The term is a prominent theme in this letter, appearing twelve times in its five chapters. The apostle first mentioned it in 1 Peter 2:19 to describe the Christian’s experience of ridicule on account of the faith. He then pivoted the term to describe the travail of Jesus Christ for sin on the cross (1 Peter 2:21), holding up Christ’s manner of dealing with his suffering as an example his people are to follow in their suffering (hence the phrase “suffering as a Christian” in 1 Peter 4:16). In the present verse, Peter returns to the “suffering” he had hinted at in 1 Peter 2:19 to begin his expansion on the subject with five more references to Christian suffering in the remainder of the letter (1 Peter 3:17; 1 Peter 4:1, 1 Peter 4:15, 1 Peter 4:19; 1 Peter 5:10). Clearly, Peter’s readers needed guidance in how to deal with the suffering that resulted from their efforts to do good.
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,