1 Peter 4:16 Commentary and Bible Study

The name Christian was already in use by this time. Having done all in their power to avoid any justifiable grounds for suffering, believers may yet still have to suffer unjustly at the hands of an unbelieving world and of the devil. They are to meet this injustice with equanimity, with a mind that overcomes all disadvantages that come for Christ’s sake. By doing so, Christians triumph over the work of the enemy, and prove themselves to be more than a match for the works of darkness in the battle that God calls them to fight. They overcome because they see the things that count for eternity and are ready to lose the things which are now passing away. Not one thing of real value will be taken from the believer, even though he should face death on account of his testimony, and there shall not a hair of his head perish (Luke 21:18).In their suffering the church therefore sees the wisdom of God that allows all things, and glorifies him who applies such wisdom to their case. They know that they deserve to suffer greatly and that only the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ has saved them from an eternity of torment in hell. But they also know that the suffering that they now endure, in spite of this, does not come by way of punishment but as a privilege in being associated with their Lord who also suffered before them. Calvin says, ‘For since all afflictions derive their origin from sin, this thought ought to occur to the godly, “I am indeed worth to be visited by the Lord with this and even with greater punishment for my sin; but now he would have me to suffer for righteousness, as though I were innocent.”’ This new way of thinking can only come through a powerful assurance of salvation by the Spirit working in the heart, for unless the conscience is truly pacified and convinced that God is satisfied, it is too easily awakened to guilt by suffering.’