This chapter directs us in both. 1 Peter 4 (King James Version) 1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. Proud member And if such things befall in this life, how awful will the day of judgment be! At Antioch, where first idolatrous Gentiles (Cornelius, Acts 10:1 Acts 10:2 , was not an idolater, but a proselyte) were converted, and wide missionary work began, they could be no longer looked on as a Jewish sect, and so the Gentiles designated them by the new name "Christians." As the end is near, cultivate self-restraint, watchful prayerfulness, charity, hospitality, scriptural speech, ministering to one another according to your several gifts to the glory of God: Rejoicing patience under suffering. * Peter had been a fisherman before being called to be an apostle; but Jesus called Peter, along with his brother Andrew and his partners James and John, to become “fishers of men” – Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18-22. The date of this Epistle must have been when this had become the generally recognized designation among Gentiles (it is never applied by Christians to each other, as it was in after ages--an undesigned proof that the New Testament was composed when it professes), and when the name exposed one to reproach and suffering, though not seemingly as yet to systematic persecution. Salem Media Group. . It seems to me always to be used, either directly or indirectly, in the sense of impious reviling against God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit, and the Christian religion, not merely against men as such; Greek, 1 Peter 4:14 , below. . Suffering is a path we must choose. . Jesus was the pattern in this respect ( Matthew 7:29 , John 12:49 , 14:10 ; compare Paul, 2 Corinthians 2:17 ). Moreover, the absence of the Greek article does not necessarily restrict the sense of "dead" to particular dead persons, for there is no Greek article in 1 Peter 4:5 also, where "the dead" is universal in meaning. The gospel had been preached to those since dead, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evil-doers, some even suffering death. "The Spirit of glory" is His Spirit, for He is the "Lord of glory" ( James 2:1 ). 16. a Christian--the name given in contempt first at Antioch. . Gentiles--heathen: which many of you were. There is a motive for this: they should be willing, like Christ, to suffer for doing right for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Six sins are here mentioned which have dependence one upon another. He will overrule all to the final advantage of the believer. 18. scarcely--Compare "so as by fire," 1 Corinthians 3:15 ; having to pass through trying chastisements, as David did for his sin. * Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever – Matthew 8:14,15. upon you--the same Spirit as rested on Christ ( Luke 4:18 ). 1 Peter 4:2 "That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to … Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Peter wants to encourage Christians who are suffering for Christ.Although Christians might suffer in this life, they will not suffer for ever.This world is not their real home. To suffer for one's own faults is no honor ( 1 Peter 4:15 , 1 Peter 2:20 ),--for Christ, is no shame ( 1 Peter 4:14 , 1 Peter 3:13 ). appear--in judgment. Temptations could not prevail, were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. he that hath suffered--for instance, Christ first, and in His person the believer: a general proposition. speak--namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. in the flesh--in His mortal body of humiliation. Coming to him, the living stone—rejected by men, but chosen and honored by God (1 Peter 2:4) Peter the Christian as coming to the Stone that men reject. at us, what shall the end be of them, &c.--If even the godly have chastening judgments now, how much more shall the ungodly be doomed to damnatory judgments at last. 8. above all things--not that "charity" or love is placed above "prayer," but because love is the animating spirit, without which all other duties are dead. One oldest manuscript and Vulgate read, "in well-doings"; contrast ill-doings, 1 Peter 4:15 . 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. arm--( Ephesians 6:11 Ephesians 6:13 ). for ever and ever--Greek, "unto the ages of the ages.". The "scarcely" marks the severity of the ordeal, and the unlikelihood (in a mere human point of view) of the righteous sustaining it; but the righteousness of Christ and God's everlasting covenant make it all sure. abominable--"nefarious," "lawless idolatries," violating God's most sacred law; not that all Peter's readers walked in these, but many, namely, the Gentile portion of them. (Compare Note, according to the will of that the believer should suffer ( 1 Peter 4:17 ), is for his good. We are exhorted to be sober in deed and watchful in prayer. Acts 11:26 , 26:28 ; the only three places where the term occurs. But God limits the destroyer's power over His people. But he who has given up himself and his all to God, may say confidently that the Lord is his portion; and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus, is solid and lasting; that abideth for ever. of Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. All must pass under the judgment of God; God's own household first, their chastisement being here, for which they should glorify Him as a proof of their membership in His family, and a pledge of their escape from the end of those whom the last judgment shall find disobedient to the Gospel. The idle and witty people of Antioch, we know from heathen writers, were famous for inventing nicknames. gospel preached also to . He then goes on to explain the relationship between suffering and salvation: suffering lasts now, but it proves our faith so that joy and glory can come later. gospel of God--the very God who is to judge them. