Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.
Truth to Learn
If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory!
Behind the Words
The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is actually of Latin formulation, not Greek. It is a word that was not used by Christians to refer to themselves until the end of the first century. This word was coined by Romans as a term of derision to distinguish followers of Christ from Jews and Gentiles. It occurs only three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and here.
“He must not be ashamed” is translated from mē aischunesthō. The Greek word mē means “not” and aischunomai means “to feel shame.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, meaning that the action is being done to the subject. It is also expressed in the imperative mood. When used this way with mē, it is expressing a prohibition. Therefore, this expression could be translated as “he is not to feel shamed in any way!”
The expression “let him glorify” is from the Greek word doxadzō, meaning “to give someone esteem or honor by putting him into an honorable position.” The word “let” does not imply giving permission to glorify God. It is there because doxadzō is expressed in the imperative mood, implying a command to glorify God. Hence, the second half of this verse could be translated as:
“he is not to feel shamed in any way; he is to glorify God in this name!”
Meaning Explained
Today’s verse is a continuation of the previous verse. Let’s put the two of them together:
But let none of you as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.
You will notice that in this quotation I took out the words “suffers.” That’s because they aren’t actually in the original text. They have been added by the translators for easier reading.
In Peter’s day Christians were already being persecuted for no other reason than the fact that they claimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Peter knew that this persecution would continue and that members of the body of Christ would suffer because of it. Therefore, he instructed the early Christians, as well as us today, that to suffer as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of, rather it is something to praise God about.
This along with the next 3 verses clearly summarizes what Peter has been saying throughout most of this letter:
“If you live the life of a submitted and committed Christian, you may very well suffer for it. But if you do, give your praises to God that you are counted worthy of sharing in Christ’s suffering.”
Application
Are you suffering right now simply because of your testimony as a Christian? If so, God is pleased, you are blessed, and your lips should be overflowing with praise to God.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved