1 Peter 4:12-19 Suffering Persecution III
- Author: Peter the apostle, probably dictated to Silas (aka Silvanus)
- Date: early 60s, encouraging believers during persecution of Nero
(when Peter was martyred).
Peter has been telling us how to live together as the holy people of God witnessing to
His goodness, and how to experience shalom in various spheres of
life. But why do people hate and reject us? Peter tells us why we
should not be ashamed.
Questions
- Read 4:12-19, picking up key words and concepts:
What is the theme of this passage?
- Suffering for Christ
- What similarities are there between our sufferings and those of
Christ? (type, cause, purpose, etc.)
- What does it mean to suffer for being a Christian (v14,16)?
- Why does Peter say it is blessed to suffer in Christ's name?
- Historically, what results from suffering for Christ's name (e.g. Acts
8:1,4-7)?
- Surprised by persecution
- Why might Peter's audience have been surprised at persecution?
- Why did God allow it? What purposes does suffering accomplish?
(e.g. v12, 17-18, 1:6-7)
(cf. Heb 12:1-12, Jn 15:1-4,18-27)
- Does God still allow Christians to experience "fiery trials" today?
- What are Peter's expectations? (v19)
- How do we respond to this teaching?
[Adapted from Boston Club Bible Study
Resources' study on 1
Peter]