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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Peter 4:16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/60_1Pe_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering as Christians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_peter/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_peter/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_peter/">1 Peter</a> > <a href="/1_peter/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm" title="1 Peter 4:15">◄</a> 1 Peter 4:16 <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm" title="1 Peter 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_peter/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_peter/4.htm">New International Version</a> However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. <a href="/nlt/1_peter/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! <a href="/esv/1_peter/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. <a href="/bsb/1_peter/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. <a href="/blb/1_peter/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. <a href="/kjv/1_peter/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. <a href="/nkjv/1_peter/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. <a href="/nasb_/1_peter/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. <a href="/nasb/1_peter/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. <a href="/nasb77/1_peter/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. <a href="/lsb/1_peter/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be put to shame, but is to glorify God in this name. <a href="/amp/1_peter/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. <a href="/csb/1_peter/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name. <a href="/hcsb/1_peter/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if anyone suffers as a &#8220Christian,&#8221 he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name. <a href="/asv/1_peter/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. <a href="/cev/1_peter/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God that you belong to him. <a href="/erv/1_peter/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. <a href="/gwt/1_peter/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If you suffer for being a Christian, don't feel ashamed, but praise God for being called that name. <a href="/gnt/1_peter/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name. <a href="/isv/1_peter/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if you suffer for being a Christian, do not feel ashamed, but glorify God with that name. <a href="/msb/1_peter/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God in this matter. <a href="/net/1_peter/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name. <a href="/nheb/1_peter/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. <a href="/wbt/1_peter/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Yet if any man suffereth as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. <a href="/wey/1_peter/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If, however, any one suffers because he is a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God for being permitted to bear that name. <a href="/web/1_peter/4.htm">World English Bible</a> But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if as a Christian, do not let him be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this respect; <a href="/blb/1_peter/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. <a href="/ylt/1_peter/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; and let him glorify God in this respect; <a href="/slt/1_peter/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; and let him praise God in this portion.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, he should not be ashamed. Instead, he should glorify God in that name. <a href="/nabre/1_peter/4.htm">New American Bible</a> But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name. <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God through that very name. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him praise God for this name.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this account. <a href="/godbey/1_peter/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but if as a Christian, be not ashamed, but glorify God in this name. <a href="/haweis/1_peter/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to God on this very account. <a href="/mace/1_peter/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but whoever suffers as a christian, let him not be asham'd, but rather give thanks to God upon that account. <a href="/wey/1_peter/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If, however, any one suffers because he is a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God for being permitted to bear that name. <a href="/worrell/1_peter/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. <a href="/worsley/1_peter/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But if any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God herein. <a href="/parallel/1_peter/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=853" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_peter/4.htm">Suffering as Christians</a> …15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if you suffer</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/5546.htm" title="5546: Christianos (N-NMS) -- A Christian. From Christos; a Christian, i.e. Follower of Christ.">a Christian,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/153.htm" title="153: aischynesthō (V-PMM/P-3S) -- To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame.">do not be ashamed,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1392.htm" title="1392: doxazetō (V-PMA-3S) -- To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious.">glorify</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">that you bear</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomati (N-DNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">name.