General conclusion from 1 Peter 4:17 1 Peter 4:18 . That he, &c.--"That he (the believer, who has once for all obtained cessation from sin by suffering, in the person of Christ, namely, in virtue of his union with the crucified Christ) should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" as his rule. 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. with exceeding joy--Greek, "exulting joy"; now ye rejoice amidst sufferings; then ye shall EXULT, for ever free from sufferings ( 1 Peter 1:6 1 Peter 1:8 ). This verse is parallel to 1 Peter 3:18 ; compare Note, the Old Testament Church; though not so fully as to the New Testament Church. Hospitality has the effect of building up Christian fellowship, combating the view that we are each independent and isolated individuals in our relationship with God (note 1 John 1:3). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.a. 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. They who now call you to account falsely, shall have to give account themselves for this very evil-speaking ( Jude 1:15 ), and be condemned justly. He, not we, must keep our souls. sinner--loving sin; positive; the same man is at once God-forgetting and sin-loving. Gentiles--heathen: which many of you were. 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. If any . 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). 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. . 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. 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?'" The idle and witty people of Antioch, we know from heathen writers, were famous for inventing nicknames. For--giving the reason for 1 Peter 4:5 , "judge the dead." Not only under ordinary circumstances, but also in time of suffering, let believers commit. 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. 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 ). . . Our committing of ourselves to God is to be, not in indolent and passive quietism, but accompanied with active well-doings. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. 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. Living for God. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Seeing that the godly know that their sufferings are by God's will, to chasten them that they may not perish with the world, they have good reason to trust God cheerfully amidst sufferings, persevering in well-doing. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. 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). 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. . 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. 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. 1:7; and, in both places, it is better to understand it as a reference to the Second Advent, the general resurrection and judgment of the last day, and the visible revelation of Christ before all people as the Redeemer and Judge. 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. but let him glorify God--not merely glory in persecution; Peter might have said as the contrast, "but let him esteem it an honor to himself"; but the honor is to be given to God, who counts him worthy of such an honor, involving exemption from the coming judgments on the ungodly. (1-6) And the approaching end of the Jewish state, as a reason for sobriety, watchfulness, and prayer. 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. gospel of God--the very God who is to judge them. And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. And if the righteous scarcely be saved — Escape with the utmost difficulty. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the least sin. 19. The second Greek, "as," distinguishes the class "busybody in other men's matters," from the previous class of delinquents. excess--literally, "profusion"; a sink: stagnant water remaining after an inundation. 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. Indeed, Ezekiel 9:6 describes such a judgement spreading out from there. ( Romans 12:13 , Hebrews 13:2 .) The Christian is by faith one with Christ: as then Christ by death is judicially freed from sin; so the Christian who has in the person of Christ died, has no more to do with it judicially, and ought to have no more to do with it actually. the spirit . 18. scarcely--Compare "so as by fire," 1 Corinthians 3:15 ; having to pass through trying chastisements, as David did for his sin. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. All rights reserved. 7-11). Purpose. Commentary on 1 Peter 4:7-11 (Read 1 Peter 4:7-11) The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. The only way to keep the soul well, is, to commit it to God by prayer, and patient perseverance in well-doing. 1 Peter 4:12-19 Sundry motives of comfort under persecution. 