1 Peter4
New American Standard
1Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.
3For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.
4In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you;
5but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
8Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
9Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
10As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.
11Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you;
13but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.
14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.
15Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?
19Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Peter 4.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The consideration of Christ's sufferings is urged for purity and holiness. (1–6). And the approaching end of the Jewish state, as a reason for sobriety, watchfulness, and prayer. (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. (12–19).
vv1-6
The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the least sin. 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. And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent. One sin draws on another. Six sins are here mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a Christian's duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but also from things that lead to sin, or appear evil. 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. But being quickened to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.
vv7-11
The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. 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. 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 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. And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch, who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are often broken, and which, when he attains, both he and they must shortly perish together. 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.
vv12-19
By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, he is evil spoken of, and is blasphemed. One would think such cautions as these were needless to Christians. But their enemies falsely charged them with foul crimes. And even the best of men need to be warned against the worst of sins. There is no comfort in sufferings, when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and folly. A time of universal calamity was at hand, as foretold by our Saviour, Mt 24:9, 10. And if such things befall in this life, how awful will the day of judgment be! It is true that the righteous are scarcely saved; even those who endeavour to walk uprightly in the ways of God. This does not mean that the purpose and performance of God are uncertain, but only the great difficulties and hard encounters in the way; that they go through so many temptations and tribulations, so many fightings without and fears within. Yet all outward difficulties would be as nothing, were it not for lusts and corruptions within. These are the worst clogs and troubles. 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! The only way to keep the soul well, is, to commit it to God by prayer, and patient perseverance in well-doing. He will overrule all to the final advantage of the believer.
Key Words
οὖν (oûn): (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
σάρξ (sárx): flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such)
ὁπλίζω (hoplízō): to equip (with weapons (middle voice and figuratively))
αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἔννοια (énnoia): thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πάσχω (páschō): to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
παύω (paúō): to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e. restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
Cross References
1 Peter 4Direct Old Testament quotation of the LXX version of Proverbs 11:31 regarding the righteous being scarcely saved.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Pauline parallel showing that he who has died (or suffered in the flesh) is freed/ceased from sin.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Old Testament background for judgment beginning at God's sanctuary (the house of God).
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Connects back to Peter's previous statement of Christ's suffering once in the flesh.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Verbal echo of 'let it suffice you' regarding past rebellion/abominations.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Difficult parallel regarding the preaching of the gospel to those who are dead/spirits in prison.
Supported by JFB
Parallel logic: if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Reckoning oneself dead to sin but alive to God, matching the 'same mind' of Christ.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Living the rest of the time in the flesh by faith in the Son of God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Not conforming to this world (lusts of men) but proving the perfect will of God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Exhortation not to walk as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Standard locus on spiritual gifts being distributed by God's grace for mutual edification.
Supported by JFB
Peter's earlier explanation of the 'trial of your faith' being tried with fire.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Points to Christ suffering for us, leaving us an example to follow His steps.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel list of Gentile vices: walking honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Pauline command matching Peter's instruction to be 'given to hospitality'.
Supported by JFB
Peter's repeating theme: 'if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye'.
Supported by JFB
Prophetic parallel of God bringing evil first on the city called by His name.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Contrast of suffering for faults vs suffering patiently for doing well.
Supported by JFB
Historical origin of the term 'Christian', under which believers now suffer.
Supported by JFB