</a> 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a> Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a> The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. <a href="/2_timothy/1-12.htm">2 Timothy 1:12</a> For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. <a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Philippians 1:29</a> For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">2 Corinthians 12:10</a> That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/hebrews/13-13.htm">Hebrews 13:13</a> Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a> Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7</a> Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. <a href="/psalms/44-22.htm">Psalm 44:22</a> Yet for Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. <a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a> If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. <a href="/isaiah/66-5.htm">Isaiah 66:5</a> You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.as.<a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">1 Peter 4:19</a> Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.<a href="/1_peter/3-17.htm">1 Peter 3:17,18</a> For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing… <a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a> And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.let him not.<a href="/isaiah/50-7.htm">Isaiah 50:7</a> For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.<a href="/isaiah/54-4.htm">Isaiah 54:4</a> Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.<a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20</a> According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.but.<a href="/isaiah/24-15.htm">Isaiah 24:15</a> Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.<a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a> And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.<a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Romans 5:2-5</a> By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-14.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/james/4-17.htm">However</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/philemon/1-22.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">Suffereth</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Suffers</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">Undergoes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-12.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/revelation/15-4.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/revelation/5-12.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/job/9-18.htm">Suffereth</a> <a href="/job/3-20.htm">Suffers</a> <a href="/genesis/34-15.htm">Undergoes</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 4</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to cease from sin and live fore God,</a> 12. <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">and comforts them against persecution.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_peter/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But if you suffer as a Christian The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a>) and was initially a term of derision. Suffering as a Christian implies facing persecution or hardship specifically because of one's faith in Jesus Christ. In the early church, believers often faced hostility from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This suffering is not due to wrongdoing but is a result of living out one's faith. The Apostle Peter, who wrote this letter, was familiar with persecution, having been imprisoned and beaten for his faith (<a href="/acts/5-40.htm">Acts 5:40-41</a>).do not be ashamed Shame was a powerful social tool in the ancient world, often used to control behavior. However, Peter encourages believers not to feel disgrace for their faith. This echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/mark/8-38.htm">Mark 8:38</a>, where He warns against being ashamed of Him and His words. The call is to stand firm in faith, recognizing that suffering for Christ is a badge of honor rather than a source of shame.but glorify God Glorifying God in the midst of suffering is a recurring theme in the New Testament. It reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are difficult. This aligns with Paul's exhortation in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> to do everything for the glory of God. Suffering provides an opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and to witness to others through one's response.that you bear that name Bearing the name "Christian" signifies belonging to Christ and being part of His body, the Church. This identity is both a privilege and a responsibility. In biblical times, names held significant meaning, often reflecting character or destiny. To bear the name of Christ is to be associated with His mission, His suffering, and His ultimate victory. This is reminiscent of the promise in <a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Revelation 3:12</a>, where believers are assured of a new name written by God, symbolizing eternal belonging and identity in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution. 2. <a href="/topical/c/christians.htm">Christians</a> The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a>) and refers to followers of Christ. In this context, it highlights those who suffer for their faith. 3. <a href="/topical/p/persecution.htm">Persecution</a> The early church faced significant persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This letter addresses the suffering and trials faced by believers. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate source of strength and the one to be glorified in the midst of suffering. 5. <a href="/topical/a/asia_minor.htm">Asia Minor</a> The region where the recipients of Peter's letter were located, facing trials and persecution for their faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/embrace_the_name_of_christ.htm">Embrace the Name of Christ</a> Bearing the name "Christian" is an honor. Embrace it with pride, even in suffering. <a href="/topical/g/glorify_god_in_suffering.htm">Glorify God in Suffering</a> Use trials as an opportunity to glorify God. Your response can be a powerful testimony to others. <a href="/topical/d/do_not_be_ashamed.htm">Do Not Be Ashamed</a> Shame is a tool of the enemy. Stand firm in your identity in Christ, knowing that suffering for Him is a mark of true discipleship. <a href="/topical/p/perspective_on_suffering.htm">Perspective on Suffering</a> View suffering as a participation in Christ's own sufferings, which brings you closer to Him and strengthens your faith. <a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a> Lean on your Christian community for support and encouragement during times of persecution.