Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
What does 1 Peter 4:12 mean?
By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, he is evil spoken of, and is blasphemed.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 1 Peter 4:12-13 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Beloved, think it not strange - Do not consider it as anything which you had no reason to expect; as anything which may not happen to others also. Concerning the fiery trial which is to try you - Referring, doubtless, to some severe persecution which was then impending. We have not the means of determining precisely what this was. The word rendered "fiery trial" (πυρωσει purosei) occurs only here and in Revelation 18:9 , Revelation 18:18 ; in both of which latter places it is rendered burning.
Context in 1 Peter 4
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1 Peter 4 belongs to the late movement of the book, especially the section often described as elders, humility, and final steadfastness. First Peter calls believers a holy people in exile, formed by Christ’s suffering and destined for glory. Read this chapter with the wider themes of exile, hope, and holiness in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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