What the Bible says about Suffering, Maturing through
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Christ's physical life was not spared the calamities we commonly face so that He would be prepared for His responsibilities within God's purpose. He was made to share our experiences to perfect, complete, or mature Him. In other words, if we might have to flee for our lives, then God was not going to excuse Jesus from that kind of a trial. He allowed Jesus to get into situations where indeed He might have to flee for His life. Did Jesus just presume that God would rescue Him because of who He was? No. In writing this, the apostle Paul wants us to understand that Jesus sinlessness was the result of conscious decision and intense struggle, not merely the consequence of His divine nature or the Father's protection or intervention.
John W. Ritenbaugh
A Place of Safety? (Part 2)Related Topics: Jesus Christ as High Priest | Jesus Christ's Humanity | Jesus Christ's Suffering | Maturity | Maturity through Suffering | Struggle | Struggle against Carnal Nature | Struggle against Sin | Struggle to Overcome | Suffering | Suffering, Learning through | Suffering, Maturing through | Trials | Trials, Purpose of | Trials, Shaping Power Of
Peter is not saying that suffering is a commendable thing. What is commendable is that one has submitted to God's will and that he is suffering, not because he did something wrong, but because he did something right. In addition, he is not striking back, which is what his emotions would lead him to do.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Satan (Part 4)