1Pe 4:12-19 | NETfull | STEP | 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 4:12-19

12 Dear friends, do not be astonished ^{▼▼ Or “do not be surprised, taken aback.” The same verb occurs in 4:4.} that a trial by fire is occurring among you, ^{▼▼ Grk “at the burning among you, occurring to you for testing.”} as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed ^{▼▼ Grk “in the revelation of his glory.”} you may also rejoice and be glad. ^{▼▼ The verb “be glad” is used also in 1:6 and 1:8. The verbs of v. 13b are used together in Matt 5:12 and Rev 19:7.} 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, ^{▼▼ Many mss, some of them important and early ([א] A P 33 81 323 945 1241 1739 pm bo), add καὶ δυνάμεως (kai dunameōs; “and of power”) here. The shorter reading is supported by Ƥ⁷²B K L Ψ 049 pm). Although the evidence is evenly divided, the longer reading looks to be an explanatory or liturgical expansion on the text and for this reason should be considered secondary.} who is the Spirit of God , ^{▼▼ Grk “the Spirit of glory and of God.”} rests ^{▼▼ A quotation taken from Isa 11:2.} on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. ^{▼▼ The meaning of the Greek word used here is uncertain. It may mean “spy, informer,” “revolutionary,” or “defrauder, embezzler.” But the most likely meaning is “busybody, one who meddles in the affairs of others, troublesome meddler.” The translation given in the text is intended to suggest this general idea.} 16 But if you suffer as a Christian, ^{▼▼ The verb is implied by the context but not expressed; Grk “but if as a Christian.”} do not be ashamed, but glorify ^{▼▼ These are third-person imperatives in Greek (“if [one of you suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed…let him glorify”), but have been translated as second-person verbs since this is smoother English idiom.} God that you bear such a name. ^{▼▼ Grk “in this name.”} 17 For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house ^{▼▼ Grk “to begin from the house.”} of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate ^{▼▼ Or “the end.”} of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of ^{▼▼ Grk “where will he appear.”} the ungodly and sinners? ^{▼▼ The personal references in v. 18 are generic singulars, but they have been changed to the plural in English to maintain consistency with the plurals of v. 17.} ^{▼▼ A quotation from Prov 11:31 (LXX).} 19 So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good. ^{▼▼ Grk “in doing good.”}