But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not fear their fear, nor be troubled."
Truth to Learn
We probably won’t suffer for behaving the way God expects us to. But if we do, we are fortunate, and we should not be afraid.
Behind the Words
There are 4 types of conditional sentences in the Greek grammar of the New Testament, although only the first three actually appear in the New Testament texts.. This sentence is closest in form to the least common of those, the 4th class conditional sentence. The 4th class condition indicates “less probable future condition.” In other words, “while it is possible, it is not likely that this will happen.”
There are two Greek words that are commonly translated “bless, blessed, or blessing.” They are eulogeo (“good words” or “well-spoken of”) and markarion which means “supremely fortunate” or “supremely well-off.” The word in today’s verse is the latter.
There are two instances of the word “fear” in this passage. The first is the verb phobeō and the second is the noun phobos. These are both from the same root (from which we get the English word “phobia”). So, literally, this verse says, “do not fear their fear.” There are two possible meanings, either a) Do not be afraid with the same sort of fear as wicked men are; with a worldly slavish fear of men, and of the loss of worldly things, and of life itself: or, b) Do not be afraid of those who inject fear into you; do not be afraid of their words and reproaches, of their threatenings and menaces, or even of death itself. This is a general quote from Isaiah 8:12 which says,
And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it.
It appears that the proper translation is, “do not be afraid of them with the same kind of fear they have.”
Meaning Explained
In the previous 2 verses Peter told us that God is looking over us and is attentive to our prayers. This promise is not to all mankind. Peter is writing this letter to “the elect,” those who have been chosen by God.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father … (1Peter 1:1, 2a)
If you are a born again Christian then this promise is for you. As we said in the previous verse, however, this does not mean that nothing bad will ever happen to you.
If we behave as God has commanded us, keeping our tongues from speaking badly, turning away from evil, and pursuing peace, then we know that God is watching over us and listening to our prayers and nothing bad is likely to happen to us. But even if we should suffer because of righteousness, we are blessed.
Even if we should suffer for doing what is right, though it is very unlikely, then we are still extremely fortunate. We have been adopted by the great Lord of all creation, and we are to be the bride of His Son, and He loves us with a perfect love!
Because of that, Peter says in the last half of this verse, “then don’t fear their threats nor be troubled.” Even if you should suffer, don’t let it make you fearful. Here’s what our Lord said:
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28-31) [NASB]
Application
In John 16:33 Christ told His disciples that in this world we will suffer tribulation. If we behave like our Heavenly Father wants us to and if we are a constant witness for Him, the world will hate us. And if we should suffer for it, we are to count it a joyous thing, and we are not to fear because God is for us!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved