1. In response to hostilities (4:12-19)

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).

Peter does, however, caution his readers. They must be certain that their sufferings are unjust sufferings, that is, on account of their commitments to God (4:15-16). The God they serve is also the God who judges, and his judgment begins with his own people. Suffering, then, must motivate God’s people to greater faithfulness and to supreme reliance upon God as their faithful Creator (4:17-19).