1 Peter 4:14

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God’s blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16].

Cross References

1 Peter 3:14

But even if you have to suffer for doing what was right, you still have [God’s] blessing. So, do not be afraid of the threats [of your persecutors], and do not let it worry you.

Luke 6:22

You are blessed when men hate you and withdraw their fellowship from you and speak abusively about you and reject your name as evil, [all] for being loyal to the Son of man.

James 1:12

The person who perseveres under trials is blessed, because when he has been approved by God, he will receive the crown of [never ending] life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

Matthew 5:11

You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me.

1 Peter 3:16

May your conscience be able to so approve of your conduct that, even if you are ridiculed, those doing it will [eventually] have to be ashamed [of themselves] for criticizing your Christian behavior.

2 Corinthians 12:10

So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

John 15:21

They would not be guilty of sinning if I had not come and spoken to them. But now [that I have], they have no excuse for their sin.

James 5:11

Notice that we consider those who endured [suffering with patience] to be blessed [by God]. You people have heard of Job’s patience and have seen what the Lord finally did [for him]. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the large crowds [gathered to hear the Gospel] they became very jealous and took sharp issue with the things Paul said, and [even] spoke against them.

1 Peter 2:12

You should live such good lives before [unconverted] Gentiles, so that even though they accuse you of being evildoers, by seeing your good deeds, they will [be led to] honor God [for you] on the day He visits us again [i.e., to bring judgment].

Hebrews 11:26

He considered suffering ridicule for Christ’s sake to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking forward to his reward.

Galatians 1:24

So, they gave honor to God for [what He was doing through] me.

John 9:34

They replied to the beggar, “You were born entirely in sins [i.e., you have been a sinner all your life], and you are [trying] to teach us?” Then they threw him out [of the synagogue. See verse 22].

John 9:28

Then they began ridiculing him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.

John 8:48

The Jews answered and said to Jesus, “Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan [See note on 4:9], and are dominated by an evil spirit?”

Matthew 5:16

In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.

2 Peter 2:2

And many people will follow their unrestrained, indecent conduct, which will result in the true way [of God] being spoken against.

Acts 18:6

When the Jews resisted [Paul’s efforts] and spoke against him and his message, he shook out his clothing [i.e., an expression of rejection and contempt] and said to them “Let your blood be on your own heads [i.e., you are responsible for whatever harm comes from your action]; I am not responsible. From now on I will go [and preach] to the Gentiles [only].”

Acts 5:41

When the apostles left the Council meeting, they were rejoicing over being considered worthy to suffer [such] shame for the name [of Jesus].

Acts 28:22

But we would like to hear what you think, for according to our knowledge, this sect [you belong to] is being spoken against everywhere.”

2 Corinthians 4:10

We always carry around in our [physical] bodies the [threat of] dying, as Jesus did [i.e., the apostles were constantly exposed to impending danger and death], so that the life of Jesus [i.e., His virtue, courage, faithfulness, etc.] may be demonstrated in our bodies [i.e., in the way we live] also.

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore, we do not get discouraged, for though our physical body is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed daily.

1 Peter 4:16

But if a person should have to suffer because he is a Christian, he should not be ashamed [of it], but instead, he should bring honor to God by [wearing] the name [of Christ].