12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
After exhorting the Christians to take Christ and other godly saints (who are now dead, 4:6) as an example of hope and perseverance in the midst of severe persecution and false accusations from worldly people (4:1-6). Peter, now unpacks that same fate for the other Christians in Anatolia. The word, “Do not be surprised,” speaks of one that is normal and expected of Christians. In fact, Jesus predicted hardships, trials and even death upon the true followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:9; John 16:1-2, 33). It seems the Christians in Anatolia were counting it strange when suffering came knocking on their doors but Peter had to remind them that it is not to be a shocker to them.
Now, the fiery ordeal/fiery trial used here in this verse is an imagery used in 1 Peter 1:7, “…the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire.” Faith is here compared to a gold that is tested in the fire of suffering. It can also refer to the imminent persecution meted out against Christianity by Nero in A.D. 64. The persecution was already beginning and it will culminate in thousands of Roman Christians being slaughtered and burned at stake (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary). But for now, the fiery trial has come to the Christians to test them of the genuineness of their faith (1:7; 4:15, 16). The fiery ordeal is the test of their character and devotion to Christ. The fires of discrimination, physical abuse, verbal attacks and false accusations against the Christians has come to test the Christians of their faith. It is in this fire that will refine the Christians of their faith in God and the one who comes out victorious will share in the glory of Christ (1 Peter 4:13).
Prayer: O Lord, help us to be victorious in trial and persecution. Empower your people to be strong and joyful in sharing the sufferings of Jesus Christ for your glory, amen.
