Ed Urzi

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14).

This passage highlights a word that has faded from use in many modern day vocabularies: “reproached.” A contemporary thesaurus would link this word to things like criticism, condemnation, or reprimand. Another source offers a definition of this word in the original language of this verse, along with several Biblical examples to illustrate its use…

• to censure, inveigh against, Mat_11:20; Mar_16:14;
• to reproach or revile, Jas_1:5;
• to revile, insult with insulting language, Mat_5:11. ₍₁₎

While no reasonable person would deliberately try to elicit those responses from others, conflicts are inevitable between those who follow a value system that does not acknowledge the God of the Scriptures and those who place Him at the forefront of their priorities. Therefore, this passage reminds us that those who live for Christ and follow His example are blessed in a world that is filled with those who have little use for Him.

This brings us to a quotation from our look at 1 Peter chapter three that bears repeating…

“We should not expect those at enmity with God to be friendly toward his apologists. Jesus made this clear when he warned, ‘If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you’ (John 15:18). Paul later confirms the veracity of the Lord’s words, both in his own experience and in the conclusion drawn therefrom: ‘Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Tim. 3:12). Yet Paul’s admonition, like Peter’s, is that we ‘bless those who persecute [us]; bless and do not curse them’ (Rom. 12:14).” ₍₂₎

In these instances, we can find comfort and encouragement in our text from 1 Peter and its affirmation that the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us when such things take place.

Depending on its context, this word “glory” can take on several different meanings. In the original language of the Old Testament, this word communicated the idea of heaviness, weight, and/or substance. ₍₃₎ In the New Testament, “glory” refers to a good opinion that results in praise and honor for the person under consideration. ₍₄₎ Thus, we can be assured of God’s praiseworthy and honorable presence whenever we are reproached for the name of Christ.

(1) G3679 oneidizo Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/oneidizo

(2) Baucham, V., Jr. (2015). Expository Apologetics: Answering Objections with the Power of the Word. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. Page 19.

(3) See H3513 – kabad https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3513

(4) See G1391 – doxa https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g1391

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13 ESV).

One scholar directs our attention to an important aspect of this passage and its reference to “…sharing Christ’s sufferings” (GNT): “Christians share in Christ’s sufferings not by contributing to Christ’s finished work of atonement for sin, but by experiencing similar mistreatment because they are identified with and united to Christ…” ₍₁₎

Another commentator adds…

“Christ’s death on the Cross is sufficient for our salvation. The Bible makes this emphatically clear. Anticipating the Cross, Jesus said to His Father, ‘I have finished the work which You have given Me to do’ (John 17:4). On the cross He cried out, ‘It is finished!’ (John 19:30). The Book of Hebrews declares unequivocally that ‘by one offering [on the cross] He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified’ (Heb. 10:14). And this He did ‘by Himself’ (Heb. 1:3), with no help from anyone else.” ₍₂₎

Therefore, our sufferings do not add to Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross. Instead, they enable us to identify with His experience of suffering for the sake of righteousness. The Apostle Paul expressed a similar thought in Philippians 3:10 when he said, “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death” (CSB).

So Paul was not simply interested in knowing about Jesus- he wanted to identify with Him and share in “…the fellowship of His sufferings.” This is reminiscent of the camaraderie that often develops among those who have a mutual background of shared experiences. The same is true among those who are “…partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (KJV) as well.

Our first commentator closes our look at this passage with the following thought…

“This kind of response is required of all of us because the Christian life is about the imitation of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). We are being molded into His image, so we are to strive to live as He lived. Our Lord was slandered and falsely accused of all kinds of offenses, but He opened not His mouth in protest (Isa. 53:7). Like a lamb, He accepted these vitriolic attacks, and, in the very moment of His passion, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who were attacking Him (Luke 23:34). This is how we are called to react to our enemies (1 Peter 4:13). Therefore, every false accusation, every slander, every ill word spoken about me is an opportunity for me to grow in my sanctification.” ₍₃₎

(1) R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 2249.

(2) Geisler, N. L., & Howe, T. A. (1992). When critics ask : a popular handbook on Bible difficulties (pp. 486–487). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

(3) R.C. Sproul, “A Charitable Reaction” Tabletalk Magazine, January, 2013 [pg. 5]

“but 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 one sense, our text from 1 Peter 4:13 is easy to grasp, for it reflects a familiar aspect of the human experience.

