For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Truth to Learn
Sometimes God chooses to have us suffer even when we are doing what we know is right.
Behind the Words
“Better” is translated from the Greek word kreitton, which is the comparative form of kratus, meaning “strong.” So, kreitton literally means “stronger.” However, used figuratively as it is here, it refers to something that is “better.”
The word translated “will” in today’s verse is thelēma, a form of thelō, which refers to what God has determined. There are two words that are commonly translated as “will” in the Bible. They are boulomai (desirous will) and thelō (determined will). It’s like a child going into a store to buy candy with a limited amount of money. There is his desirous will (to have all the candy) and his determined will (the specific candy purchased with his limited funds).
If we look carefully we see that Scripture refers to God’s will in both ways. An example of God’s desirous will can be found in 2 Peter 3:9, where it says:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This is a use of boulomai in reference to God’s will. Hence, God does not desire that any should perish.
Meaning Explained
Peter has not been talking about our suffering as being discipline, though it sometimes feels that way. Let us not miss the truth that he is teaching us. When we suffer for doing good, we have a tendency to turn to God and say, “Hey, wait a minute, God! I did the right thing! Why am I suffering for it?”
In today’s verse, the use of thelema indicates that God has determined that in some cases we will suffer for doing what is right and good. Peter is telling us that even if that is the situation for you or me, it is better than suffering for doing evil. When we suffer for doing good we can, with a good conscience, turn our hearts toward God and give Him the glory for our suffering, knowing that it is part of His plan. When we suffer for doing evil, we can only hang our heads in shame and wish we hadn’t done something so stupid.
In the next chapter of this letter, Peter will say a similar thing about suffering:
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this matter. … Therefore those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. (1Peter 4:16, 19) [NASB]
Incidentally, the word translated “will” in 1 Peter 4:19 is also thelēma; that which God has determined.
Application
Are you suffering right now because you have done what is right and you can’t understand why? If so, get on your knees and thank God for finding you worthy to suffer for Him. Then, be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have in Him!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved