1 Peter 4:13

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.

But {G235} rejoice {G5463}, inasmuch as {G2526} ye are partakers {G2841} of Christ's {G5547} sufferings {G3804}; that {G2443}, when {G1722} his {G846} glory {G1391} shall be revealed {G602}, ye may be glad {G5463} also {G2532} with exceeding joy {G21}.

Rather, to the extent that you share the fellowship of the Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice; so that you will rejoice even more when his Sh’khinah is revealed.

But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

Context

First Peter 4:13 is nestled within a larger section of Peter's epistle that addresses Christian suffering and endurance. Peter encourages believers not to be surprised by the "fiery trial" that comes upon them (1 Peter 4:12), but rather to view it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and identification with Christ. The early church faced significant persecution, and Peter's words provided comfort and a theological framework for understanding their hardships, linking present pain to future glory.

Key Themes

  • Joy in Suffering: This verse presents a profound paradox: the command to rejoice in the midst of suffering. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual joy rooted in understanding the purpose and outcome of trials.
  • Identification with Christ: Believers are called "partakers of Christ's sufferings," implying a profound spiritual union with Jesus. Our suffering for righteousness' sake is not meaningless; it aligns us with the very path Christ walked (Romans 8:17, Philippians 3:10).
  • Future Hope and Glory: The present suffering is temporary and purposeful, leading to a glorious future. The anticipation of Christ's revelation and the "exceeding joy" that will accompany it provides motivation and perspective for enduring current hardships. This eschatological hope is central to the Christian understanding of suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "partakers" is koinonoi (κοινωνοί), which signifies a deep fellowship, partnership, or sharing. It suggests more than just experiencing similar pain; it implies a profound communion with Christ in His suffering. This deep connection transforms the nature of our trials. The phrase "exceeding joy" comes from agalliasthēte (ἀγαλλιάσθε), meaning "to leap for joy" or "exult," indicating an overflowing, triumphant gladness that far surpasses any present sorrow, particularly in anticipation of Christ's return.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 4:13 offers a powerful shift in perspective on adversity. Instead of being disheartened by trials or persecution for faith, we are encouraged to find joy in them, seeing them as opportunities to draw closer to Christ and participate in His redemptive work. This verse reminds us that suffering is not a sign of God's abandonment but can be a pathway to deeper spiritual intimacy and a foretaste of the immeasurable joy awaiting us when Christ's glory shall be revealed. It fosters resilience, hope, and an eternal focus in the face of temporary earthly struggles.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:17

    ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

  • James 1:2

    ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

  • James 1:3

    Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

  • Romans 5:3

    And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

  • Philippians 3:10

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

  • 2 Corinthians 1:7

    ¶ And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
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