1 Peter 4:12-13

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of His glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

Expanded Translation

Loved ones, you must not be surprised (amazed, astonished, shocked) concerning the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you to prove (test, try) you: as though something strange, unexpected, or surprising is happening to you: But insomuch as you are sharers (partners, partakers) in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice! that you may also rejoice greatly and exceedingly at the revelation (disclosure, appearance) of His glory when He comes again.

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Note the close similarity of 1 Peter 1:6-9, 1 Peter 3:17-18, 1 Peter 4:1-2.

Beloved, think it not strange

The trial was already upon them, and evidently to become more severe (1 Peter 4:7). They were not to be surprised or amazed at this, but should rather have expected it as a natural consequence of living the Christ-like life. (Think it strange (xenidzo) is defined in 1 Peter 4:4.)

concerning the fiery trial among you

i.e., trying, severe, and difficult trials. Fire is painful, but fire is also necessary in the refining process.

which cometh upon you to prove you

See comments, 1 Peter 1:7.

as though a strange thing happened unto you

We should be mentally and spiritually prepared for such tests (see under 1 Peter 1:13). Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).

but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice

Christ was without fault of any kind, yet He suffered (1 Peter 2:21-23). He suffered as a result of living righteously. We should suffer for the same reason as our Master. A servant is not greater than his Lord, Jesus told His disciples. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. (John 15:20).

We cannot return to the hill of Calvary and agonize with our Lord there. Yet our fellowship with Him is not as it should be until we are so living from day to day so that times of suffering similar to His are our lot. For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5). Paul not only wanted to know the power of Christ's resurrection, but the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

When our suffering is a result of patterning our behavior after His Divine example, then we may truly have reason for rejoicing. Our consoling thought may then be, Because I am acting like Christ, I am being treated like Christ.

that at the revelation of His glory

When He comes the second time. No one will welcome that day more than those who have suffered (and are suffering) for Him! The hope of His coming and the joys to follow have sustained and encouraged these Christians through life. But their faith and hope will then become sight! Those in trial and affliction, above all people, are qualified to be looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God (2 Peter 3:12).