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Scott's Reference Library
1 Peter 4:12 through 1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,
as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you
participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his
glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are
blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it
should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a
meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise
God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the
family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who
do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 12-19
By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God,
and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is
glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, he is evil
spoken of, and is blasphemed. One would think such cautions as these were
needless to Christians. But their enemies falsely charged them with foul crimes.
And even the best of men need to be warned against the worst of sins. There is
no comfort in sufferings, when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and
folly. A time of universal calamity was at hand, as foretold by our Saviour,
Matthew 24:9, 10. And if such things befall in this life, how awful will the day
of judgment be! It is true that the righteous are scarcely saved; even those who
endeavour to walk uprightly in the ways of God. This does not mean that the
purpose and performance of God are uncertain, but only the great difficulties
and hard encounters in the way; that they go through so many temptations and
tribulations, so many fightings without and fears within. Yet all outward
difficulties would be as nothing, were it not for lusts and corruptions within.
These are the worst clogs and troubles. And if the way of the righteous be so
hard, then how hard shall be the end of the ungodly sinner, who walks in sin
with delight, and thinks the righteous is a fool for all his pains! The only way
to keep the soul well, is, to commit it to God by prayer, and patient
perseverance in well-doing. He will overrule all to the final advantage of the
believer.