1 Peter 4 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

1 Peter 4

Stewards of God’s Grace

4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,¹ arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory² and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”³

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Footnotes

[1] 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you
[2] 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
[3] 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

Commentary

v1-2: Physical suffering is linked with breaking from sins, rather than the direct result of committing sins. Here then is a clear benefit of enduring suffering. The meaning here is actually broader than persecution; to suffer in the flesh means to identify with Christ through baptism. Thus, the command is for all who have trusted in Christ, and obeyed Him in baptism.

We have received new life, with new desires and motives; through our enduring suffering, we learn to put away sinful attitudes, and grow in our faith.

v3: See also Eph 2.3; Peter looks back. Before conversion we lived as unbelievers; and none of us can claim a past life of sinlessness. However, we are all called to break with these past things.

v4: Since we have new attitudes and new actions, we find we also have new friends. Old friends think it strange that we live as we do.

v5: Those who reject the testimony of Christ through our lives will be judged for their rebellion.

v6: Only the gospel gives life to the dead. All have heard; those who reject will be condemned.

v7: The end of all things, see 2 Pet 3.11. What should our response be? The closing of this age is a motivation to godly living. We must be serious, watchful in prayer; Peter learned something of this in Gethsemane.

v8-9: Have fervent love, be hospitable.

v10-11: We have a responsibility to serve faithfully, using the gifts God has given to "each one," as in Rom 12.3; 1 Cor 12.7; Eph 4.7. Our speaking ministry must be with authority and faithfulness; and all ministry must be in God's strength.

‘In fact, when a man speaks God’s word without feeling the power of it in himself, what else is he doing but farce? And what a sacrilege that is! What a pollution of God’s words!’ (John Calvin, Sermons from Job)

v12-13: Sharing in Christ's sufferings now, a promise of the glory to come; Acts 5.41; Rom 8.18.

v14: Phil 1.28; deliberate persecution is a sword that divides believer from unbeliever.

v15: Another reminder that the Christian should not suffer as an evil-doer. The list includes what we might deem 'major' and 'minor' sins; the Bible makes no such distinction. Indeed, those things which we treat as less serious are generally more serious.

v16: We are not to be ashamed if we suffer for Christ's sake; it is a good thing, since God may be glorified.

v17-18: God the Judge; and we are all accountable to Him. The quotation here is from Prov 11.31, where the emphasis is on recompense on the earth; Peter's emphasis here is that such recompense is certain.

We need to understand the meaning here. Peter is not saying that Christians are scarcely saved. It is the ‘righteous’ who are scarcely saved; those who seek to live righteously without knowing Christ as Saviour. The NT never states that Christians, who are destined to enjoy abundant life in Christ, can be ‘scarcely saved.’

v19: Conclusion; trust God in all things, including those times when we suffer.