God through that suffering. This involves taking on Christ's attitude, persevering through trials by living for God's glory, and recognising that such suffering is not random but an honour that unites believers with Christ and can be a testament to their faith. It's about facing opposition with a mindset of hope and joy, because the ultimate glory of God is what truly matters —not human approval. 

1st Peter 4:16 Rotherham Bible: "But if as a Christian let him not be ashamed, but be glorifying God in this name."

To "suffer as a Christian" means enduring hardship, hostility, or persecution specifically because of one's allegiance to Jesus Christ and the gospel message, not as a consequence of personal wrongdoing or sin. Peter emphasises that this suffering is a privilege and an opportunity to glorify God, rather than a cause for shame.

Note what the apostle Paul had to say on the aspects of suffering as a Christian - Hebrews 12:2 Rotherham Bible: "2  Looking away unto our faith's Princely-leader and perfecter Jesus, who in consideration of the joy lying before him endured a cross, shame despising! And on the right hand of the throne of God hath taken his seat."

Jesus' example illustrates how hope, joy, and endurance work together. This might be summed up as follows: Hope leads to happiness, and joy to endurance. By focusing on the prospects and hope before him, Jesus found immeasurable pleasure, and that, in turn, helped him to endure the suffering that he went through.

Jesus' hope made him strong. On the final night of his life on earth, he dealt with one difficult situation after another. A close friend betrayed him. Another denied even knowing him. Others abandoned him and fled. His own fellow citizens rose against him, demanding his death by torture. What helped him to endure these painful things?

Paul tells us in verse 2 of Hebrews 12: "On the right hand of the throne of God hath taken his seat."

We might not go through half of what Jesus or Peter had to endure, but as Peter said, we will suffer as Christians because of the following:

1: Satan does not want us to speak about Christ
2: To declare the message that Jesus asked us to proclaim
3: Be loyal to Christ in all things

Bearing the name "Christian" signifies a deep association with Christ, sharing in His mission, His life, and His suffering. Just as Christ was persecuted for His claims and message, His followers can expect similar opposition, which has gone on for over 2,000 years.

So instead of feeling shame or disgrace, Peter instructs believers to "glorify God in that name". The early apostles rejoiced in being counted worthy to suffer for the Name (Acts 5:41), a model Peter encourages. 

Just remember that suffering as a Christian in 1 Peter 4:16 is like wearing a badge of honour —a sign of true discipleship —and a unique opportunity to publicly showcase God's power and faithfulness through an unashamed, Christ-like response.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report