1 Peter 3:14

SUFFERING, YET HAPPY

‘If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye.’

1 Peter 3:14

The early Christians needed all the encouragements and promises which were uttered by our Lord and His apostles. They gave up worldly advantages, and suffered hardships, privations, and persecution. Yet St. Peter pronounces them happy even in the midst of their afflictions.

I. The character of these sufferings.

(a) They consisted partly in unjust and injurious words spoken against them.

(b) They consisted partly in actual persecution.

II. The ground of their sufferings.—Not for wrong-doing, but for righteousness’ sake.

III. The recompense of their sufferings.—The persecuted Christians are pronounced happy, blessed, because—

(a) They are enduring what is permitted by the will of God.

(b) They have the assurance that none can really harm them.

(c) They have fellowship with Christ, bear His cross, and with Him are crucified to the world.

(d) They are witnesses to the world of the truth of revelation and of the power of true religion.

(e) They have the prospect of immortal blessedness; for, after they have suffered a while, they shall be received to the rest and recompense of heaven.