Suffering for Christ — strangers and pilgrims
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:131 Peter is a letter of hope to suffering Christians. Written by Peter around 64 AD, just before Nero's persecution began, the letter addresses believers in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) facing increasing hostility. Peter calls them 'strangers and pilgrims' (2:11) — temporary residents in a hostile world. His message: suffering is the Christian's normal experience. Christ suffered. You will suffer. But your suffering has purpose, and it will end in glory.
The structure alternates between theology and exhortation. Chapter 1: the living hope of salvation; be holy. Chapter 2: the living stone; submit to authorities; follow Christ's example. Chapter 3: wives and husbands; suffering for righteousness; Christ's suffering and triumph. Chapter 4: suffering as a Christian brings glory. Chapter 5: instructions to elders; humble yourselves; resist the devil. The letter is saturated with hope — the inheritance is kept in heaven, the trial of faith is more precious than gold, and the God of all grace will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
The theological center is Christ's substitutionary suffering (2:21-25 and 3:18). Christ suffered for us, leaving an example. He bore our sins in his own body on the tree. By his stripes we are healed. He died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God. This is penal substitution — Christ bearing the punishment we deserved. And because he suffered, we can endure suffering. Our suffering is not meaningless. It is participation in Christ's sufferings, and it will end in glory.
2 chapters per day
'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps... who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.' Christ's suffering is both example and atonement. As an example, we follow his steps — suffering patiently, not reviling, committing ourselves to God. As atonement, he bore our sins in his body on the cross. The result: we are healed. This is not physical healing (though God can heal physically). This is spiritual healing — forgiveness, reconciliation, new life. We were like sheep going astray. Now we have returned to the Shepherd.
'But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.' Christians must be able to defend their faith. Not with arrogance or hostility, but with meekness and fear (reverence). The context is persecution. People are asking why you believe. Be ready to explain. This is apologetics — giving a reasoned defense of the faith. But note the order: sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts first. Worship precedes witness. The best apologetic is a holy life combined with a clear explanation of the Gospel. People should see your hope and ask about it.
'Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith.' Anxiety and spiritual warfare go together. The command: cast all your cares on God, because he cares for you. The warning: the devil is prowling like a lion. The defense: resist him, standing firm in the faith. This is not passive resignation. This is active trust. You cast your cares on God, and you resist the devil. God carries your burdens. You stand your ground. The devil wants to devour you through worry, fear, and doubt. The antidote is faith in God's care.
Peter opens with praise: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.' The Christian has a living hope — not wishful thinking but confident expectation grounded in Christ's resurrection. The inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven. It cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Meanwhile, believers are guarded by God's power through faith. The trial of faith is more precious than gold. The end is the salvation of your souls.