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1 Peter 2:19<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n For this<\/span> is<\/span><\/em> commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Truth to Learn<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n We should rejoice when we suffer for doing what is good.<\/p>\n Behind the Words<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cCommendable<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek word charis<\/span><\/em>, which is derived from the verb chair\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto rejoice\u201d or \u201cto be glad.\u201d Hence, charis<\/span><\/em> refers to the joy or gratification one feels for a kindness or a favor granted. It is often used to refer to that kindness or favor, especially when it is undeserved (as the grace which God showed to us in forgiving our sins). In the current verse, however, it refers to the joy that we should feel.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cconscience<\/span>\u201d is suneid\u0113sis<\/span><\/em>, a form of suneido<\/span><\/em> which is made up of sun<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201ctogether\u201d and eid\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto perceive\u201d or \u201cto know.\u201d Hence, suneid\u0113sis<\/span><\/em> literally refers to joint knowledge or joint perception. In this verse it refers to the joint knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, hence the translation \u201cconscience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEndures<\/span>\u201d is from hypopher\u014d<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of hupo<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cunder\u201d and pher\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto bear.\u201d So it literally means \u201cto bear under\u201d or \u201cto endure.\u201d<\/p>\n The expression \u201cif \u2026 one endures grief<\/span>\u201d is an expression of the first class condition, which in Greek means that it is assumed to be true. Hence, Peter is assuming that each one of us does occasionally endure grief, suffering wrongfully.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cwrongfully<\/span>\u201d is adik\u014ds<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of the privative a<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cnot\u201d and a form of dik\u0113<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cjustice.\u201d Hence, it means \u201cunjustly\u201d or \u201cwrongfully.\u201d<\/p>\n Meaning Explained<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Peter is telling us in this verse that if we do what is right because it is what God has told us to do and we end up patiently suffering for it, then it is a joyful thing. James told us a similar thing in his letter:<\/p>\n My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,<\/span> (James 1:2<\/span><\/strong>)<\/p>\n The word James used for \u201cjoy\u201d is chara<\/span><\/em>, which is also from the verb chair\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto be glad.\u201d God does not promise us that obeying Him will always result in blessing and happiness; quite the contrary, in fact. Christ told the disciples:<\/p>\n These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation<\/strong> \u2026 <\/span>(John 16:33<\/span><\/strong>)<\/p>\n We are not told that we may<\/strong> suffer for Christ but that we will<\/strong> suffer for Him. But Peter is telling us that if we endure it, even though we may be suffering unjustly, we can be glad.<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The ruler of this world (Satan) is the enemy of God. If we are ambassadors of our Heavenly Father in this world, obeying Him and representing him by our conduct and actions, His enemy will not like it. Let us not be surprised, therefore, when we suffer for doing good.<\/p>\n Are you suffering for your testimony and obedience to Christ? Be glad! Rejoice! And give God the praise!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –<\/p>\n <\/span>If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:![\"signature\"](\"..\/..\/signature.gif\")
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