When a person suffers real persecution for the sake of Jesus, it almost always profoundly changes their outlook regarding sin and the pursuits of the flesh. Peter realized we have all spent enough time living like the world. Now we are called to live like Christ. If we really understood that we live in the last days, we would spend a lot more time in prayer.

Jesus reminds us in John 15, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. Suffering as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed about, even though the world may despise the suffering Christian. Instead, we should glorify God in times of persecution. 

Why does Peter say that persecution will begin with the house of God?  Let's find out.