In the earliest days of the church, the primary controversy with false teaching involved an overly Jewish emphasis. The “Judaizers,” tried to put Old Testament requirements upon non-Jewish believers.
The later threat that Peter addresses here poses an almost opposite problem. It stems from compromise with the surrounding pagan, Greco-Roman environment.
Peter has been reminding us of the necessity of suffering, but suffering simply cannot be enjoyed for its own sake. Here he draws our attention to the glory that awaits us as God’s people in the presence of our Lord.
There is a difference between the apostles and us on the point of suffering. We essentially thank the Lord that we don’t have to suffer for His sake. They thanked the Lord when they did.
What we say and do in times of adversity can have more impact than what we say and do when all is going well. Times of suffering can be perfect opportunities to bear witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Central Reflections 