But if you suffer as a ChristianThe term "Christian" was first used in Antioch (
Acts 11:26) and was initially a term of derision. Suffering as a Christian implies facing persecution or hardship specifically because of one's faith in Jesus Christ. In the early church, believers often faced hostility from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This suffering is not due to wrongdoing but is a result of living out one's faith. The Apostle Peter, who wrote this letter, was familiar with persecution, having been imprisoned and beaten for his faith (
Acts 5:40-41).
do not be ashamed
Shame was a powerful social tool in the ancient world, often used to control behavior. However, Peter encourages believers not to feel disgrace for their faith. This echoes Jesus' teaching inMark 8:38, where He warns against being ashamed of Him and His words. The call is to stand firm in faith, recognizing that suffering for Christ is a badge of honor rather than a source of shame.
but glorify God
Glorifying God in the midst of suffering is a recurring theme in the New Testament. It reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are difficult. This aligns with Paul's exhortation in1 Corinthians 10:31 to do everything for the glory of God. Suffering provides an opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and to witness to others through one's response.
that you bear that name
Bearing the name "Christian" signifies belonging to Christ and being part of His body, the Church. This identity is both a privilege and a responsibility. In biblical times, names held significant meaning, often reflecting character or destiny. To bear the name of Christ is to be associated with His mission, His suffering, and His ultimate victory. This is reminiscent of the promise inRevelation 3:12, where believers are assured of a new name written by God, symbolizing eternal belonging and identity in Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterThe apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution.
2.
ChristiansThe term "Christian" was first used in Antioch (
Acts 11:26) and refers to followers of Christ. In this context, it highlights those who suffer for their faith.
3.
PersecutionThe early church faced significant persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This letter addresses the suffering and trials faced by believers.
4.
GodThe ultimate source of strength and the one to be glorified in the midst of suffering.
5.
Asia MinorThe region where the recipients of Peter's letter were located, facing trials and persecution for their faith.
Teaching Points
Embrace the Name of ChristBearing the name "Christian" is an honor. Embrace it with pride, even in suffering.
Glorify God in SufferingUse trials as an opportunity to glorify God. Your response can be a powerful testimony to others.
Do Not Be AshamedShame is a tool of the enemy. Stand firm in your identity in Christ, knowing that suffering for Him is a mark of true discipleship.
Perspective on SufferingView suffering as a participation in Christ's own sufferings, which brings you closer to Him and strengthens your faith.
Community SupportLean on your Christian community for support and encouragement during times of persecution.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Peter 4:16?
2.How can we glorify God when suffering as a "Christian" in today's world?
3.What does 1 Peter 4:16 teach about enduring persecution for faith?
4.How does 1 Peter 4:16 connect with Matthew 5:10-12 on persecution?
5.Why is it important to not be ashamed when suffering for Christ?
6.How can we support fellow believers facing persecution for their faith?
7.What does 1 Peter 4:16 mean by "suffering as a Christian"?
8.How does 1 Peter 4:16 encourage believers facing persecution?
9.Why is glorifying God important when suffering, according to 1 Peter 4:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 4?
11.Why do Christian accounts of martyrdoms sometimes contradict historical records?
12.How should Christians perceive and engage with Hollywood?
13.How can we make ethical decisions effectively?
14.Why was Polycarp martyred for his Christian faith?What Does 1 Peter 4:16 Mean
But if you suffer• Peter assumes hardship will come when we walk with Christ. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you” (1 Peter 2:21).
• Suffering here is not for wrongdoing but for righteousness, echoing “even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14).
• Jesus prepared His disciples for the same reality: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18).
• Paul adds that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
as a Christian• The label first appeared in Antioch (Acts 11:26), then before King Agrippa (Acts 26:28).
• It identifies us with the Messiah—His person, His teaching, His cross, His resurrection.
• Bearing that identity means we share in His mission and, at times, in His opposition (Philippians 1:29).
do not be ashamed• Shame is the enemy’s tool to silence witness. Peter counters it with gospel confidence: “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16).
• Paul urged Timothy, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner” (2 Timothy 1:8).
• Jesus warned, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words… the Son of Man will be ashamed of him” (Mark 8:38).
• Refusing shame is a deliberate stance: my honor comes from God, not public opinion.
but glorify God• Opposition becomes an unexpected platform to showcase God’s worth. The apostles “left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41).
• Our response directs attention upward: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
• Praising God amid pain mirrors Jesus, who for “the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).
that you bear that name• The title “Christian” is not mere affiliation; it marks ownership. “They drag you into court… and blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called” (James 2:7).
