I Peter 4:13 · Bible study
1 Peter 4:13 Commentary: Suffering and Joy in , A Study
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore 1 Peter 4:13: how sharing Christ’s sufferings leads to joy at His glory. Commentary, Greek analysis, and pastoral insight.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Believers are to rejoice in proportion to their sharing in Christ's sufferings, anticipating the full joy at His revelation.
- Key words: koinōneite (you participate, present continuous), apokalypsis (unveiling), agalliōmenoi (exulting).
- Main debate: The nature of present joy, is it a partial experience of future glory or a separate ongoing reality? (Calvin sees two distinct joys.)
- Theological theme: Union with Christ in suffering and glory; the pattern of cross before crown.
- Best use: Encouragement for congregations facing hardship, suffering for faith, or feeling distant from God in trials.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
WEB World English Bible 2000
But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
KJV King James Version 1769
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
but, according as ye have fellowship with the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice ye, that also in the revelation of his glory ye may rejoice--exulting;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
but as ye have share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, that in the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exultation.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Antes bien gozaos en que sois participantes de las aflicciones de Cristo; para que también en la revelación de su gloria os gocéis en triunfo.
Em vez disso, alegrai-vos em serdes participantes das aflições de Cristo; para que, também na revelação de sua glória vos alegreis com júbilo.
Réjouissez-vous, au contraire, de la part que vous avez aux souffrances de Christ, afin que vous soyez aussi dans la joie et dans l’ allégresse lorsque sa gloire apparaîtra.
sondern freuet euch, daß ihr mit Christo leidet, auf daß ihr auch zur Zeit der Offenbarung seiner Herrlichkeit Freude und Wonne haben möget.
Maar gelijk gij gemeenschap hebt aan het lijden van Christus, alzo verblijdt u; opdat gij ook in de openbaring Zijner heerlijkheid u moogt verblijden en verheugen.
Anzi in quanto partecipate alle sofferenze di Cristo, rallegratevene, affinché anche alla rivelazione della sua gloria possiate rallegrarvi giubilando.
Ale radujcie się z tego, żeście uczestnikami ucierpienia Chrystusowego, abyście się i w objawienie chwały jego z radością weselili.
но как вы участвуете в Христовых страданиях, радуйтесь, да и в явление славы Его возрадуетесь и восторжествуете.
倒要 歡喜；因為 你們是與基督 一同受 苦， 使你們在他 榮耀 顯現 的時候，也可以歡喜 快樂。
But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Peter 4:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that this verse calls believers to a counterintuitive response: rejoicing in suffering. The key word koinōneite (present tense, continuous action) means 'you are sharing in' or 'you are partakers of' the sufferings of Christ. This is not merely suffering for a common cause but a genuine participation in what Christ endured. As Barnes notes, suffering of the same kind inflicted for the same reasons identifies Christians with their Lord.
The joy commanded is twofold, as Calvin explains: a present joy in hope, mingled with sorrow, and a future joy of 'exultation' at Christ's revelation. Vincent points out that the Greek verb at the end is charēte agalliōmenoi, 'you may rejoice, exulting', a joy that bursts out. The Cambridge Bible connects this beatitude directly to Matthew 5:12, showing that Peter has seen Jesus’ words proved true in his own life. The consensus is clear: suffering for Christ is not a strange accident; it is the path that leads to the full, ecstatic joy of His glory.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Suffering for Christ is a cause for joy because it unites believers to Christ and prepares them for the full, exultant joy at the revelation of His glory.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Present joy in suffering | Christians agree that suffering for Christ is a cause for joy because it unites them to Him and points to future glory. | Some traditions (e.g., Reformed) emphasise that present joy is a hope that coexists with sorrow; while others (e.g., Pentecostal) may highlight the Spirit's immediate joy within suffering. The place of emotional pain is weighed differently. |
| Is suffering always for Christ? | All agree that suffering for personal sin (murder, theft, meddling) is not honourable; only suffering for the name of Christ (v.14) carries the promise. | Disagreement can arise over what qualifies as 'for Christ', does it include suffering from general opposition to Christian values in the workplace? Most would say yes, but boundaries vary. |
| The revelation of glory | The 'revelation of his glory' is universally understood as the future coming of Christ in glory to judge and save. | Some traditions (e.g., amillennial) see this as the final judgment and eternal state; others (premillennial) see a distinct millennial reign. Both affirm the certainty and joy of that day. |
Historical & Cultural Context
First Peter was written to Christians scattered across Asia Minor (modern Turkey) who were experiencing increasing hostility. The 'fiery trial' of verse 12 likely included social shaming, property loss, and physical persecution under Nero’s reign (c. AD 64, 68). Rome demanded loyalty to the emperor, and Christians who refused were branded atheists and haters of humanity. Believers faced insults, beatings, and sometimes death.
Peter’s readers knew what it meant to be marginalised. They were tempted to see suffering as a sign that God had abandoned them. The apostle counters by reminding them that suffering conforms them to Christ. The phrase 'revelation of his glory' comes from Jewish apocalyptic hope: the day when the Son of Man would come in power (Matthew 16:27; 25:31). For Peter, that future unveiling is certain enough to transform present pain into joy. The early Christians called this the parousia, the appearing of Christ, and it was their greatest hope.
Peter’s language also echoes Old Testament promises of a final gladness: Isaiah 25:9, 35:10. The connection between suffering and glory was not new; it was the pattern of the prophets (Matthew 5:12) and of Christ Himself (Luke 24:26). The church was learning that the cross always comes before the crown.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentaries and lexical tools note no significant textual variants for 1 Peter 4:13. The Greek text is stable across major manuscript families. The only minor variation among English translations involves rendering the opening conjunction: some read 'But' (WEB) while others read 'but rejoice' as a continuation of v.12. The meaning is unaffected.
