The verb Peter uses here is the common word for showing hospitality (Acts 10:6; Hebrews 13:2). Instead, though, of hosting a stranger in your home, Peter tells his readers to host a foreign thought in their minds. We prefer a life of comfort and ease, and we resist welcoming tribulations. With his choice of verb, Peter instructs his readers to open their mental homes to the unwelcome guest called fiery trial.
The reason for welcoming this mental guest will turn out to be that suffering simply comes with the territory of being a Christian, as Peter himself had heard from Jesus’ mouth (Matthew 10:17–25; John 15:18–25).
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.