John Calvin 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, or, wonder not. Frequent mention is made in this Epistle of afflictions, the cause of which we have explained elsewhere. But this difference is to be observed: when he exhorts the faithful to patience, he sometimes speaks generally of troubles common to human life, but here he speaks of wrongs done to the faithful for the name of Christ.

And first, indeed, he reminded them that they ought not to have considered it strange, as something sudden and unexpected. By this, he intimates that they ought, through long meditation, to have been previously prepared to bear the cross. For whoever has resolved to fight under Christ’s banner will not be dismayed when persecution happens, but, as one accustomed to it, will patiently bear it. So that we may then be in a prepared state of mind when the waves of persecutions roll over us, we ought in due time to accustom ourselves to such an event by meditating continually on the cross.

Moreover, he proves that the cross is useful to us by two arguments: first, that God in this way tries our faith, and second, that we thus become partakers with Christ. Therefore, in the first place, let us remember that the trial of our faith is most necessary, and that we ought consequently willingly to obey God who provides for our salvation.

However, the chief consolation is to be derived from fellowship with Christ. Therefore, Peter not only forbids us to think it strange when he presents this to us, but also bids us to rejoice. It is, indeed, a cause of joy when God tries our faith by persecution; but the other joy far surpasses it—that is, when the Son of God allots to us the same course of life as Himself, so that He might lead us with Himself to a blessed participation in heavenly glory.

For we must bear in mind this truth: that we bear the dying of Christ in our flesh, so that His life may be manifested in us. The wicked also indeed bear many afflictions; but since they are separated from Christ, they experience nothing but God’s wrath and curse. Thus, sorrow and dread overwhelm them.

Therefore, the whole consolation of the godly is this: that they are associates with Christ, so that hereafter they may be partakers of His glory. For we must always bear in mind this transition from the cross to the resurrection.

But since this world is like a labyrinth, in which no end to evils appears, Peter refers to the future revelation of Christ’s glory, as though he had said that the day of its revelation is not to be overlooked but ought to be awaited.

But he mentions a twofold joy: one which we now enjoy in hope, and the other, the full fruition of which the coming of Christ will bring to us. For the first is mingled with grief and sorrow, while the second is connected with exultation.

For it is not appropriate in the midst of afflictions to think of a joy that can free us from all trouble; but the consolations of God moderate evils, so that we can rejoice at the same time.