Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.
Peter brought together four reasons for suffering in this section. First, God allows us to suffer to demonstrate our character (1 Peter 4:12). Second, those who identify themselves with Jesus Christ will share in the sufferings of our Savior (1 Peter 4:13; cf. Philippians 3:10). Third, our sufferings will be an occasion of God blessing us (1 Peter 4:14). In addition, fourth, our suffering will glorify God (1 Peter 4:16). Peter then redirected our perspective on suffering by reminding us of the time and intensity of our sufferings, compared with those of unbelievers (1 Peter 4:17-18). Finally, he concluded with an exhortation to trust God and do right (1 Peter 4:19). Peter thus encouraged his readers by revealing God’s perspective on their sufferings.