For instance, let’s consider the example of a student who would rather do almost anything but study. Nevertheless, the satisfaction and approval that accompanies a good grade is often enough to motivate that student to endure the tedious rigors of academic study. A musician may find little joy in lengthy rehearsals or the monotonous task of playing scales. Yet, the musician willingly invests in such things in order to master a challenging piece. An athlete may not enjoy the repetitive drills and exercises that are essential to success in his or her sport. However, the athlete looks forward to the triumph that can only emerge from a steadfast commitment to those fundamentals.

In a similar manner, those who participate in the sufferings of Christ now will “…be glad with exceeding joy” when His glory is revealed. Jesus touched upon this subject in the Biblical book of Revelation when He said, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21).

Thus, as the following verse in 1 Peter chapter four will go on to remind us, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you…” Since it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), these instances offer an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in Him. 2 Corinthians 4:17 provides us with a further incentive: “…our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (NIV).

Then, as now, Jesus’ followers should be willing to accompany Him in that place of suffering wherever it may be. As Jesus Himself once said to His followers…

“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all” (Matthew 10:24-26 NLT).

“Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 NET).

Since many instances of suffering seem to be devoid of meaning or purpose, we may struggle to make sense of painful events that appear to make little sense. As we face the trials and difficulties we encounter, we might question why God would allow us to experience such adversities. Answering these questions is often difficult, for there may be one reason, multiple reasons, or no apparent reason to explain the hardships we experience in life.

Yet even though it may be impossible to determine God’s purpose behind our afflictions, that does not imply the absence of a purpose. Because God is sovereign and has our best interests in mind, we can say that valid reasons for suffering always exist, even if we don’t fully understand them. With this in mind, we can make some general observations from the Scriptures that can help us grasp why God might allow “fiery trials” to enter our lives.

First, God might allow such things to strengthen us (2 Corinthians 12:10) or build our trust in Him (Psalm 50:14-15). God may also use suffering as a tool to build our patience or endurance (Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 10:35-38). He might also use such trials to serve as a model for others, showing them the right way to navigate through the challenges and hardships of life (2 Thessalonians 1:4).

Suffering can serve as a catalyst that leads us into a deeper relationship with God (Hebrews 5:7-8). While such trials are undoubtedly painful, they also play a role in cultivating humility (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In addition, they create a shared foundation for ministry to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Finally, suffering can deepen our understanding and gratitude for the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf (Philippians 3:10).

While suffering may be a product of life in a sinful, fallen world, we can take comfort knowing that there is a benevolent Creator who has our well-being in mind, even if we struggle to understand why things happen as they do. Remember that Proverbs 3:5 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (NIV). While God does not prevent us from trying to make sense of things we don’t understand, neither does He promise to explain His reasoning behind those life events that make little sense to us.

No matter what the situation, we should place our trust in God through Christ, for as the verse that follows Proverbs 3:5 concludes, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 HCSB).

Our look at this passage now brings us to the valuable insights offered by the following group of commentators…

“All of us want to be liked, but Jesus tells us that Christians sometimes will be hated. When I hear this I think of the prophet Jeremiah. Every time he spoke God’s Word he was drowned out by a chorus of false prophets. The difference between Jeremiah and the false prophets was that they only told the people what they wanted to hear, while Jeremiah told them what they needed to hear. Jeremiah’s message heralded doom, so the false prophets won all the popularity contests. Bear in mind that Jeremiah was a human being. He was indeed anointed by the Holy Spirit to his task, but the hatred of his fellow citizens wounded him deeply.” ₍₁₎

“The natural attitude for a Christian is to look on persecution as strange and abnormal. We are surprised when we have to suffer. But Peter tells us that we should consider it as normal Christian experience. We have no right to expect better treatment from the world than our Savior received. All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2Ti 3:12).” ₍₂₎

“Some Christians feel ‘surprised’ when other people misunderstand, dislike, insult, and treat them harshly as they seek to carry out God’s will. Peter reminded his readers that this reaction against them is not a ‘strange thing,’ but normal Christian experience. Their persecutions were ‘fiery (burning) ordeals,’ in the sense that they were part of God’s refining process and were uncomfortable (cf. 2:11). It was for their ‘testing’ (Gr. pairasmos, proving), to manifest their faith, that God allowed their sufferings (cf. James 1:2-4).” ₍₃₎

Since it is always easier to “go with the flow” of a world that holds little interest in God, a person who seeks to follow Christ is bound to meet with resistance to that decision. As our final commentator observes…

“Christians should not be surprised when they suffer. It is the nature of Christian life that it leads to conflict with the non-Christian world (1:6). The suffering that ensues, however, has redemptive value (see 1:6-7) and for that reason becomes a cause for joy. Such suffering confirms that Christians are in the succession of Christ and will receive glory as Christ did (4:13-14).” ₍₄₎

(1) Sproul, R. C. (1993). Before the face of God: Book 2: A daily guide for living from the Gospel of Luke (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries.

