New International Reader's Version NIRV
New International Version NIV
12 Dear friends, don't be surprised by the painful suffering you are going through. Don't feel as if something strange were happening to you.
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Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 Be joyful that you are taking part in Christ's sufferings. Then you will be filled with joy when Christ returns in glory.
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But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
14 Suppose people make fun of you because you believe in Christ. Then you are blessed, because God's Spirit rests on you. He is the Spirit of glory.
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If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 Suppose you suffer. Then it shouldn't be because you are a murderer or a thief. It shouldn't be because you do evil things. It shouldn't be because you poke your nose into other people's business.
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If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16 But suppose you suffer for being a Christian. Then don't be ashamed. Instead, praise God because you are known by that name.
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However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
17 It is time for people to be judged. It will begin with the family of God. And since it begins with us, what will happen to people who don't obey God's good news?
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For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 Scripture says, "Suppose it is hard for godly people to be saved. Then what will happen to ungodly people and sinners?" (Proverbs 11:31)
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And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Some people will suffer because God has planned it that way. They should commit themselves to their faithful Creator. And they should continue to do good.
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So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.