1 Peter 4:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The apostle added this to what had been said before. He noticed that some were scandalized by the afflictions that befell them, since peace is promised in the law to those who work for the Lord (Rom 2:10).

Although above, when he gave rules to servants, he briefly consoled them in a similar way, here he gives the matter fuller speech and says: beloved.

By this very name he immediately shows that afflictions happen to them not because God hates them, but because He loves them greatly.

"Do not be estranged" means the same as "do not be astonished" (xenizesthe). Then he called the afflictions a fiery trial, or burning, and thereby showed that they are sent upon them for testing.

Testing makes the thing tested very precious, as happens with gold and silver.

The will of the flesh is the natural movement of the body, followed by inflammation without thoughts. These movements are strengthened by sleep and bodily rest, and bodily rest consists in pleasing the belly and the senses.

Concerning them blessed Peter also says: "Do not be astonished at the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you for testing, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Pet 4:12).

Blessed Paul also said of them: "The flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh." Therefore he commands, saying: "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh" (Gal 5:16-17).

The apostles said this because they wished us not to consent to such movements in Christ Jesus our Lord, with Whom be glory to the Father and the Holy Spirit unto ages of ages. Amen.

That is, they consider sufferings in unheard-of events to be new. Yet they are old, because they are kinds of prophetic sufferings. Now Peter declares that every kind of suffering was contained in the Cross of Christ, so that nothing would be required of us which He Himself did not endure.

Peter encourages the believers not to be distressed by the suffering that comes upon them. For Christ endured more for us than we seem to bear for faith in Him. Therefore, in such circumstances one must rejoice in endurance, so that perfect joy may be glorified before Him.

"Fiery trial," πυρώδει. In Holy Scripture the testing of faith and virtue through temptations is often compared to the purification of metals by fire; see above, 1 Pet. 1:7; Ps. 65:10; Ezek. 22:22.

"Beloved," as also in 2:10, is an expression of heartfelt sympathy for the readers in view of what is said next.

"Do not be estranged by the fiery trial": what is translated by the words "fiery trial" is expressed by the apostle in one word, meaning a blazing or a fire.

There is no basis in the context to understand this word in its proper sense. In a figurative sense it means calamities, afflictions, and hardships (Rev 18:9; 2 Pet 3:12; Zech 13:9).

These calamities and afflictions, probably chiefly the various persecutions from pagans and unbelieving Jews, are meant here by this word.

Instructions to martyrs (1 Pet 4:12-19). "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial sent to test you, as though some strange thing had happened to you." Having said, for their consolation. That the martyrs "will rejoice and triumph at the revelation of Christ's glory," the Apostle adds: "Only let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or as one who encroaches on what belongs to another. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God for such a lot." "For," the Apostle adds, "the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God. And if it begins first with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?" By these added words the Apostle clearly wishes to instill the following thought.

Returning to his chief thought, that is, consolation in sufferings, the apostle calls the trial that befell Christians fiery, not in the proper sense.

He speaks in the same sense in which he spoke earlier, comparing trials with fire that purifies gold in the furnace (see 1 Pet 1:7).

The similarity of that passage with the present one continues further, namely in the speech about the joy and triumph of those who suffer on the day of Christ's glory.

Here only the thought is added that Christians, in suffering, take part in the sufferings of Christ.

This participation in Christ's sufferings consists first of all in their suffering innocently, bearing sufferings with meekness and patience.