Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:" — 1 Peter 4:12 (ASV)

Beloved, think it not strange. Do not consider it as anything that you had no reason to expect; as anything that might not also happen to others.

Concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Referring, doubtless, to some severe persecution that was then impending. We do not have the means of determining precisely what this was. The word translated fiery trial (purwsei) occurs only here and in Revelation 18:9, 18; in both of those latter places it is translated burning. It means, properly, a being on fire, burning, conflagration; and then any severe trial. It cannot be demonstrated from this word that they were literally to suffer by fire, but it is clear that some heavy calamity was before them.

As though some strange thing happened unto you. Something unusual; something that did not occur to others.