1. Expectation
Peter is reminding his readers that the believer in Christ should expect to be the subject of fiery trials. This is true of believers who are living for the Lord, regardless of the dispensation in which they live. Note parallel passages:
a. Sermon on the Mount
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” (Matt. 5:10-11)

b. The Body of Christ “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (II Tim 3:12)

“Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:” (Col. 1:24)

c. Tribulation Saints “
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:9-10)

2. Explanation

The phrase “fiery trial” in 4:12 translates a word that refers to a very intense fire used to purify metals, to burn out the dross. The implication is that fiery trials that are so painful to us are simply purifying us for something God wants us to do for Him. The tense is present, which indicates a continuing process of testing in this life.

B. Rejoice
“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (I Pet. 4:13)

1. Attitude
“Rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering;”

This in no way implies that Christ’s suffering for our sins was incomplete, and that we, somehow, are adding something to His finished Work. The Apostle Paul implies the same thing in Colossians 1:24, already quoted.

2. Assurance
Note the promises concerning the rewards for suffering for Christ:

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:17)

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:10-12)

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” (I Pet. 4:14)

This is probably the most difficult type of persecution to endure. Many, who are willing to stand up for a cause, even to the point of suffering persecution, are intimidated by reproach. The word refers to being reviled, upbraided. In the vernacular, we would say, “being made fun of.” Some believe that even the term “Christian” was originally a term of derision. God’s people, through the ages, have been called unkind and unjust names as a matter of derision. Peter promises his readers that this reproach is an indication that the world can see the glory of God resting on the believer who is being reproached.

(To Be Continued)

September 2002 Edition Contents
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