(2) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers. Pg 2278.

(3) Constable, Thomas. DD, Notes on 1 Peter 2023 Edition “Suffering and glory 4:12-14” [4:12] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1peter/1peter.htm

(4) Kendall, David W. “1. In response to hostilities (4:12-19)” In Asbury Bible Commentary. 1195. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1992.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

As mentioned earlier in our introduction to the Biblical book of 1 Peter, this epistle repeatedly directs our attention to the proper way to handle the sufferings, difficulties, persecutions, and negative circumstances we encounter in life. For instance, consider this passage from 1 Peter 4:12 and its reference to fiery trials. Unlike the questionable ethics of a modern-day salesperson who promises one thing but delivers something else, the Biblical Scriptures are clear regarding the potential sacrifices and responsibilities involved in following Christ.

That brings us to an expression that people sometimes use when talking about spiritual topics: “God loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life.” That statement is accurate, for God does love us and He certainly has a wonderful plan for our lives. But while we may be quick to focus on the good things that a statement like that implies, there is another aspect to consider.

For example, 1 Peter 4:12 compels us to acknowledge the possibility that God’s plan might involve hardships and challenges that are difficult to understand. This aspect of Christianity is frequently disregarded, unintentionally or otherwise. Thus, we should accept the fact that a commitment to follow Christ will undoubtedly lead to conflict with those who hold other priorities.

We should also note the role God plays in leading us into these “fiery ordeals” (Phillips). As the author of Hebrews tells us, “The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own” (Hebrews 12:6 CEV). Revelation 3:19 adds, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline…” (NIV). We even have the example of Jesus Himself, for we are told that the Holy Spirit “…compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness” to be tempted by the devil in Mark 1:12 (NLT).

If we begin with an awareness that trials and difficulties are an inherent aspect of genuine Christianity, we will be better prepared to handle them when they occur. Paul the Apostle prepared the Thessalonian church in this regard by saying, “We didn’t want any of you to be discouraged by all these troubles. You knew we would have to suffer, because when we were with you, we told you this would happen. And we did suffer, as you well know” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 CEV).

Yet as Paul also encouraged the church at Corinth…

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

“whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 ESV).

The Biblical book of 1 Corinthians tells us about Paul the Apostle’s efforts to resolve an issue that had arisen within the early church…

“…some …have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ'” (1 Corinthians 1:10-12 NIV).

Much like the ancient church at Corinth, it is not uncommon for some modern-day church members to favor one member of a pastoral staff over another. Or perhaps we might demonstrate a preference for another person who occupies a prominent ministry position. While it is certainly not wrong to favor one minister’s communication style over another, it is definitely wrong to create factions and divisions based on such preferences.

This relates to a portion of our text from 1 Peter 4:11: “Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies…” (GW). Given the diverse range of personal, cultural, and emotional differences among Jesus’ followers, it is virtually impossible for one individual to serve everyone effectively. Thus, God, in His wisdom, has bestowed different strengths upon each of His ministers. Those individual strengths will naturally appeal to some more than others.

Therefore, we should afford God-honoring leaders with an opportunity to serve with “…with the ability which God supplies” (NKJV). These divine enablements are geared towards an ultimate objective: “that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” So this reminds us that an honorable minister is one who seeks to glorify God through Christ. If the center of attention is on the speaker (or something else), there should be cause for concern, for God will not share His glory with another.

This represents an important consideration, especially in an era where we have an unparalleled opportunity to amplify our thoughts, opinions, and ideas through a wide range of media platforms. While we have the freedom to express our views and feelings through these channels, we may wish to reflect on how those engagements align with this message from 1 Peter 4:11. As Jesus Himself instructed us, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16)..

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).

For some, the word “oracle” evokes the image of a mythic realm that is reminiscent of the enchanted worlds of medieval lore. But despite these mystical undertones, the context of this word in 1 Peter 4:11 is quite different..

