William Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Peter 4:15 - 4:15

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Peter 4:15 - 4:15


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Observe here, 1. What it is that the apostle calls upon them to avoid and shun; it is sin, not suffering: evil doing in general, murder and theft in particular, sins that were then very much practised among the Jews: Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer; by suffering as evil-doers we lose the comfort and reward of all our sufferings.

Observe, 2. What sufferings he bids them not be ashamed of, but glory in, namely, when they suffer as Christians, and purely as such.

Quest. But what is it to suffer as a Christian?

Ans. 1. When we suffer for a good cause. 2. From a Christian principle. 3. In a Christian manner, with meekness, patience, and self- denial.

Quest. 2. What is it to glorify God on behalf of our sufferings?

Ans. Afflictions and sufferings, considered barely in themselves, are far from being glorious; but consider them in their cause, as sufferings for righteousness' sake, and so they are glorious; and God honours us greatly, when he calls us forth to suffer, and furnishes us with courage and resolution for sufferings, and it is our duty to give glory to him who enables us thus to do: If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God in this behalf.