1 Peter · chapter 4 of 5
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1 Peter 4 asks believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ, who suffered, and to leave the passion-driven life of before, even if others slander them. Because the end of all things is at hand, they must pray, love one another earnestly, practice hospitality and serve with their gifts. They must not be surprised at the fiery trial but rejoice to share in Christ's sufferings and entrust their souls to the faithful Creator while doing good.
Chapter 3 ended with Christ's victory after his suffering. Chapter 4 applies that example to a community that suffers slander and hostility for leaving the lifestyle of their neighbors. It contains one of the most practical lists in the letter on how to live while waiting for the end.
Peter asks the readers to arm themselves with the same way of thinking as Christ, who suffered in the flesh, because whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin and no longer lives the rest of his time by human passions but by the will of God. The time already past is enough to have done what the Gentiles want: sensuality, drunkenness, orgies and idolatry. They are surprised that believers do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign them; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this purpose 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.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each must use his gift to serve one another, as a good steward of God's varied grace, in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever.
Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening; but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory rests upon you. If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God in that name. It is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel? Let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
Above all, love one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. The community's love forgives and does not broadcast the faults of its brothers.
Each believer must use the gift received to serve others, as a good steward of God's varied grace. Gifts are not for boasting but for service.
Do not be surprised at the fiery trial as though something strange were happening; it is a chance to share in Christ's sufferings and to rejoice when his glory is revealed. Suffering has meaning in Christ.
Those who suffer according to God's will should entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. In trial, trust is expressed through practical obedience.
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
Answer: The mind of Christ, who suffered in the flesh. — 1 Peter 4:1
Answer: Because they no longer join them in the same debauchery, and they malign them. — 1 Peter 4:4
Answer: Love one another earnestly. — 1 Peter 4:7-8
Answer: To serve one another, as good stewards of God's grace. — 1 Peter 4:10
Answer: Be surprised as though something strange were happening. — 1 Peter 4:12
Answer: To a faithful Creator, while doing good. — 1 Peter 4:19
1 Peter 4 is a call to the simple life of the community. A small group can review verses 8 to 11: do we practice forgiving love, hospitality without complaint and the use of gifts? Each person can identify one gift and think how to put it to service.
It also speaks of trial. Someone who is excluded or ridiculed for their faith can read verses 12 to 16 with comfort: Christ knows that road, and the Spirit of glory rests on those who suffer for his name. You can pray for persecuted brothers and sisters in other countries.
1 Peter 4 prepares the letter's farewell. Chapter 5 addresses elders and younger people, asks for humility, warns about the adversary and promises that the God of all grace will restore his own.
It is understood in several ways. Many think it refers to believers who heard the gospel while alive and have since died, so that though judged by people, they live to God; others see it as a reference to preaching the gospel to those who were already spiritually dead. The text does not teach a second chance after death.
That love forgives, does not broadcast the faults of others and seeks reconciliation. It is a phrase from Proverbs 10:12, and Peter applies it to the life of the community.
Peter presents the suffering of believers as a time of purification and testing under God's hand. If his own go through it, how much more serious will it be for those who reject the gospel!