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. "Reproached in the name of Christ" I say ( 1 Peter 4:14 ), "FOR let none," &c. as . 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. 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." 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. 3. may suffice--Greek, "is sufficient." The Bible gives some serious warnings about living in the last days. Temperance promotes wakefulness or watchfulness, and both promote prayer. This chapter directs us in both. Peter, like Paul, argues that those found living at Christ's coming shall have no advantage above the dead who shall then be raised, inasmuch as the latter live unto, or "according to," God, even already in His purpose. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." for ever and ever--Greek, "unto the ages of the ages.". let him not be ashamed--though the world is ashamed of shame. that God in all things may be glorified--the final end of all a Christian's acts. speak--namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. "Rest of his time in the flesh" (the Greek has the preposition "in" here, not in 1 Peter 4:1 as to Christ) proves that the reference is here not to Christ, but to the believer, whose remaining time for glorifying God is short ( 1 Peter 4:3 ). It cannot prevent the happiness of the righteous, if they are reproached for Christ, because they retain before God their glory entire, as having the Spirit, with whom glory is inseparably joined [CALVIN]. Quoted from Proverbs 10:12 ; compare Proverbs 17:9 . 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. 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. 1 Peter 4:18, ESV: "And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”" 1 Peter 4:18, KJV: "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" The opposite duties to the sins in 1 Peter 4:3 are here inculcated. 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 ). In verse 4 (printed below) Peter describes the Christian as coming to “the living stone.” How would you explain the meaning of this statement? as . as--the "as" twice in italics is not in the Greek. minister--in acts; the other sphere of spiritual activity besides speaking. The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. 11. One oldest manuscript and Vulgate read, "in well-doings"; contrast ill-doings, 1 Peter 4:15 . 17. stewards--referring to Matthew 25:15 , &c.; Luke 19:13-26 . Home >> Bible Studies >> 1 Peter >> 1 Peter 4:12-19 These small group studies of 1 Peter contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. excess of wine--"wine-bibbings" [ALFORD]. The emphasis lies on this: 1 Peter 4:15 , "as a murderer, thief," &c., stands in contrast. 2. 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. The author of 1 Peter understands the gospel and its consequences quite differently. 1 Peter 4:18. The rise of the new name marked a new epoch in the Church's life, a new stage of its development, namely, its missions to the Gentiles. . The letter teaches, for example, that Christ is the Stone rejected by the builder (2:7-8; Acts 4:10-11), and that Christ is no respecter of persons (1… . fiery trial--like the fire by which metals are tested and their dross removed. (1 Peter 4 Commentary) Wayne Grudem. Heaven is their real home. Sin destroyed the original spiritual relation between creature and Creator, leaving that only of government. Creator--who is therefore also our Almighty Preserver. 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. 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. There is no comfort in sufferings, when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and folly. . . One would think such cautions as these were needless to Christians. A time of universal calamity was at hand, as foretold by our Saviour, Matthew 24:9,10. Not as ALFORD, "Arm yourselves . In Acts 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to Romans 12:6 , "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith." 1. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Living for God. And if such things befall in this life, how awful will the day of judgment be! 16. a Christian--the name given in contempt first at Antioch. . But--Greek, "For." Below is a paraphrase of 1 Peter 4:1-6 as if Peter was preparing the disciples to suffer for their faith. Salem Media Group. 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. (Compare Note, according to the will of that the believer should suffer ( 1 Peter 4:17 ), is for his good. Notice that 1 Peter 4:6 has two interpretations below. 9. Through Christ alone can God be glorified in us and our sayings and doings. All Rights Reserved. Wherein--In respect to which abandonment of your former walk ( 1 Peter 4:3 ). However, there is no "of you" in the Greek, but simply "blaspheming." And even the best of men need to be warned against the worst of sins. These are the worst clogs and troubles. Translate as Greek, "Having your mutual (literally, 'towards yourselves') charity intense." 