“The Greek word ‘oracles’ was used in classical Greek of the oracular utterances of heathen deities. In the Christian system it refers to divine utterances or revelations.” ₍₁₎

Thus, the phrase, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” is more significant than its brevity might suggest. First, it reminds us that a good speaker should faithfully proclaim God’s Word. It also implies that those who seek to communicate God’s Word must do so in a way that elicits respect for Him.

For instance, a speaker who neglects this idea may leave spiritual and/or emotional wounds in the lives of others. In fact, the Scriptures mention some who ignored this guidance and led others astray for their own personal gain. Every person who purports to speak for God should be mindful of the accountability that accompanies that role, for  “…we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1 NIV).

Another source alerts us to a more subtle aspect of this passage: “Speakers, therefore, are not free to advance their own opinions, but must speak the words of God (Gk. logion, ‘divinely authoritative communication’…”). ₍₂₎ In light of this, we should be cautious of those who prioritize their interests or preferences above the study of God’s Word. Paul the Apostle offered a similar admonition in his letters to the churches at Corinth and Colossae…

“Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5 GW).

“We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28 HCSB).

While every message reflects the minister to some extent, we should be alert to those who promote their views or interests at the expense of the Scriptures. Good leaders are those who faithfully instruct others in God’s Word. Thus, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God” (NIV).

(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [1 Peter 4:1-11] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

(2) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering & Inglis Ltd [p. 1561].

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10 ESV).

At the risk of over-dramatizing this passage, this portion of Scripture conveys two ideas that could have a transformative effect upon our lives if we were to act upon them. The first is that God has endowed every Christian with a gift in the form of a talent, skill, ability, or enablement. The second is that these gifts are designed to fulfill a specific objective: to serve and benefit others.

Another translation of this passage renders 1 Peter 4:10 in the following manner: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV). This “gift allowance” applies to every member of God’s family without exception, for we are told, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received…” This means that God has blessed His people with one or more gifts that are exclusive to each person.

The New Testament book of Romans offers some valuable guidance on this subject along with several examples…

“So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8 GNT).

The Biblical book of Ephesians adds…

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT, see also 1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

Therefore, it is crucial to identify our individual gifts and use them in service to others within the Body of Christ. Each new day brings a fresh opportunity to do something good and productive for God; and a person who uses a gift of God in His service will undoubtedly enjoy a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in ministering to others. Those who recognize and utilize the spiritual gifts that God has bestowed upon them are the ones who will be best equipped to make the most of their opportunities.

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).

While some portions of 1 Peter have been challenging to interpret and apply, our text from 1 Peter 4:10 is significantly easier. We can begin our look at this portion of Scripture with a definition of the word “gift” as offered by the following commentator…

“The term gift (charisma) is from the root for ‘grace’ (charis). These gifts are undeserved, unmerited love gifts for ministry. Every believer has a spiritual gift, given by God at salvation, for the purpose of ministry to and for the Church (cf. Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7,11,18; Eph. 4:7). These gifts may be natural talents, but if so, they are supernaturally energized for the glory of Christ! The practical aspect of this NT truth is that every believer is a full-time, called, gifted minister of Christ (cf. Eph. 4:12).” ₍₁₎

Thus, the talents, skills, opportunities, assets, and resources we possess are not meant solely for our benefit. Instead, 1 Peter 4:10 tells us that such gifts are to be used for the purpose of ministering to one another. The essence of that ministry involves sharing with others by serving them according to God’s provision. In other words, we can view these gifts as resources that God has given us to invest.

Our passage from 1 Peter uses the image of a steward to convey this idea. A modern-day equivalent of a steward might include someone who serves as a manager, supervisor, administrator, or director. As another source explains, “A steward… was a servant whom his master entrusted with the administration of his business or property. His job was to devote his time, talents, and energy to executing his master’s interests, not his own.” ₍₂₎

This brings to mind the example set by the servants who appear in Jesus’ parable of the talents. That parable relates the account of a person who was entrusted with a valuable possession but neglected to invest it properly. That possession was later taken from him and given to another servant who demonstrated better resource management.

Much like those servants, we have a similar duty to invest our God-given gifts in a manner that honors Him. Jesus’ sobering conclusion to that parable identifies the loss we may suffer if we neglect to fulfill our responsibility to use the gifts He has given us: “…to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29).

(1) Dr. Bob Utley. Free Bible Commentary – 1 Peter 4, [4:10] Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL02/VOL02B_04.html

(2) J. B. Lightfoot, Notes on the Epistles of St Paul, p. 197. Quoted in Notes on 1 Corinthians 2023 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable [4:21] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1corinthians/1corinthians.htm