But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here's a thought on that verse: Peter's not just telling us to endure suffering, but to rejoice in it because it's a direct link to Christ's own experience. This deep connection, this sharing in his sufferings, is actually the very thing that will amplify our joy when we finally see his glory revealed in full.
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing believers facing intense persecution and opposition for their faith. He's just urged them to live holy lives and to be ready to defend their hope, explaining that suffering is a normal part of following Christ, just as it was for Jesus himself. This verse encourages them to find joy in their shared suffering with Christ, seeing it as a precursor to the even greater joy of sharing in His glory when He returns.
It sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it? How can we possibly find joy when we're experiencing hardship, especially when it's related to following Christ?
Peter flips our typical understanding of suffering on its head. He's not saying to be happy about the pain itself, but to rejoice because of what our participation in Christ's sufferings signifies.
A Shared Identity
When we face difficulties for our faith, we are identifying with Jesus. This isn't a random misfortune; it's a sign that we're walking on the same path He did. This shared experience connects us to Him in a profound way.
A Glimpse of Glory
This present suffering is temporary. Peter reminds us that it's a prelude to something far greater – the revelation of Christ's glory and our own future glory with Him. Our current struggles are a down payment on the joy to come.
Peter doesn't just tell us to endure hardship; he shows us how it prepares us for something even more spectacular.
The verse connects our present suffering with Christ to a future, glorious revelation. This isn't just about enduring pain; it's about being refined and prepared.
A Purposeful Process
Sharing in Christ's sufferings isn't meaningless. It's a process that purifies our faith, deepens our reliance on God, and makes us more like Christ. It recalibrates our focus from the temporary trials to the eternal reward.
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The Ultimate Reveal
Peter points forward to the "glory revealed." This refers to the return of Christ, the final unveiling of His majesty, and the full redemption of His people. Our present suffering, when endured with Christ, equips us to fully embrace that future joy with gladness.
Understand the original words
koinōneō · Greek Verb
To participate or have a portion in something with others; in a spiritual sense, it denotes the believer's intimate union with Christ in his earthly experiences.
pathēmata · Greek Noun
The experience of physical or emotional pain, hardship, or affliction endured for the sake of the Gospel and the name of Christ.
This passage speaks to our inheritance as God's children, highlighting that if we suffer with Christ, we will also be glorified with Him, echoing Peter's encouragement to rejoice in suffering for future glory.
Philippians 3:10Paul expresses a deep desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, which includes sharing in His sufferings. This connects with Peter's call to rejoice in suffering as a way to participate in Christ's experience.
Hebrews 12:2-3Jesus himself endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him. This provides a powerful example of finding joy and purpose even in suffering, much like Peter encourages believers.
2 Corinthians 4:17This verse contrasts our light, momentary afflictions with the eternal weight of glory that far surpasses them. It reinforces Peter's message that present sufferings are temporary and lead to an ultimate, glorious revelation.
Here's a thought on that verse:
Peter's not just telling us to endure suffering, but to rejoice in it because it's a direct link to Christ's own experience. This deep connection, this sharing in his sufferings, is actually the very thing that will amplify our joy when we finally see his glory revealed in full.
Peter is addressing believers facing intense persecution and opposition for their faith. He's just urged them to live holy lives and to be ready to defend their hope, explaining that suffering is a normal part of following Christ, just as it was for Jesus himself. This verse encourages them to find joy in their shared suffering with Christ, seeing it as a precursor to the even greater joy of sharing in His glory when He returns.
Peter is addressing believers facing intense persecution and opposition for their faith. He's just urged them to live holy lives and to be ready to defend their hope, explaining that suffering is a normal part of following Christ, just as it was for Jesus himself. This verse encourages them to find joy in their shared suffering with Christ, seeing it as a precursor to the even greater joy of sharing in His glory when He returns.
"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." — Here's a thought on that verse:
Peter's not just telling us to endure suffering, but to rejoice in it because it's a direct link to Christ's own experience. This deep connection, this sharing in h…
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Last reviewed October 2026