"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Peter, one of the first apostles called by Christ, is a very important figure in church history. Jesus occasionally took Peter with Him on special occasions, such as His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and to witness His agony in Gethsemene (Mark 14:33). As Jesus predicted, Peter denied the Lord (Mark 14:71,72), but later was recommissioned by Christ Himself (John 21). The first section of the book of Acts deals with Peter's life and ministry.
In his first letter, Peter focus on suffering, bringing words of comfort to the Christian victims of vicious persecution. Peter writes that their faith will be proved genuine and "may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7). Because of this, we are to "be holy in all" our conduct (1 Peter 1:15). We are to love each other and rid ourselves of "all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" (1 Peter 2:1). He reminds us "that it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:17).
Peter instructs his readers to "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King" (1 Peter 2:17). They were to do so because "by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15). Likewise, he instructs elders to care for the younger believers. He calls everyone to "have fervent love for one another" (1 Peter 4:8) and to live every aspect of their lives for God. If we do not conduct ourselves in this way, our suffering is deserved, and no glory comes to either God or to us. But when we suffer according to God's will, "rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:13).
In his first letter, Peter focus on suffering, bringing words of comfort to the Christian victims of vicious persecution. Peter writes that their faith will be proved genuine and "may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7). Because of this, we are to "be holy in all" our conduct (1 Peter 1:15). We are to love each other and rid ourselves of "all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" (1 Peter 2:1). He reminds us "that it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:17).
Peter instructs his readers to "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King" (1 Peter 2:17). They were to do so because "by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15). Likewise, he instructs elders to care for the younger believers. He calls everyone to "have fervent love for one another" (1 Peter 4:8) and to live every aspect of their lives for God. If we do not conduct ourselves in this way, our suffering is deserved, and no glory comes to either God or to us. But when we suffer according to God's will, "rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:13).
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