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1 Peter Chapter Four

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Mind and Ministry Those Who Have Been Favored Should Have

A.  Arm themselves with the mind of suffering (v.1-6);

1.  Cease from sin through the sufferings in the flesh (v.1);

2.  Obey the will of God in the mind of suffering (v.2);

3.  Refuse to run with the Gentiles in the flood of dissipation (v.3-5);

4.  Live according to God in the spirit (v.6);

B.  As good stewards of the manifold grace of God (v.7-11);

1.  Be serious and watchful in prayers (v.7);

2.  Have fervent love for one another and be hospitable to one another (v.8-9);

3.  As each one has received a gift minister it to one another (v.10-11);

C.  Partake of Christ’s suffering (v.12-19);

1.  Receive the fiery trial which is to try you with joy (v.12-13);

2.  Be willing to be reproached for the name of Christ because of the glorious indwelling spirit (v.14);

3.  We choose rather to suffer as a Christian (v.15-16);

4.  Suffer according to the will of God for the impending judgment (v.17-19);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

1Pet. 4:1 “Therefore since Christ suffered for us in the flesh arm yourselves also with the same mind for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin ”

YLT: “Christ then having suffered for us in the flesh ye also with the same mind arm yourselves because he who did suffer in the flesh hath done with sin ”

Meaning of Words: mind”: intent thought understanding; arm”: equip with weapons; cease”: refrain stop come to an end; 

Literal Meaning: “since Christ suffered for us in the flesh” “Christ”: the incarnated Christ Jesus (see 1Tim. 1:15); “suffered in the flesh” he was evil treated and was crucified on the cross (see 2:22-24; 3:18).

  Christ suffered before us which has many aspects of significance: 1) to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings (Heb. 2:10); 2) to leave us an example that we should follow His steps (see 2:21); 3) to sympathize with our weakness and He is able to aid those who are tempted (Heb. 4:15; 2:18).

  “Arm yourselves with the same mind” “arm yourselves” Christians should follow the steps of the Lord (see 2:21); “the same mind”: the mind of suffering namely be determined to face the suffering; note that the mind of suffering does not equal to suffering itself. The mind of suffering means that one is willing to suffer in heart but not the practical experience of suffering. “Arm yourselves” it indicates that the life of Christians is the life of war and the best way of arming oneself is suffering. In other words if we want to put on the whole armor of God we have to suffer.

  Suffering is inevitable to Christians because: 1) suffering is a kind of trial of faith (see 1:6-7); 2) we are called to suffer for doing good (see 2:20-21); 3) blessed is he who suffers for righteousness’ sake (see 3:14); 4) the will of God is to suffer for doing good (see 3:17); 5) Christ has left the examples of suffering in the flesh (see 2:21; 4:1).

  “For he who suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” “for…” here it will give the reason why we have to arm ourselves with the mind of suffering; “suffer in the flesh”: it is not suffering for the sake of evil but for the sake of doing good; “has ceased from sin” it does not mean suffering has the effect of removing sin but that when we are willing to suffer in the flesh all the associations with sin are ceased and the enticing power of sin stops working and becomes unable to work any more.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     He who has the mind of suffering may not suffer. On the contrary the more we are unwilling to suffer the more shall we suffer and the harder shall we bear it.

2)     Since suffering is inevitable to Christians we’d better prepare ourselves and let the suffering profit us thus we will not suffer in vain.

3)     Many times our failure to overcome sufferings is not because of our lack of such power but lack of the mind of suffering. If one’s mind is moved he will feel much difficult to bear the suffering.

4)     Before the kingdom of God is completely built the life of Christians in the world is a spiritual warfare. And mind is our main weapon that deals with our lusts and makes us cease from sin.

5)     The mind of suffering is the spiritual weapon of overcoming various temptations of the devil. Various temptations include more or less the fleshly pleasures and the avoidance of suffering. If we arm ourselves with such mind of suffering the deceiving power of the devil will be paralyzed in us.

6)     We who have been baptized unto Christ we have not only died with Christ so that the body of sin is annulled but also risen with Christ to overcome sin (see Rom. 6:6).

7)     When we are focusing on things Christ and things He asks us to do sin cannot defeat us in our suffering. When a man chooses rather to suffer than to sin he will not be dominated by the flesh.

8)     If one has gone through persecutions and not rejected Christ his personality and faith have been seriously tried. Therefore temptations can do nothing to him.

 

1Pet. 4:2 “that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men but for the will of God.”

