1 Peter 4:16

16 If you suffer for being a Christian, don't feel ashamed, but praise God for being called that name.

1 Peter 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian
Because he is one, and professes himself to be one. This name was first given to the disciples at Antioch, either by themselves, or by the Gentiles; however, it being agreeable to them, was retained; it is only mentioned here, and in ( Acts 11:26 ) ( 26:28 ) ,

let him not be ashamed;
neither of Christ, and his Gospel, for which he suffers, nor of the name he bears, nor of the punishment he endures, however ignominious and shameful it may be among men; but let him, as his Lord and master did, endure the cross, and despise the shame, ( Hebrews 12:2 )

but let him glorify God on this behalf:
that he bestows this gift upon him to suffer for Christ, as well as to believe in him; and that he does him so much honour to call him to such service, and to strengthen him in it, so as to take it joyfully, and endure it patiently and cheerfully. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and also the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, instead of "in this behalf", read "in this name"; that is, of a Christian.

1 Peter 4:16 In-Context

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory--the Spirit of God--is resting on you.

15 If you suffer, you shouldn't suffer for being a murderer, thief, criminal, or troublemaker.

16 If you suffer for being a Christian, don't feel ashamed, but praise God for being called that name.

17 The time has come for the judgment to begin, and it will begin with God's family. If it starts with us, what will be the end for those who refuse to obey the Good News of God?

18 If it's hard for the person who has God's approval to be saved, what will happen to the godless sinner?