Christians and Persecution

Realizing that Christians were facing persecution during his day, Peter wrote on the ways Christians should conduct themselves during persecution in 1 Peter 1:3 -17 and 1 Peter 4:12 -19. Persecution refers to the act of molesting, threatening or killing a person or group of persons for the sake of their faith.

Peter's teaching on Christians and Persecution

Peter was of the view that persecution was necessary for Christians in order to test their faith. He compared the effects of persecution to the refinement of gold under fire – persecution refines a Christian and makes him/her worthy of praise, honour and glory on the last day.

Peter further advised Christians to rejoice in the face of persecution because their joy will be fulfilled when they obtain salvation for their souls. He also noted that the prophets of old prophesied about the suffering of Christ as well as the glory which was to be Christ’s after the suffering. This forms, according to Peter, the basis of the good news (gospel) being preached by Christians.

In the light of the above, Peter advised Christians to live sober lives and to set their hope on the grace which would be theirs at the Second Coming of Christ. They should not conform to carnal passions of their old lives, rather they should live holy lives knowing that God (who is the Impartial Father) would reward them.

Peter observed that  Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing (e.g as murder, stealing etc) rather they should suffer for the sake of Christ because when they suffer for Christ, they partake in Christ’s suffering. He went ahead to encourage Christians to glorify God in the midst of persecution and not to be ashamed, reminding them that in no distant time judgement would begin in household of God (i.e. believers). He points out that it will disastrous for believers and more so for unbelievers on the last day. Finally, Peter encouraged Christians in persecution to continue to do what is right and entrust their souls to God

Significance of Peter’s teaching on Christians and Persecution

• As Christians, the fear of God should be our watchword because God is an impartial judge who would always vindicate His servants.
• Christians should adopt an attitude of joy and praise in times of persecution and sadness.
• Christians should develop an unshakable faith in Christ. This will help them cope with every kind of persecution.
• Christians should not be afraid to condemn all that is bad in the society because of the fear of persecution.
• Christians should live careful and godly lives so that they will not be instruments of wrongdoing.