Lyding – ’n dringende aansporing: 1 Petrus 4:12–19 eksegeties nuut ondersoek

Abstract

Suffering – an urgent exhortation: 1 Peter 4:12–19 exegetically re-examined. This article provides a new exegetical examination of the specific way Peter encourages the readers in 1 Peter 4:12–19 to remain faithful amid suffering. In this article, the grammatical-historical model, as practiced in the Reformed tradition, is followed in the exegesis. Peter exhorts the readers in 1 Peter 4:12–19 to be willing to suffer as Christians. He reinforces his exhortation by indicating that faithfulness amid suffering confirms the equipment of the Spirit and that faithfulness will result in joy when Christ’s glory is revealed. He warns that unfaithfulness will result in judgement.Contribution: This article highlights Peter’s encouragement to his readers in 1 Peter 4:12–19 and the urgency of this encouragement. It indicates that the readers, as chosen strangers of the diaspora, are encouraged in this thought unit to unite with Jesus Christ amid suffering and glorify God. This exhortation is reinforced in 1 Peter 4:12–19 by using the Old Testament to illustrate the consequences of faithfulness and of unfaithfulness.