seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Here's a link to the commentary.If you are reproached for the name of Christ: Suffering for the name of Christ is a blessing, because it shows that we really are following Jesus, and that we suffer because we are identified with Him.
Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody: Suffering as an evildoer is deserved and brings shame to the name of Jesus. Peter recognized that not all suffering that Christians experience is suffering in the name of Jesus.
We understand when Peter writes about the suffering that might come to the murderer, the thief, or the evildoer. Yet we shouldn’t be surprised that he also includes the busybody in other people’s matters. Such people do suffer a lot of grief and pain, but not for the sake of Jesus.
Oh boy... Peter is going to tell us how to suffer. When Peter denied Jesus... Matthew 26:69-75... There were two little servant girls who would not mind their own business. To top that off, there was a second little servant girl who reminded Peter, and everyone around, that Peter was indeed one of Jesus' Disciples. Way to cast dispersions on the whole Christian family. Once the two little servant girls blurted it out... The crowd picked it up. I bet they were saying "hey... he's over here"... and I bet Peter wanted to grab them and cover their mouths. Now how would a good Apostle pull off that abusive act, in front of yet another crowd? Peter lied instead.... and that is criminal as well. Good going Apostle Peter.... way to show Faith! Stand up, Stand up, for Jesus... you soldiers of the cross....
I bet Peter wasn't calling them just meddler or busybody.... I bet Peter blurted out words a good Christian should never have learned, let alone blurted. Peter's denial Is a pretty serious offense. As a matter of fact, Peter had indeed committed another crime that night. Peter lopped off the soldier's ear. That is Assault and Assault is a crime... and those meddlers were telling everyone that he might be the one the soldiers were no doubt looking for [even though Jesus healed the man].
I would say.... Peter knows what it's like to suffer. He must have been filled with guilt [and fear]. He knew Jesus was getting beaten, and the soldiers were putting extra licks in because they were angry about what Peter had done to their fellow soldier. He knew he had denied his boss. He knew he was lying. He knew he had just borne false witness against those two little servant girls. If they got a beating for what they said... He was at fault for that too. Peter was just digging his hole deeper and deeper. So, I would venture to say... Peter knew how to suffer.
Peter knew he was wrong. Peter knew he had wronged Jesus. Peter knew he shouldn't have lopped off that ear. Peter knew he should have stood by Jesus. Peter knew he should have been proud to be associated with Jesus. Peter knew he should not have defamed Jesus by say "I never knew the man". Liar! Peter had a lot of reasons to feel guilty.... but he wrote about busy bodies.... like the two servant girls who just would not keep their mouths shut!
It was all because of those meddling busybody servant girls.
Meddlers and busybodies...