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. Peter also wants his readers to understand the *grac… In the United States, the American Dream is often proclaimed as if it were gospel: anyone who works hard and makes good choices can be happy and successful. 6. 1 Peter 4:10(NASB) Verse Thoughts. 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. The Spirit's gifts (literally, "gift of grace," that is, gratuitously bestowed) are the common property of the Christian community, each Christian being but a steward for the edifying of the whole, not receiving the gift merely for his own use. "The flesh" is the sphere in which sin has place. hath ceased--literally, "has been made to cease," has obtained by the very fact of His having suffered once for all, a cessation from sin, which had heretofore lain on Him ( Romans 6:6-11 , especially, 1 Peter 4:7 ). faithful--to His covenant promises. And if the righteous scarcely be saved — Escape with the utmost difficulty. If we will not bear suffering for Christ now, we must bear eternal sufferings hereafter. As the time for Christ's return for His church draws ever closer we are warned to be clear-minded and self-controlled. What does 1 Peter chapter 4 mean? 1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (1 Peter 4:1). "When power is given to the destroyer, he observes no distinction between the righteous and the wicked; not only so, but he begins first at the righteous" [WETSTEIN from Rabbins]. Peter says that, in view of Christ’s suffering, we should live righteous lives and not fall into the sins we indulged in the past (1 Pet 4:3-4). one to another--Greek as in 1 Peter 4:8 , "towards yourselves"; implying that all form but one body, and in seeking the good of other members they are promoting the good of themselves. . if . He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the least sin. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords. . the same mind--of suffering with patient willingness what God wills you to suffer. 10. every--"even as each man hath received," in whatever degree, and of whatever kind. 17. If any . through Jesus Christ--the mediator through whom all our blessings come down to us, and also through whom all our praises ascend to God. giveth--Greek, "supplieth"; originally said of a choragus, who supplied the chorus with all necessaries for performing their several parts. (1 Peter 4 Commentary) Wayne Grudem. Detail of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), 'St Peter and St John Healing the Cripple' (1513), engraving, 118 x 74 mm, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. 5. minister--in acts; the other sphere of spiritual activity besides speaking. Drink makes drowsy, and drowsiness prevents prayer. . Since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind: The commitment God calls us to have is nothing greater than the commitment Jesus had in enduring suffering for our salvation. LIKE THE RISEN CHRIST, BELIEVERS HENCEFORTH OUGHT TO HAVE NO MORE TO DO WITH SIN. Another ground of consolation to Christians. (7-11) Believers encouraged to rejoice and glory in reproaches and sufferings for Christ, and to commit their souls to the care of a faithful God. 9. The Greek adds, "in your case." That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nearness meant is not that of mere "time," but that before the Lord; as he explains to guard against misapprehension, and defends God from the charge of procrastination: We live in the last dispensation, not like the Jews under the Old Testament. "Covereth" so as not harshly to condemn or expose faults; but forbearingly to bear the other's burdens, forgiving and forgetting past offenses. Peter using his spiritual gifts. So the word μολις, rendered scarcely, signifies. "Live according to God" means, live a life with God, such as God lives, divine; as contrasted with "according to men in the flesh," that is, a life such as men live in the flesh. 1 Peter 4:18 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] 1 Peter 4:18, NIV: "And, 'If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?'" Peter has in mind Ezekiel 9:6 ; compare Amos 3:2 , Jeremiah 25:29 . Compare the conduct of Shem and Japheth to Noah ( Genesis 9:23 ), in contrast to Ham's exposure of his father's shame. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him. Read Introduction to 1 Peter “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” Now Peter turns to a new subject – the effectiveness of the believer’s life in the middle of suffering (vv. Notice that 1 Peter 4:6 has two interpretations below. Peter encourages them with a vision of "an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn't fade away, reserved in Heaven the time--Greek, "season," "fit time." as . stewards--referring to Matthew 25:15 , &c.; Luke 19:13-26 . minister the same--not discontentedly envying or disparaging the gift of another. speaking evil--charging you with pride, singularity, hypocrisy, and secret crimes ( 1 Peter 4:14 , 2 Peter 2:2 ). 