Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(A)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice ^(B)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(C)when his glory is revealed. ^14 (D)If you are insulted ^(E)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But ^(F)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(G)as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet ^(H)if anyone suffers as a ^(I)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(J)in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment ^(K)to begin at the household of God; and ^(L)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who ^(M)do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will ^(O)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Shepherd the Flock of God

5 So I exhort the elders among you, ^(P)as a fellow elder and ^(Q)a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ^2 (R)shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,^{[c] (S)}not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;^{[d] (T)}not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not ^(U)domineering over those in your charge, but ^(V)being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when ^(W)the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the ^(X)unfading ^(Y)crown of glory. ⁵ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. ^(Z)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ^(AA)“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

^6 (AB)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ^7 (AC)casting all your anxieties on him, because ^(AD)he cares for you. ^8 (AE)Be sober-minded; ^(AF)be watchful. Your ^(AG)adversary the devil ^(AH)prowls around ^(AI)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ^9 (AJ)Resist him, ^(AK)firm in your faith, knowing that ^(AL)the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰ And ^(AM)after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, ^(AN)who has called you to his ^(AO)eternal glory in Christ, will himself ^(AP)restore, ^(AQ)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ^11 (AR)To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.