Thursday 10 September 2026

Psalm 119:65-80

Background
As we noted earlier in the week, 1 Peter’s readers were scattered across modern-day Turkey, probably in small groups and communities. Formal church roles, structures and language were still evolving. However, the author of 1 Peter does use the term ‘Christian’ in this passage (see verse 16).

The word ‘Christian’ is unusual in the New Testament and this is one of the first times it appears (see also Acts 11:26; 26:28). In keeping with the theme of the letter that followers of Jesus may suffer ridicule and abuse for living counter-culturally, it’s implied that the word ‘Christian’ may be used as an insult by those seeking to mock those who followed Jesus. However, the author says that, rather than being embarrassed, Christians should wear the title as a badge of honour, and give glory to God.

There are parallels with the ‘Holy Club’ set up by John and Charles Wesley at Oxford in 1729. The names ‘Holy Club’ and ‘Methodist’ were bestowed by those who teased the members for seeking to serve God methodically at every hour of the day. But the name stuck, and today, rather a lot of us are delighted to be Methodist!

1 Peter can be challenging in its approach to suffering, and particularly the invitation to rejoice in the experience of suffering. Over the years, many passages of Scripture have been read to suggest that God inflicts suffering as a punishment, or a teaching tool, or for divine reasons humans could never fathom. But it is hard to reconcile this with an all-loving God who is infinitely more compassionate and generous than any human parent (see Matthew 7:9-11, for example). Those who are suffering and come to church should be met with compassion, understanding and, if appropriate, practical support – not an instruction to rejoice in their pain because it is God-given.

However, 1 Peter does rightly reflect that, for those who stand up for justice, there is often a cost, and that those who suffer for following Christ can draw comfort and strength from their faith.

To Ponder:

• Can you think of any other terms that began as insults, but have been proudly adopted by the communities against which they were used?
• What words would you use to describe yourself and your beliefs?
• When thinking about the question of suffering, and God’s role in it, I found Harold S Kushner’s book When Bad Things Happen to Good People very interesting and helpful. Have you found any resources to help you reflect on this tricky topic? Could you share them below?

Bible notes author: The Revd Naomi Oates
Naomi is a Methodist minister, currently serving in four churches across five communities in the North Kent Circuit. When not being rugby-tackled by her two young children, she enjoys cycling, baking and reading Golden Age detective fiction (although not all at the same time).