Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on youq to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoicer inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,s so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.t 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,u you are blessed,v for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.w 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;x and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?y 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”a z

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s willa should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.