Charles Ellicott 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.—See Note on 1 Peter 2:11.

Think it not strange.—The same word as in 1 Peter 4:4. It means, literally, to feel like people in a strange country, lost and bewildered. It is further explained by the clause “as though some strange thing were (by bad luck) happening to you.” These Hebrew Christians felt at first that it was not what was to be expected: that those who attached themselves to the Messiah should have a life of sorrow and persecution in the world.

The fiery trial which is to try you.—This rendering is not only slovenly, but conveys a false impression, for the fiery trial was not future, but actually present. Literally it runs, Be not bewildered at the conflagration among you taking place for a trial to you. Already, then, the Asiatic Christians are enduring a fierce persecution. The word that describes it is otherwise found only in Revelation 18:9 and Revelation 18:18, meaning “burning.” (Compare to 1 Peter 1:7.)

On verses 12-19:

EXHORTATION TO COURAGE AND STEADFASTNESS IN PERSECUTION.—All ought to be prepared for persecution. It is a blessed and glorious thing to have to bear it. A criminal’s death and a Christian martyrdom are the exact opposites of each other. Vengeance is speedily coming.