Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

“Dear friends” marks the beginning of a new section, which makes a fitting climax to the letter’s argument. Suffering is not to be regarded as something foreign to Christian experience but rather as a refining test. Peter has already mentioned the necessity of faith being refined through suffering and testing (1:6–7). Here the idea of refining is found in the word “painful” (lit., “burning”; GK 4796), a word used in the refining of metals.

Jesus himself said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (cf. 1Jn 3:13). In the light of Jesus’ experience and teaching, his followers should expect troubles, but troubles should encourage them (cf. Jn 16:33).