• Carrying His name is a gift and a trust. God’s people have always been warned, “You must not misuse the name of the LORD” (Exodus 20:7), but here Peter flips the thought: use it boldly, never hiding it.
• Every trial becomes an opportunity to prove that His name, and not our comfort, is our treasure (Psalm 63:3).
summarySuffering for Christ is neither strange nor shameful. When hardship comes because we belong to Jesus, we refuse embarrassment, choose praise, and spotlight God’s greatness. The very name “Christian” is our badge of honor, reminding us that whatever the cost, we are His, and He is worthy.
(16)
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian.--St. Peter purposely uses the name which was a name of derision among the heathens. It is not, as yet, one by which the believers would usually describe
themselves. It only occurs twice besides in the New Testament--in
Acts 11:26, where we are told of the invention of the nickname (see Note there), and in
Acts 26:28, where Agrippa catches it up with the insolent scorn with which a brutal justice would have used the word "Methodist" a century ago. So contemptible was the name that, as M. Renan says (p. 37), "Well-bred people avoided pronouncing the name, or, when forced to do so, made a kind of apology." Tacitus, for instance, says: "Those who were
vulgarly known by the name of Christians." In fact, it is quite an open question whether we ought not here (as well as in the two places of Acts above cited) to read the nickname in its barbarous form:
Chrestian. The Sinaitic manuscript has that form, and the Vatican has the form
Chreistian; and it is much harder to suppose that a scribe who commonly called himself a
Christian would intentionally alter it into this strange form than to suppose that one who did not understand the irony of saying a
Chrestian should have written the word with which he was so familiar.
Let him not be ashamed.--Although the name sounds worse to the world than "murderer," or "thief," or "malefactor."
On this behalf.--This is a possible rendering, but it is more pointed to translate literally,but let him glorify God in this name--i.e.,make even this name of ridicule the ground of an act of glory to God.
Verse 16. -
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian. The word "Christian" occurs only three times in the New Testament - twice in the Acts of the Apostles (
Acts 11:26;
Acts 26:28), and here. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." They were originally described amongst themselves as "the disciples," "the brethren," "the believers," "the elect," or" the saints;" by the Jews they were called "the Nazarenes" (
Acts 24:5), as still in Mohammedan countries. The name was probably invented by the heathen, and used at first as a term of derision; there is something of scorn in Agrippa's use of it. It did not at once become common among the disciples of the Lord. St. Peter (who preached at Antioch (
Galatians 2:11), and is said to have been Bishop of Antioch) is the only sacred writer who adopts it instead of the older names, and that only ones, and in connection with threatened persecution. St. James may possibly allude to it in
James 2:7. But it was not commonly used among' believers till after New Testament times. Then they began to discern its admirable suitableness. It reminded them that the center of their religion was not a system of doctrines, but a Person, and that Person the Messiah, the Anointed of God. The Hebrew origin of the word, the Greek dress, the Latin termination, seemed to point, like the threefold inscription on the cross, to the universality of Christ's religion to its empire, first over all the civilized nations, and through them, by continually increasing triumphs, over the whole world. It reminded them that they too were anointed, that they had an unction from the Holy One. Its very corruption through heathen ignorance,
Christian from
χρηστός, good (the Sinaitic Manuscript has
χρηστιανός in this place) had its lesson - it spoke of sweetness and of goodness. See the oft-quoted passage from Tertullian: "Sed quum et perperam Chres-tiani nuncupamur a vobis (nam nec nominis certa est notitia penes yes) de suavitate et benignitate compositum est."
Let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. The best-supported reading is
ἐντῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ. This may be understood as an idiom, in the same sense as the reading of the Authorized Version; but it is better to translate it literally,
in this name, i.e. either the name of Christ, or (more probably, perhaps) that of Christian.
The heathen blasphemed that worthy Name; suffering Christians must not be ashamed of it, but, as the holy martyrs did, utter their "Christianus sum" with inward peace and thanksgiving, glorifying God that he had given them grace to bear that honored Name and to suffer for Christ. Bengel says here, "Poterat Petrus dicere, honori sibi ducat: sed honorem Dee resignandum esse docet."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.if [you suffer]εἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.a Christian,Χριστιανός(Christianos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5546:A Christian. From Christos; a Christian, i.e. Follower of Christ.do not be ashamed,αἰσχυνέσθω(aischynesthō)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 153:To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.glorifyδοξαζέτω(doxazetō)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1392:To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious.GodΘεὸν(Theon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.[that you bear]ἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.thatτούτῳ(toutō)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.name.ὀνόματι(onomati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.
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NT Letters: 1 Peter 4:16 But if one of you suffers (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) 
