“surprised” John 15:19-20 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you;…”

Matt 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

“Fiery ordeal……testing” 1 Peter 1:6-8 “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;…”

The clear message that is being conveyed is that suffering is part of the natural experience of Christians; it is not something foreign to them. To put it in another way, it would be strange and unusual indeed if Christians did not suffer because of their faith.

“exultation” Jump for Joy

“because” (Reason) It's the Spirit of God and His glory in you that brought you to the notice of others.

1 Peter 4:3-4 “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with theminto the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you;…”

1 Peter 4:5 “but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

Sentencing Phase! We are Forgiven and Restored.

Rom. 3:23-24 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;…”

Rom 5:1 “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,…”

kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;…” 1 Peter 2:23 “…and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;…”

2 Tim 4:7-8 “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”