The Apostle Peter’s Thoughts on Suffering and Persecution by Ps Michael Podhaczky

The Apostle Peter’s Thoughts on Suffering and Persecution  

We have all read the news stories from around the world regarding Christ followers suffering persecution for their faith. Sometimes, the media can appear unfair, biased, and even hostile towards Christ followers. However, an important focus within Peter’s writings that can help bring some perspective is that of God’s divine providence in suffering and persecution. Peter skilfully illustrated the godly honour and character of for those suffering and persecuted for their faith. This was partly due to persecution by Rome, but also to the non-believing people groups of other nations. This may explain Peter’s comments in 1 Pet 2:13-17; 3:13.

Peter combined the matters of; the suffering of Christ, and of the Christ followers, through his letter e.g. 1 Pet 1:6-9,11; 2:19-21, 22-25; 3:14,17,18; 4:1,12-13,15-16,19; 5:1,9-10. He also dealt with their responses towards this suffering and persecution of faith, encouraging them to:

• Rejoice, and endure, as they were temporary: 1 Pet 1:6

• See it as testing the genuineness of their faith: 1 Pet 1:7
• Lay aside all the worldly attitudes: 1 Pet 2:1
• Serve unjust or harsh authorities: 1 Pet 2:18
• Do good; follow the example of Jesus Christ: 1 Pet 2:11-12,19-21
• Suffer for doing what is right, and be ready to give testimony for their faith: 1 Pet 3:14-15
• Stand firm against lusts: 1 Pet 4:1-6
• Suffer with Christ, but also rejoice: 1 Pet 4:12–14
• Endure God’s refining fire for growth in maturity, entrusting their life to Him because He is faithful: 1 Pet 1:3-12; 4:19
• Resist satan: 1 Pet 5:8-9

Peter also dealt with the significance of God’s will, urging them to:

• Have a proper attitude and obedience to those who are ruling over them: 1 Pet 2:15
• Suffer even in the midst of doing good (at times): 1 Pet 3:17; 4:19
• Live for God’s will: 1 Pet 4:2
• Be opposed to the will of the non-believers: 1 Pet 4:3