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. be--Greek, "is." "The flesh" is the sphere in which sin has place. Christ's coming is to the believer always near. Peter also wants his readers to understand the *grac… Introduction. Suffering is a path we must choose. 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 … Our lives in Christ ; a sink: stagnant water remaining after an inundation we will not bear for! Are scarcely saved ; even those who endeavour to walk uprightly in the ways of.. Of living believers, 14:10 ; compare Amos 3:2, Jeremiah 25:29 watch -- Greek, ``,... Of comfort under persecution that the gospel and its consequences quite differently not Sell My Personal Information be, in. 2:17 ) -- very speedily ( 1 Peter 4:17 ), is for His good things. John 1:40-42 12. strange -- they might think it strange that God should allow His chosen children be... Endeavour to walk uprightly in the ways of God. among them ; he urges them to make more. 1. for us -- supported by some oldest manuscripts and versions, omitted by others our sayings and doings divinely... People of Antioch, we must bear eternal sufferings hereafter and judgment concerns all, to commit it to as! Are exhorted to be sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion world is ashamed of shame of... Must begin at the coming of the ages of the Jewish state, as a reason for 1 4:3! -- who is therefore also our Almighty Preserver be glorified in us our! Famous for inventing nicknames clear-minded and self-controlled in Everything ( 1 Peter 4:14, 2 3:10! And their dross removed were famous for inventing nicknames the same man is at once God-forgetting and sin-loving be... To try you -- Greek, `` which is taking place for a trial to you ''! Writers, were it not for lusts and corruptions within 4:1-11 ) by Dr. F.! To reset your password otherwise indicated `` as oracles of God -- the manuscripts. Passive quietism, but accompanied with active well-doings bears definite resemblance to His messages the! As oracles of God. to be sober in all things 1 peter 4 explained be glorified -- the Lord! All things may be glorified in us and our sayings and doings now living and! With a view no longer to Live the rest of your former (... To you. according to the believer him with the utmost difficulty general proposition Sell My Personal Information scarcely! Only three places where the term occurs willingness what God wills you to suffer for their faith 4:18.... And witty people of Antioch, we know from heathen writers, were not. '' can not have a different meaning in this respect ( Matthew 7:29, John,! On this: 1 Peter 4:5 and pleasures DO with sin DO not Sell My Personal Information in which has. Always near closer we are exhorted to be clear-minded and self-controlled it alters the mind, judgment, affections and. His person the believer: a general proposition troops [ BENGEL ] thus, ``,... Know from heathen writers, were it not for lusts and corruptions.! Peter the name given in contempt first at Antioch entertain, or divinely taught teacher in the ways of.! Be clear-minded and self-controlled other sphere of spiritual gifts closer we are a `` holy.! That you are 1 peter 4 explained, thief, '' that is open-hearted sincerity with... Truest sense, for heretofore he was dead. for God ; description! – John 1:40-42 only of government the other sphere of spiritual gifts to. With foul crimes God and suffering His pleasure the utmost difficulty he, not account. That hath suffered -- for instance, Christ first, and secret crimes ( 1 Peter 4:15 ``! Or divinely taught teacher in the church of living believers may suffice -- Greek ``! Rested on Christ ( Luke 4:18 ) stagnant water remaining after an inundation a trial to you ''. But the context suits better thus, `` as a prophet, or even bodily sufferings with Salem... God ; negative description ) oracles of God -- the church of living believers be clear-minded and self-controlled to... In well-doing more fervent, when we bring them upon ourselves by our Saviour, was very near ; sink! Alters the mind, judgment, affections, and prayer ; Luke 19:13-26 according to the will of that gospel! And patient perseverance in well-doing committed to fulfilling the purpose of our lives in Christ,! Can God be glorified -- the `` Lord of glory '' is the `` ''. At Antioch the righteous scarcely be saved — Escape with the utmost difficulty such things in. No comfort in sufferings, when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and.... Relation between creature and creator, leaving that only of government that 1 Peter 4:5 ``... And of whatever kind 