1 Peter 4b Commentary
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name.” Acts 5, verse 41. The historian Luke reported on one incident when the disciples were flogged, a lesser punishment compared to the earlier proposed beheading or killing. Peter was one of the disciples—probably the leading man at this time.
We understand him when he talks about the joy of suffering for the name of Christ. He walked the talk!
Peter’s words become heavier each time we remember the man who experienced it all: countless miracles, glory (the mountain of transfiguration), and Calvary. If there was suffering for the righteous, he knew it wasn’t for a lack of heavenly care.
You suffer for the name in many ways. You may be bullied at school because of your purity. You may drop out of the promotion queue for failing to compromise your godly values. Of course, many believers have physical scars to show for their love for Jesus!
Of course, the devil has, quite unsuccessfully, used persecution against the Body of Christ; it has worked wonders for him! Zero results, as usual. No one succeeds against the Chief Shepherd! Where persecution fails, enticement becomes the next default—the lure of worldly pleasures. The price is indulgence and a possible compromise.
Yes, physical persecution and enticement are the two evil cousins. But deception is always on the menu—a virtual world where you are poor because they say so. You are down and out because they say so. You are low-grade because they say so. The devil fights contentment to the point that even your own food on your own table becomes invisible. You lack even when you are plentifully supplied.
Many prayer requests are for things we probably don’t even need!
The man Peter gives us a good case study. He walked on water as the physical Jesus directed him. He escaped from prison as the resurrected Jesus led him out. He knew Jesus never left His people. But he also suffered from flogging. Tradition has it that he was martyred for the name. The Christian walk is a total package of miracles and suffering for the name.
Let there be no shame in suffering for the name. Verse 16.
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