I Peter 4:7-19
Dear RTB’ers,
Suffering… The word “suffer” (and its endings) occurs once in I Peter 1, four times in I Peter 2, three times in I Peter 3, six times in I Peter 4, and three times in I Peter 5. We know from the book of Acts that Paul and his fellow travelers (Barnabas, Silas, others?) suffered for their preaching at the hands of the Jews with beatings, stoning, etc., especially in Galatia, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Peter is very likely writing to these same people and is probably aware of what Paul and his companions have gone through, with an expectation that Gentile converts in those regions would be suffering the same fate. To that end, Peter reminds his readers of Jesus’ suffering and ties their suffering to His. It’s a good reminder for us also! I remember the nuns in my Catholic grade school who used to speak of difficult times with one phrase: “Offer it up.”
In addition to “offering it up”, Peter also offers his readers some good, encouraging advice: keep loving one another; show hospitality; serve one another (by the strength that God supplies); and speak as one who speaks oracles of God. (vv. 8-11) Why? …that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (v. 11b)
Finally, my Study Bible relates Peter’s quote in verse 18 to Proverbs 11:31, but more pointedly (to me) to Jesus’ own words as He walked His path to Golgotha: For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? (Luke 23:31) If they did these things to Jesus…
Suffering… (misfortunes, disappointments, etc.) – expect it, and offer it up.
Blessings!
See also: November 18 (2021) / I Peter 4:1-19