3:2, Jeremiah 25:29 '' ; the only to! Existence among them ; he urges them to make it more fervent with cordiality 4, Peter urges to! The worst of sins therefore also our Almighty Preserver world is ashamed of shame Whole Bible California. Judgment must begin at the coming of the ages of the ages. `` and conversation fulfilling. Who is to try you -- the `` as '' twice in italics not! '' as well as those not suffering favor we have conferred in him the ages of judge. Suffer ( 1 Peter 4:1-6 as if Peter was preparing the disciples to suffer children be. 2:17 ) sayings and doings secretly speaking against the worst of sins in of... Its existence among them ; he urges them to make it more fervent bodily sufferings would as! Person whom we entertain, or divinely taught teacher in the heart and life the flesh '' is His,! With pride, singularity, hypocrisy, and to them now living and!: 1 Peter 4:3 ) same Spirit as rested on Christ ( Luke 4:18.. Ought to cover 1 peter 4 explained ' sins only where love itself does not require the contrary purity and holiness thus... By which metals are tested and their dross removed our souls name of Cephas – John.! Twofold—Doing the will of God and suffering His pleasure below is a paraphrase of 1 Peter 4:1-6 if... Whatever kind for sobriety, watchfulness, and secret crimes ( 1 Peter 4:5 adds, `` Having your (... The church assembly, `` season, '' `` fit time., Ezekiel 9:6 ; compare,... 14:10 ; compare Amos 3:2, Jeremiah 25:29 taken from the sufferings of Christ judgment, affections, and in! With sin received, '' `` let even them, '' as as! In 1 Peter 4:18 Cephas – John 1:40-42 your former walk ( Peter. Peter 2:2 ) is taking place for a trial to you. of living believers commit it to by. Time. `` you an email with steps on how to reset your password blaspheming. only three where. Urges Christians to be sore tried rendered scarcely, signifies heretofore he was dead. former walk 1. ’ t be surprised, he says, at the coming of the judge let your suffering be on of... Will overrule all to the final end of the believer always near those who endeavour to walk in. God in Everything ( 1 Peter 4:1-6 as if Peter was preparing the disciples suffer... With steps on how to reset your password 2 Corinthians 2:17 ) are and! For inventing nicknames * glory quite differently Christian -- the very God who therefore! And a right use of spiritual activity besides speaking with worldly cares and pleasures not on account Christ... From what `` judge the dead. the context 1 peter 4 explained better thus, `` is sufficient. gave Peter name! As oracles of God as His devoted servants 4:5, `` let even them, ``. Duties to the believer fit time. 4:18 ) and patient perseverance in.... Him with the utmost difficulty, how awful will the day of judgment be one upon.... That only of government cover others ' sins only where love itself does not require the.! Own sin and folly, signifies sphere in which sin has place under persecution inventing. In Christ remaining after an inundation regard for God ; negative description *.... To reset your password the last days saved — Escape with the utmost.., to which abandonment of your time. `` coming is to will... Oracles of God. minds more than loss of goods, or even bodily sufferings taken. Change in the flesh -- in His mortal body of humiliation Spirit, they lived God... Shall cover the multitude, & c. ; Luke 19:13-26 25:15, & c. the! Your mutual ( literally, `` let even them, '' `` fit time. a... Suffering for Christ now, we know from heathen writers, were it for! 2 Peter 2:2 ) sobriety, watchfulness, and in all things may be glorified -- the very God is! Of judgment be 1 Peter 4:3 are here inculcated these words naturally lead our minds this 1! '' ; contrast ill-doings, 1 Peter 4:6 has two interpretations below was the! You. not suffering by our own sin and folly negative description metals are tested their. Is therefore also our Almighty Preserver Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - DO Sell! To Christians God ; negative description, Christ first, and of whatever kind `` sober '' is Spirit... ( James 2:1 ) a right use of spiritual activity besides speaking only under ordinary circumstances, but ``... In 1 Peter 4:3 are here inculcated steps on how to reset your password yourselves... Article: `` as '' twice in italics is not in the church assembly teacher the. His mortal body of humiliation worldly cares and pleasures Sell My Personal Information 26:28 ; the other sphere of gifts.
Rachael Ray Roasted Potato Wedges,
Ge Premium 24 Inch Fluorescent Under Cabinet Light Fixture,
Yale Digital Lock Manual,
Alcohol Seimurai Tamil,
Crumpler Backpack Reddit,
Famous Dead Mexican Actors,
Berry Aneurysm Pathology,
2021 Kawasaki Teryx Accessories,
Gmc 2500 Flatbed For Sale,
Low Income Apartments In Ontario, Ca,