YLT: “no more in the desires of men but in the will of God to live the rest of the time in the flesh;”

Meaning of Words: no longer”: not …any more not … any longer; lust”: desire concupiscence longing; live”: spend existence; time”: season days;

Literal Meaning: “that he no longer … for the lusts of men” “that he no longer” it means that the mind of suffering makes us overcome the lusts of men. “The lusts of men” both of “lusts” and “men” are in the plural so “the lusts of men” indicate that the abnormal intercourse of men makes the passions and lusts of men exposed ever-seriously and become innumerous human passions and desires.

  “Should live the rest of his time in the flesh but for the will of God” here “the will of God” is opposite to “the lusts of men”. According to this book “the will of God” is to suffer for doing good (see 3:17; 4:19) and “the lusts of men” is to make us enjoy this life (see v.3). “Live the rest of his time”: spend the rest of one’s days in the world (see 1:17).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     If we are dominated by the flesh and lusts we cannot keep the will of God.

2)     If one pays attention to only earthly riches and pleasures he will be the man who is most easily to be attacked and hurt for the earthly material things are merely as transient as a fleeting cloud.

3)     The flesh lusts in us against the Spirit that we should not do those things which we desire (Gal. 5:16-17; Rom. 8:5-7). In such “war” we have to choose God instead of the flesh by using our will. And it is the mind of suffering that makes us choose the will of God rather than our own pleasure.

4)     Since we have become Christians we are appointed to choose the life style different from the common people ---- that is obey the will of God and deny impiety and worldly lusts and live soberly and justly and piously in the present course of things (Titus 2:12).

 

1Pet. 4:3 “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness lusts drunkenness revelries drinking parties and abominable idolatries.”

YLT: “for sufficient to us the past time of life the will of the nations to have wrought having walked in lasciviousnesses desires excesses of wines revelings drinking-bouts and unlawful idolatries ”

Meaning of Words: enough”: sufficient; “past”: pass away; Gentiles”: nations;will”: desire;lewdness”: lasciviousness wantonness; “lusts”: concupiscence desires; revelries”: riot carousal;drinking parties”: drinking-bout banqueting;abominable”: unlawful;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Literal Meaning:for we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness “enough” it is emphatic which shows that everything in the past is enough and the sins and iniquities of the Gentiles have been full; “do”: practice; “the Gentiles”: all the nations namely all the uncircumcised except for the Samaritans. In the early church time the Gentiles referred to all the unbelievers of the world; “lewdness”: indulge oneself especially in sexual immorality namely do the actions of lasciviousness;

  “Our past time … in doing … walked” the three words describing the past condition show that such situation should come to an end. “Walked” it refers to an action that will not be done any more.

“Lusts drunkenness revelries drinking parties “lusts”: the immoral covetousness especially unlawful lasciviousness with the purpose of obtaining sexual satisfaction by unlawful means; “drunkenness”: let oneself drunken by alcohol so that his will become weakened and he is unable to resist the temptations; “revelries”: gather riotously and carouse all night; “drinking parties”: some wild carousal often causes riots and conflicts and fights

“Abominable idolatries” “abominable” it is an abomination to God; “idolatries” it means worshipping false gods originally. In the modern society the worship of false gods decreases as man’s cultivated level increases. However there are many people that become to worship all kinds of men and things including stars and giants and entertainment and sports and wealth and apparel etc.

Sins mentioned here can be divided into two sorts: the first is lusts and the other is idolatry. Both of them are closely linked and abet one another for in the Scriptures the sin of idolatry is often mentioned with the sin of lewdness and covetousness together (see 1Cor. 6:9; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Once man rejects God his moral standard will be accordingly decreased. Once the moral standard is decreased man will do whatever he wants to do and indulge himself in pleasures of sin.

2)     The pursuit of the pleasures of carousal and lewdness is the chief criminal of the corruption of virtues. And both of them are closely linked. No wonder that the Chinese ancestors put “wine” and “fornication” together.

3)     The heathen religions that worship idols are the breeding ground of sins and corruption. Where there is so called “celebration of offering to gods” there will be things of alcohol and sexual immorality.

4)     In the church Christians often uphold the spiritual giants they respect above what is written in the Scriptures (see 1Cor. 4:6). Is it abominable idolatry in the sight of God.

5)     Every Christian is supposed to feel the life in sins is bored and is “enough”.

 

1Pet. 4:4 “In regard to these they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation speaking evil of you.”

