For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Peter distinguishes between deserved and undeserved suffering. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?" (poion gar kleos ei hamartanontes kai kolaphizomenoi hypomeneite). No credit for patiently enduring punishment you deserved. "But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (all' ei agathopoiountes kai paschontes hypomeneite, touto charis para theō). Undeserved suffering, patiently borne, finds divine approval. The key: suffering must be "when ye do well" (agathopoiountes)—for righteousness, not foolishness or sin. Suffering for Christ's sake brings divine commendation; suffering for stupidity brings no reward.
Historical Context
Peter guards against misunderstanding: not all suffering is virtuous. Criminals punished for crimes gain no spiritual credit by accepting sentence patiently. Only suffering for doing good—obeying God, maintaining integrity, refusing to compromise faith—merits divine approval. This distinction prevented Christians from embracing suffering masochistically or equating all hardship with persecution. Early church recognized difference between suffering for Christ (blessing) and suffering for foolishness (discipline). Martyrs were honored because they died for faith, not because they sought death recklessly.
Questions for Reflection
How can you distinguish between suffering for righteousness (which God commends) and suffering due to your own sin or foolishness?
What does it mean practically to 'do well' and suffer for it, rather than suffering deserved consequences?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter distinguishes between deserved and undeserved suffering. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?" (poion gar kleos ei hamartanontes kai kolaphizomenoi hypomeneite). No credit for patiently enduring punishment you deserved. "But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (all' ei agathopoiountes kai paschontes hypomeneite, touto charis para theō). Undeserved suffering, patiently borne, finds divine approval. The key: suffering must be "when ye do well" (agathopoiountes)—for righteousness, not foolishness or sin. Suffering for Christ's sake brings divine commendation; suffering for stupidity brings no reward.