Peter has given guidance on living as a Christian. The letter continues to base the guidance on theological principles about the identity of Jesus.
1 Peter 4: 1-6, Arm yourself with Christ's suffering.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Peter offers a difference: leave a life of hopelessness and focus on shortterm pleasure for a life of longterm purpose (including suffering), as a member of Christ's family.
This passage indicates that the readers of the letter are likely Gentiles. Peter makes no attempt to appeal to Jewish upbringing or morality.
1 Peter 4: 7-8, Prayer and love
1 Peter 4: 9-11, Using our gifts
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
The brief emphasis on spiritual gifts and appropriate use of them echoes Paul.
Some suggest that this epistle glues together two letters. If so, this is the break, as the past paragraph ends with an announcement of praise and the next passage starts anew.
1 Peter 4: 12-18, Be proud & grateful of the name you bear
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
The quote in verse 18 is from Prov. 11:31.
William Barclay suggests that Peter is instructing Christians suffering under persecution from Nero.
1 Peter 4: 19, Suffering
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Peter offers a difference: leave a life of hopelessness and focus on shortterm pleasure for a life of longterm purpose (including suffering), as a member of Christ's family.
This passage indicates that the readers of the letter are likely Gentiles. Peter makes no attempt to appeal to Jewish upbringing or morality.
1 Peter 4: 7-8, Prayer and love
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Peter believed the "end of all things" was near and that was 2000 years ago!
Peter believed the "end of all things" was near and that was 2000 years ago!
I love the proverb, "Love covers a multitude of sins", for it indicates a fundamental principle: focus on love and the rest begins to fall in place.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
The brief emphasis on spiritual gifts and appropriate use of them echoes Paul.
Some suggest that this epistle glues together two letters. If so, this is the break, as the past paragraph ends with an announcement of praise and the next passage starts anew.
1 Peter 4: 12-18, Be proud & grateful of the name you bear
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
The quote in verse 18 is from Prov. 11:31.
William Barclay suggests that Peter is instructing Christians suffering under persecution from Nero.
1 Peter 4: 19, Suffering
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Suffering (according to God's will) is included in our training.
Peter concludes with final advice in the next chapter.
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