1 Peter 4:7-11 teaches the third way we are to live godly lives: Accomplish the Will of God like Christ, page 5 of 6 around the theme 1 Peter 4:1-11 Living … the end of all things--and therefore also of the wantonness ( 1 Peter 4:3 1 Peter 4:4 ) of the wicked, and of the sufferings of the righteous [BENGEL]. ALFORD'S explanation is wrong, "that they might be judged according to men as regards the flesh," that is, be in the state of the completed sentence on sin, which is death after the flesh. . 19. For "judged" cannot have a different meaning in this verse from what "judge" bears in 1 Peter 4:5 . judgment must begin at the house of God--the Church of living believers. Biblical Commentary (Bible Study) 1 Peter 4:12-16 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: Recipients of this letter are experiencing trials, harsh treatment, and suffering (1:6-7; 2:18-20; 3:13-17; 4:1-4, 12-19; 5:10). The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. "Dead" must be taken in the same literal sense as in 1 Peter 4:5 , which refutes the explanation "dead" in sins. let them--Greek, "let them also," "let even them," as well as those not suffering. The author of 1 Peter understands the gospel and its consequences quite differently. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. . Thus "sober" is the opposite of "lasciviousness" ( 1 Peter 4:3 ). Indeed, Ezekiel 9:6 describes such a judgement spreading out from there. In the context, Peter is talking about the suffering of Christ on our behalf (1 Pet 4:1-2) and about our salvation when we were baptized into Christ (1 Pet 3:20-22). The second Greek, "as," distinguishes the class "busybody in other men's matters," from the previous class of delinquents. Christians, from mistaken zeal, under the plea of faithfulness, might readily step out of their own calling and make themselves judges of the acts of unbelievers. 15. The opposite duties to the sins in 1 Peter 4:3 are here inculcated. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group. charity shall cover the multitude, &c.--The oldest manuscripts have "covereth." 11. And when we do so, we determine by God’s grace to live righteously, knowing that in so doing we will bring opposition and persecution. One sin draws on another. And if the way of the righteous be so hard, then how hard shall be the end of the ungodly sinner, who walks in sin with delight, and thinks the righteous is a fool for all his pains! as the, &c.--The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." which is to try you--Greek, "which is taking place for a trial to you." Our committing of ourselves to God is to be, not in indolent and passive quietism, but accompanied with active well-doings. and of God--Greek, "and the (Spirit) of God"; implying that the Spirit of glory (which is Christ's Spirit) is at the same time also the Spirit of God. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest. "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. that God in all things may be glorified--the final end of all a Christian's acts. Prior chapters made the case that we are a "holy people." We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. wrought--Greek, "wrought out." Introduction. Lesson 18: A Difficult Passage Explained and Applied (1 Peter 3:18-22) Lesson 19: Intent On Holiness (1 Peter 4:1-6) Lesson 20: The Church’s Conduct In The End Times (1 Peter 4:7-11) For--giving the reason for 1 Peter 4:5 , "judge the dead." 1 Peter 4:12-19 Sundry motives of comfort under persecution. 4:1-2 Just as Jesus physically suffered, we are to take up the same determined spirit to live for God's purposes and put away all sin. Not only under ordinary circumstances, but also in time of suffering, let believers commit. One would think such cautions as these were needless to Christians. The only way to keep the soul well, is, to commit it to God by prayer, and patient perseverance in well-doing. 1 Peter 4:18 is a quotation from Pr 11:31 LXX: In the Hebrew the saying applies to recompense in this life, but the author uses it of recompense in the last judgment The reference of the section in which 1 Peter 4:18 stands is to the sufferings of Christians, which are regarded as the fiery glow and beginning of judgment. dead--as well as to them now living, and to them that shall be found alive at the coming of the Judge. 1 Peter 4:18. riot--profligacy. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. with a view no longer to live the rest of your time.". Perhaps the additional idea is included, By prayer for them, love tries to have them covered by God; and so being the instrument of converting the sinner from his error, "covereth a (not 'the,' as English Version) multitude of sins"; but the former idea from Proverbs is the prominent one. His divinely inspired words are not his own, but God's, and as a steward ( 1 Peter 4:10 ) having them committed to him, he ought so to speak them. as--the "as" twice in italics is not in the Greek. 7. (12-19). The Lord will come as a thief; He is "ready" ( 1 Peter 4:5 ) to judge the world at any moment; it is only God's long-suffering and His will that the Gospel should be preached as a witness to all nations, that induces Him to lengthen out the time which is with Him still as nothing. Many consider that when Peter said, "it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God", he was referring to God’s judgement falling on the physical House of God in Jerusalem, in AD 70. 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