1:29 {10} For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
(10) He proves his statement that persecution is a token of our salvation, because it is a gift of God to suffer for Christ, which gift he bestows upon his own, as he does the gift of faith.
1:29 For to you it is given. Two things were granted:
To believe on him. The privilege of believing in Christ.
To suffer for his sake. That of suffering for Christ. Such was the lot of all ancient Christians. See Heb 12:3,4 1Pe 4:16.
1:29 For to you it is given - As a special token of God's love, and of your being in the way of salvation.
1:27-30 Those who profess the gospel of Christ, should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises. The original word conversation denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. There is that in the faith of the gospel, which is worth striving for; there is much opposition, and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell; but he who would go to heaven, must look about him and be diligent. There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, we are to reckon them a gift, and prize them accordingly. Yet salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions, as though afflictions and worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and patience are his gifts.
