How does 1 Peter 4:1 connect to Jesus' suffering in the Gospels?

◄ Link 1 Peter 4:1 to Jesus' suffering. ►

1 Peter 4:1—The Starting Point

“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.”

What Peter Means by “Christ Has Suffered”

• Looks back to 1 Peter 3:18—“Christ also suffered for sins once for all…”

• Assumes Jesus’ literal, historical sufferings recorded in the Gospels.

• Establishes Jesus’ experience as the pattern for Christian thinking.

Snapshots of Jesus’ Suffering in the Gospels

• Predictions of the cross—Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22.

• Trials and scourging—Matthew 26–27; John 18–19; silent submission (Isaiah 53:7).

• Resurrection vindication—Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20.

How the Verse Connects to Those Gospel Events

1. Same resolve

– Jesus obeyed “unto death” (Philippians 2:8).

– Peter: “Arm yourselves with the same resolve.”

2. Suffering breaks with sin

– Jesus, though sinless, suffered for sin (Hebrews 4:15).

– Believers who suffer for righteousness show sin no longer rules (Romans 6:6-7).

3. Purposeful pain

– Jesus’ pain purchased redemption (Mark 10:45).

– Our suffering refines faith and testifies to Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7).

4. Vindication beyond suffering

– Resurrection follows the cross.

– 1 Peter 4:13 promises shared glory after present trials.

Linked Passages Reinforcing the Connection

• Romans 6:10-11—Christ died to sin once; we count ourselves dead to sin.

• Hebrews 12:2—He “endured the cross” for future joy; we run the same race.

• 2 Timothy 2:11-12—If we died with Him, we will live and reign with Him.

• Hebrews 13:12-13—Jesus suffered outside the camp; we bear reproach with Him.

Practical Take-Aways

• Decide now to obey, whatever the cost.

• View trials as tools God uses to sever lingering sin.

• Let endurance point others to Christ (1 Peter 3:15).

• Fix hope on the glory to come (Romans 8:17-18).