Reception History
From the earliest centuries, 1 Peter 4:13 has been a key text for Christians facing persecution. The church fathers cited it to encourage martyrs, linking their suffering directly to Christ’s own. During the Reformation, both Protestants (e.g., John Calvin) and Catholics who suffered for their convictions found comfort in the promise of future joy. In the modern era, the verse has been sung in hymns about the blessed hope and used in sermons to strengthen believers enduring social pressure or illness. Its emphasis on the connection between present suffering and future glory continues to anchor Christians who find themselves in spiritual battles of any kind.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Participation in Christ, Suffering for the faith is not a misfortune; it is a privilege of union with Christ (koinōnia).
- Present Rejoicing, The command ‘rejoice’ is a present imperative: a continuous, Spirit-empowered joy even in trials.
- Future Exultation, The revelation of Christ’s glory brings a joy that overwhelms all sorrow, a joy worth waiting for.
Five-point outline
- Grace to suffer, Suffering as a gift that conforms us to Christ.
- The now and not yet, Two kinds of joy: present sorrow mingled with hope, and future full exultation (Calvin).
- The test of faith, The fiery trial proves the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:7).
- The fellowship of suffering, We are partakers, not isolated victims; Christ suffers with us.
- The coming glory, The revelation of Christ’s glory is the ultimate motivation for endurance.
Illustration hooks
- Expectant parents endure months of discomfort, even pain, because the joy of holding their child overshadows everything.
- A marathon runner pushes through exhaustion, focusing on the finish line. The present pain is real, but the joy of completing the race is greater.
- A soldier wears the uniform of a nation, sharing in the hardship of battle. The pride of serving a greater cause transforms the suffering into honour.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can I honestly ‘rejoice’ when I’m hurting?
- Is suffering for Christ something I should seek out, or just endure when it comes?
- What does the future ‘revelation of glory’ mean for my everyday trials?
Leading a Discussion
This verse challenges our natural instinct: run from pain, find comfort. But Peter calls us to rejoice in suffering because it binds us to Christ and points to a joy that outlasts any trial. Use the questions below to guide your group toward deeper hope.
Discussion questions
- Read 1 Peter 4:12-13. Why does Peter say not to be ‘astonished’ at suffering? What does that tell us about our expectations as Christians?
- What does the phrase ‘partakers of Christ’s sufferings’ mean? How does this differ from just suffering in general?
- Peter commands ‘rejoice’ while we are still suffering. How is this possible? What might that joy look like in daily life?
- What is ‘the revelation of his glory’? How does that future event help us endure present hardships?
- In verse 14, Peter adds that the Spirit of glory rests on those who are insulted for Christ. How does the Spirit’s presence change the experience of suffering?
- How does this passage connect with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:11-12? What does that say about the continuity of the New Testament message?
- What is one practical way you can ‘rejoice’ this week in a difficult situation, trusting the future joy Christ promises?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Isaiah 25:9 | It shall be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is Yahweh! We have waited for him. We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation!” |
| Isaiah 35:10 | Then Yahweh’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” |
| Isaiah 51:11 | Those ransomed by Yahweh will return, and come with singing to Zion. Everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. |
| Matthew 5:12 | Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. |
| Matthew 16:27 | For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will give to everyone according to his deeds. |
| Matthew 25:21 | “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ |
| Matthew 25:23 | “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ |
| Matthew 25:31 | “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes emphasizes that Christians are called to rejoice specifically because their sufferings match Christ's in kind and purpose, marking a true identification with him. The present joy in suffering anticipates the far greater joy when his glory is revealed at judgment, confirming believers in eternal happiness.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses that believers' present joy is real but mixed with sorrow, since full joy awaits Christ's coming. He draws a sharp distinction: the joy of hope now is tempered by grief, while the joy of Christ's revealed glory will be unmixed exultation. This twofold joy sustains the godly through afflictions.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator highlights that the Greek wording means joy in suffering should be proportional to how deeply believers share in Christ's sufferings. Those sufferings include both what Christ endured on earth and what He still feels in sympathy with His church. Each faithful sufferer, therefore, becomes a genuine participant in those very sufferings.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note ties present suffering directly to future joy: believers can rejoice now because their sufferings are a share in Christ's own. This participation guarantees they will also share in the gladness when his glory is revealed. The suffering is not pointless but a promise of future rejoicing.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill stresses that believers share in Christ's sufferings not through His personal agony, but because their trials for His sake are united with Him and counted as His own. This deep bond, joined with the future unveiling of His glory, fuels an extraordinary joy for those who suffer with Him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB stresses that suffering willingly for Christ means entering into real fellowship with His sufferings. This produces a present joy that will one day become exulting joy, free from suffering forever. Refusing to bear suffering for Christ now would mean bearing eternal suffering later.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange stresses that fiery trials are not strange or accidental; they are divinely appointed for testing and inseparable from following Christ. This judgment begins with God's own house as a merciful chastening, while the same suffering signals a far worse end for those who disobey the gospel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry emphasizes that persecution was the greatest danger these early Christians faced, and that enduring suffering well is the hardest part of Christian duty. He links patience under trials directly to a mortified spirit: an unmortified heart is unfit to bear them, making good behavior under suffering essential for Christ's honor and the believer's own comfort.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent draws attention to the intensity of the joy described, noting the Greek phrase means not just ordinary rejoicing but exulting, a joyful triumph. He ties this directly to the Christian's participation in Christ's sufferings, comparing it to the pattern in Romans 8:17.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley draws a direct link between suffering for Christ and the glory that follows: the measure of suffering determines the measure of glory, yet the glory far exceeds it. Believers can rejoice in suffering because it guarantees a greater reward, not just matching but surpassing their trials.