But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
English is a wonderful language. It is rich in history, flexible, adaptable, and functional. There is a reason why people around the world choose to learn English if they want to communicate internationally. Even so, when compared to the Hebrew and Greek languages, English sometimes feels … inadequate.
In this translation, the NIV takes Peter’s words and uses a monetary term, “credit,” and a congratulatory term, “commendable,” to express the Greek. Given that they were translating into English, these are reasonable choices. Yet looking into the Greek we see a vastly deeper range of meaning than these two common terms.
The Greek, “kleos,” is the word translated into the word, “credit.” Strong’s concordance suggests words like “renown” or “glory,” while Thayer uses words like “report” and “praise.”
The Greek word for “commendable,” “charis,” is described with words like; grace, goodwill, favor, and pleasure.
The Amplified Bible (Classic Ed) translates this verse as follows:
“[After all] what kind of glory [is there in it] if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you take it patiently? But if you bear patiently with suffering [which results] when you do right and that is undeserved, it is acceptable and pleasing to God.”
Do these details make any difference?
Yes, even if it is a small one.
What is it we are looking for from God? Is it a pat on the back? Do we look for God to be impressed?
In Matthew 18: 1-5 Jesus is asked, “Who… is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” In answer, Jesus picks up a small child and puts him in the middle of the disciples. He then says, “…whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
When Jesus looked at the child, what did the child see? The child saw the look in Jesus’ face that we hope for when we suffer for doing good.
Application: Try thinking about God like a child would.
Food for Thought: What does Peter mean by, ”suffer for doing good?”
Peter knew what it was like to suffer for doing wrong. He had denied Jesus and as a result, when Jesus looked at him, he went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22: 61 – 62). Peter had also been flogged for doing what was right, and rejoiced because he had suffered for Christ (Acts 5: 28 – 32, 40 – 42). . Both involved suffering, but suffering for doing good was better. He would eventually willingly give up his life in a most horrific manner. Peter was an expert at knowing the difference between suffering for doing wrong and right. He tells us from experience that it is better to suffer for doing what is right. This may be something to hold onto in these uncertain times.
Rich,
I love how you contrast those two very different experiences in Peter’s life. Both involved suffering, but the reason for the suffering was very different.
“ To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with Men” AW Tozer.
“We aren’t called to be like other Christians; We are called to be like Christ.” -Stacy L. Sanchez
The world has always brought suffering to Gods people for practicing their faith. We know for certain it will become worse as darkness takes full control of this world.
Psalm 69:4, Amos 5:10, Matthew 10:22,1 Corinthians 1:18
We are hated because we follow Christ, we have Christ’s Spirit within us and the world views His love as hate for them. Satan has blinded this world, which believers are not part of. The world choose to believe his lies, and always hate the light because they are convicted when their sins are exposed as sins which they choose to keep.
God has provided His word to encourage each of us as we suffer for doing His will.
His life and His suffering and sacrifice for you, 2 Timothy 2:3
His triumph over Satan, sin, and death, 2 Timothy 2:8
His power, promises, and presence, Matthew 28:18-20
What He is doing for you in heaven, John 14:2-3, Romans 8:34
Ron,
Thank you very much! I appreciate the quotes from Tozer and Sanchez. I hadn’t heard those before.
I have linked to all of the verses you supplied here.
From what I read in the bible these guys were getting beaten, whipped and even stoned for talking about Jesus and the forgiveness of sin,..these guys suffered for doing good,..and because we are commissioned to make disciples it will happen to us that take His message forth,..I may not have been beaten for telling others,..but I have had some strange looks and encounters,..
As with pain there are many faucets of suffering,..but suffering for doing good I would think that the flow becomes a trickle,..who in there left mind would suffer for doing something good? Not normal these days,..but that’s exactly what’s expected of those of us that know and follow the words of Jesus,..I don’t think Jesus would stop the flow of living water,..I don’t want His flow to become a trickle in my life,..there are so many people that have yet heard or read the words of Jesus,..I am thankful He has given me boldness to go before others and share the gospel as the Holy Spirit guides me,..mask or no mask
And with that I am ready for another drink of water,..
John,
I am so glad that you are willing to share your thoughts here. I find your boldness inspiring! Blessings on your ministry for the Lord!
I was thinking doing good meant doing the will of God. I think this causes people a lot of problems because we tend to get our wants mixed up with God’s will.
Rob,
Another excellent point! Thank you! Wants and needs are two very different things. With God, His wants and needs are both the same. He wants and needs to love His creations, and he wants and needs us to do the same. With us, our wants can wander into forbidden territory, and if we follow them there our needs can become our prison. Thank God following His will is what we need. The sooner we learn to want that the better.