(a) According to Peter, what should be the Christian attitude in the face of persecution? (b) State three types of persecution Christians may encounter toda...

Answer Details

(a) The Christian attitude in the face of persecution according to Peter (1 Peter 3:13-17; 4:12-19)

Peter counselled believers on how to react when they suffer for their faith:

• They should not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that comes to test them, as though something strange were happening; suffering for Christ is to be expected.
• They should rejoice in so far as they share Christ's sufferings, so that they may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.
• If they are reproached for the name of Christ, they are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon them.
• They must make sure they suffer as Christians and not as murderers, thieves, wrongdoers or mischief-makers; there is no honour in suffering for evil.
• Even if they suffer for righteousness' sake, they are blessed; they should have no fear of their persecutors nor be troubled.
• They should in their hearts reverence Christ as Lord, and always be ready to give a gentle and reverent defence of their hope.
• It is better, if it be God's will, to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.
• Those who suffer according to God's will should entrust their souls to a faithful Creator and continue to do good, not glorifying persecution but glorifying God in that name.

(b) Three types of persecution Christians may encounter today

• Physical persecution such as beating, imprisonment, torture or death for the faith.
• Verbal and social persecution such as insults, mockery, slander, discrimination and rejection.
• Economic persecution such as loss of jobs, denial of promotion, or being deprived of business and opportunities because of one's faith.