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 4</a> <a href="/q/why_do_martyrdom_accounts_contradict_history.htm">Why do Christian accounts of martyrdoms sometimes contradict historical records?</a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_view_hollywood.htm">How should Christians perceive and engage with Hollywood?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_make_ethical_decisions.htm">How can we make ethical decisions effectively?</a> <a href="/q/why_was_polycarp_martyred.htm">Why was Polycarp martyred for his Christian faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian.--St. Peter purposely uses the name which was a name of derision among the heathens. It is not, as yet, one by which the believers would usually describe themselves. It only occurs twice besides in the New Testament--in <a href="/acts/11-26.htm" title="And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.">Acts 11:26</a>, where we are told of the invention of the nickname (see Note there), and in <a href="/acts/26-28.htm" title="Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian.">Acts 26:28</a>, where Agrippa catches it up with the insolent scorn with which a brutal justice would have used the word "Methodist" a century ago. So contemptible was the name that, as M. Renan says (p. 37), "Well-bred people avoided pronouncing the name, or, when forced to do so, made a kind of apology." Tacitus, for instance, says: "Those who were vulgarly known by the name of Christians." In fact, it is quite an open question whether we ought not here (as well as in the two places of Acts above cited) to read the nickname in its barbarous form: Chrestian. The Sinaitic manuscript has that form, and the Vatican has the form Chreistian; and it is much harder to suppose that a scribe who commonly called himself a Christian would intentionally alter it into this strange form than to suppose that one who did not understand the irony of saying a Chrestian should have written the word with which he was so familiar.Let him not be ashamed.--Although the name sounds worse to the world than "murderer," or "thief," or "malefactor."On this behalf.--This is a possible rendering, but it is more pointed to translate literally, but let him glorify God in this name--i.e., make even this name of ridicule the ground of an act of glory to God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - Yet if any man suffer as a Christian. The word "Christian" occurs only three times in the New Testament - twice in the Acts of the Apostles (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a>; <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28</a>), and here. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." They were originally described amongst themselves as "the disciples," "the brethren," "the believers," "the elect," or" the saints;" by the Jews they were called "the Nazarenes" (<a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5</a>), as still in Mohammedan countries. The name was probably invented by the heathen, and used at first as a term of derision; there is something of scorn in Agrippa's use of it. It did not at once become common among the disciples of the Lord. St. Peter (who preached at Antioch (<a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11</a>), and is said to have been Bishop of Antioch) is the only sacred writer who adopts it instead of the older names, and that only ones, and in connection with threatened persecution. St. James may possibly allude to it in <a href="/james/2-7.htm">James 2:7</a>. But it was not commonly used among' believers till after New Testament times. Then they began to discern its admirable suitableness. It reminded them that the center of their religion was not a system of doctrines, but a Person, and that Person the Messiah, the Anointed of God. The Hebrew origin of the word, the Greek dress, the Latin termination, seemed to point, like the threefold inscription on the cross, to the universality of Christ's religion to its empire, first over all the civilized nations, and through them, by continually increasing triumphs, over the whole world. It reminded them that they too were anointed, that they had an unction from the Holy One. Its very corruption through heathen ignorance, Christian from χρηστός, good (the Sinaitic Manuscript has χρηστιανός in this place) had its lesson - it spoke of sweetness and of goodness. See the oft-quoted passage from Tertullian: "Sed quum et perperam Chres-tiani nuncupamur a vobis (nam nec nominis certa est notitia penes yes) de suavitate et benignitate compositum est." Let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. The best-supported reading is ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ. This may be understood as an idiom, in the same sense as the reading of the Authorized Version; but it is better to translate it literally, in this name, i.e. either the name of Christ, or (more probably, perhaps) that of Christian. The heathen blasphemed that worthy Name; suffering Christians must not be ashamed of it, but, as the holy martyrs did, utter their "Christianus sum" with inward peace and thanksgiving, glorifying God that he had given them grace to bear that honored Name and to suffer for Christ. Bengel says here, "Poterat Petrus dicere, honori sibi ducat: sed honorem Dee resignandum esse docet." <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if [you suffer] εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. a Christian, Χριστιανός (Christianos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5546.htm">Strong's 5546: </a> A Christian. From Christos; a Christian, i.e. Follower of Christ. do not be ashamed, αἰσχυνέσθω (aischynesthō) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_153.htm">Strong's 153: </a> To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. glorify δοξαζέτω (doxazetō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1392.htm">Strong's 1392: </a> To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious. God Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. [that you bear] ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. that τούτῳ (toutō) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. name. ὀνόματι (onomati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-16.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 4:16 But if one of you suffers (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 4:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>