1 Peter 4:16

16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. ^[a]

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 for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally glorify God in that name; NA glorify God in this matter