IV. The responsibilities of Christians corporately 4:12--5:11

 A. The Fiery Trial 4:12-19

Peter reminded his readers of how sufferings fit into God's purposes to encourage them to persevere with the proper attitude (cf. James 1).

 B. The Church under Trial 5:1-11

Peter concluded the body of his epistle and this section on encouragement in suffering with specific commands so his readers would understand how to live while suffering for Christ.