Share the Sufferings of Christ

12 aBeloved, do not be surprised at the bfiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

13 but to the degree that you ashare the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the brevelation of His glory cyou may rejoice with exultation.

14 If you are reviled 1afor the name of Christ, byou are blessed, cbecause the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 Make sure that anone of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a 1btroublesome meddler;

16 but if anyone suffers as a aChristian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to bglorify God in this name.

17 For it is time for judgment ato begin 1with bthe household of God; and if it cbegins with us first, what will be the outcome for those dwho do not obey the egospel of God?

18 aAnd if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, 1what will become of the bgodless man and the sinner?

19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to athe will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.