Do not be surprised by the fire

Observe. Peter addresses his readers as dear friends and tells them not to be surprised at the fiery ordeal among them, as though something strange were happening. Instead they are to rejoice that they share in Christ's sufferings, so they may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. He distinguishes suffering as a Christian, which brings blessing, from suffering as a murderer, thief or meddler, which does not. Judgment begins with God's household. The passage closes: those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Interpret. Surprise is the enemy here. A Christian who assumes faith should mean protection from trouble will be knocked flat by trouble and may conclude God has failed. Peter removes that assumption. Suffering for Christ is expected, shared with Christ, and temporary. He is careful, though, not to baptise all suffering. Some of it we bring on ourselves, and Peter includes meddling in that list, which is uncomfortable. Only suffering that comes from doing good is participation in Christ.

Apply. The last verse is the plan. Commit yourself to a faithful Creator, which is a matter of trust, and continue to do good, which is a matter of conduct. Trust and conduct together. Neither one alone will get you through a fire.

When trouble has come to you for your faith, was your first reaction surprise, and what did that surprise reveal about your expectations? Is any of your current suffering closer to the meddler's list than the Christian's? What would continuing to do good look like tomorrow if nothing about your situation changes?