1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

If {G1487} ye be reproached {G3679} for {G1722} the name {G3686} of Christ {G5547}, happy {G3107} are ye; for {G3754} the spirit {G4151} of glory {G1391} and {G2532} of God {G2316} resteth {G373} upon {G1909} you {G5209}: on {G2596}{G3303} their part {G846} he is evil spoken of {G987}, but {G1161} on {G2596} your part {G5209} he is glorified {G1392}.

If you are being insulted because you bear the name of the Messiah, how blessed you are! For the Spirit of the Sh’khinah, that is, the Spirit of God, is resting on you!

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

First Peter 4:14 offers profound encouragement to believers facing adversity for their faith, transforming reproach into a badge of honor and a sign of divine blessing. This verse is part of Peter's larger exhortation to Christians enduring various forms of suffering and persecution in the early church.

Context

This verse comes in the midst of Peter's discussion on Christian suffering and living righteously in a hostile world. He has just urged believers not to be surprised by the "fiery trial" among them (1 Peter 4:12) but to rejoice insofar as they participate in Christ's sufferings (1 Peter 4:13). Verse 14 specifically addresses suffering that comes in the form of verbal abuse or dishonor for one's association with Christ.

Key Themes

  • Blessedness in Persecution: The Greek word for "happy" (makarioi) is the same term Jesus used in the Beatitudes, signifying a deep, spiritual blessedness or favor from God, independent of external circumstances. Peter asserts that being reproached for Christ's name is not a misfortune but a cause for profound joy and divine approval.
  • The Indwelling Spirit as Validation: The phrase "the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you" signifies the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of persecuted believers. This divine indwelling is not only a source of comfort and strength but also a confirmation that their suffering is for a righteous cause and that God is indeed with them. It underscores that their suffering is not a sign of God's disapproval, but rather a sign of His intimate presence and validation.
  • Glorifying Christ Through Suffering: The verse highlights a stark contrast: "on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." While unbelievers blaspheme or speak ill of Christ through their persecution of His followers, the believers' steadfastness, joy, and endurance under reproach actually bring glory to Christ. Their faithful witness, even in suffering, elevates His name and demonstrates His power.

Linguistic Insights

The word "reproached" comes from the Greek oneidizesthe (ὀνειδίζεσθε), meaning to be insulted, reviled, or scorned. It refers to verbal abuse and dishonor. This type of suffering might not be physical, but it can be deeply painful, involving social ostracism, slander, or public humiliation for one's Christian identity. The phrase "spirit of glory and of God" emphasizes the divine nature and radiant presence of the Holy Spirit, which settles upon and empowers those who endure such reproach for Christ.

Practical Application

In every age, Christians may face reproach or ridicule for their faith, whether through direct insults, social pressure, or being misunderstood for their values. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement, reminding us that such experiences, when endured for Christ's sake, are not failures but opportunities for divine blessing and a demonstration of God's presence. It encourages believers to view reproach not as a burden but as a privilege, knowing that the Holy Spirit rests upon them, enabling them to stand firm and ultimately bringing glory to Christ's name.

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.

  • 1 Peter 3:14

    But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

  • Luke 6:22

    Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

  • James 1:12

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  • Matthew 5:11

    Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

  • 1 Peter 3:16

    ¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  • Psalms 146:5

    ¶ Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:

  • 1 Peter 2:19

    For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

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