1 Peter 4:12-19

New International Reader's Version

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the terrible things happening to you. The trouble you are having has come to test you. So don’t feel as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead, be joyful that you are taking part in Christ’s sufferings. Then you will have even more joy when Christ returns in glory. ¹⁴ Suppose people say bad things about you because you believe in Christ. Then you are blessed, because God’s Spirit rests on you. He is the Spirit of glory. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it shouldn’t be because you are a murderer. It shouldn’t be because you are a thief or someone who does evil things. It shouldn’t be because you interfere with other people’s business. ¹⁶ But suppose you suffer for being a Christian. Then don’t be ashamed. Instead, praise God because you are known by the name of Christ. ¹⁷ It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. And since it begins with us, what will happen to people who don’t obey God’s good news? ¹⁸ Scripture says,

¹⁹ Here is what people who suffer because of God’s plan should do. They should commit themselves to their faithful Creator. And they should continue to do good.