Peter answers that question with his additional words, “when his glory is revealed.” Peter had earlier in his letter referred to Jesus’ promise to return (1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13; also 1 Peter 5:1), a time when every eye will see the glory that belongs to the Saviour and so the rightness of those who chose to follow the Saviour despite the cost in this life. At that time, it will be evident to all that man’s judgment on Christians was greatly misplaced and that Christ’s judgment is ultimately significant. That vindication will give to those presently oppressed great reason to “rejoice and be glad.” In fact, the expectation of that vindication already gives cause for those oppressed for Jesus’ sake to rejoice in the face of suffering.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.