1 Peter 4:12-19 - Sharing The Sufferings Of Christ

¹² My dear brethren, don't be surpriz'd at your being brought as it were to the test of fire; as if some strange thing had happen'd to you. ¹³ on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory. ¹⁴ if you suffer indignities in the cause of Christ, you are happy: for the glorious spirit of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ take care therefore not to suffer upon the account of homicide, or thievery, or for any criminal, or pragmatical practices. ¹⁶ but whoever suffers as a christian, let him not be asham'd, but rather give thanks to God upon that account. ¹⁷ for now is the time when God will begin his judgments with his own church. now if he begins with us, what will the conclusion be to those who do not obey the divine gospel?

¹⁸ if the virtuous escape with difficulty, what will become of impious transgressors?

¹⁹ let those then, whom God calls to sufferings, by virtue recommend their souls to him, as to a creator, who will make good his promise.