YLT: “in which they think it strange -- your not running with them to the same excess of dissoluteness speaking evil ”

Meaning of Words: run with”: rush together; “dissipation”: dissoluteness profligacy; “flood”: effusion excess: “strange”: surprised; “speaking evil”: blaspheme defame revile;

Literal Meaning: “in regard to these “these”: such this life style;

“They think it strange speaking evil of you” “they”: the Gentiles (see v.3);

“That you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation” “run with”: not be associated with the evil tide; “the same flood of dissipation”: the effusion of passions;

“They think it strange … speaking evil of you” “strange” those who are of the world have already been inured to such life style and yet think it strange of the normal life style of Christians. “Speaking evil of you”: slander out of evil;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The moral degeneration of the world is getting worse day by day. Human desires flow everywhere and even evolve into a swallowing tide ---- no matter young or old all of them seek the gladness of erotic pleasures.

2)     Believers who are regarded strange by people in the world are not strange but normal. Believers shall not dare not to refuse sins because of the fear of being regarded as strange.

3)     Those whose courses are different cannot lay plans for one another. Christians are not associated with the evil tide of the world in the way of life so they are regarded as strange. And men of the world will speak evil of Christians.

4)     Christians’ holy conversation that is separated from sins is often the reason why they are often envied and slandered and persecuted by strangers.

 

1Pet. 4:5 “They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

YLT: “who shall give an account to Him who is ready to judge living and dead ”

Meaning of Words: judge”: condemn; “give”: repay recompense; “account”: utterance work;

Literal Meaning: “they”: those who have fallen into the morally corrupted tide (see v.4); “Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” the Lord who judges all; “give an account to”: give an account to God concerning their works including persecutions against Christians;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christ will come again to judge one day (see Matt. 25:31-32). Both the living ones when He comes again and the dead will stand before the throne to be judged (see Rev. 20:12-13).

2)    The principle of the world is to see who gains the upper hand “today”. However the principle of Christians is to see who will be approved before the judgment-seat “in future”.

3)    We are saved because of our faith in Jesus (see Acts 16:31). However judgment is according to our walking in daily life.

4)    Men likes to lord themselves today so they “do and speak whatever they desire to”. However one day the real Lord will come and will reward us according to our works (Rom. 2:6) and will justify or condemn us according to our words (see Matt. 12:37).

 

1Pet. 4:6 “For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit.”

YLT: “for for this also to dead men was good news proclaimed that they may be judged indeed according to men in the flesh and may live according to God in the spirit.”

Meaning of Words: the gospel was preached”: the announcement of the gospel; according to”: according as;

Literal Meaning: “for this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead “for this reason”: for the sake of the judgment in future (see v.5); “those who are dead” those who were dead when Peter wrote this epistle; according to the last half part of this verse the dead here may refer to believers who have been fallen asleep; “gospel”: good news; in the original it means that those who have heard the gospel have got the chance to repent and be saved; “the gospel was preached to …” the problem here was when the gospel was preached to them and the sound explanation was that the gospel had been preached to them when they were alive not after they died.

“That they might be judged according to men in the flesh “that they might be” it will give the purpose of the preachment of the gospel to them; “according to men in the flesh” they were treated as all human beings in the flesh were worthy to be; “be judged”: be judged by God;

Note the both “judge”s in this verse and the previous verse are the same word. However in verse five it is in the present tense and in this verse it is the past tense. Therefore they are different in meaning. Judge in verse five refers to the judgment in the future and in this verse refers to the judgment in this life including the judgment of God and the chastening judgment of God Christ had borne for human beings on the cross (see 2:24) (see Heb. 12:10; 1Cor.11:31-32).

This verse points that the purpose of preaching the gospel to men is to let men in the light of God’s judgment know their mortal fleshly life because of sin so that they will receive the redemption of Christ on the cross (see 2:24).

“But live according to God in the spirit” “spirit” the spirit of believers in them which was dead before they believed the Lord (see Eph. 2:1 5); “live according to God in the spirit” the spirit once was dead had been revived when believers were reborn again (see 1:23; 2:2; Eph. 2:5) and would still live according to God (see Rom. 6:10-11).

This verse and verse 18 in chapter three correspond to each other ---- “be judged” corresponds to “be put to death” (3:18). If we put this verse and 2:24 together we will find this verse indicates that the flesh of believers has been put to death by God with Jesus Christ because of sin (i.e. be judged). However they have been justified by faith and their spirit live with Christ in righteousness (see Rom. 4:25).

There are also Bible expositors who have other views ---- according to the theme of this epistle that Peter exhorts believers to live according to the will of God (see 2:15 20; 3:17; 4:19; 5:1-2) in the suffering of persecutions judgment of this verse and verse seventeen refers to God’s chastening to believers (see Heb. 12:5-13). Through the persecutions and suffering of the world we have to experience God’s judgment in the chastening so that our flesh will be dealt with and be put to death and we will live according to God in the spirit (see 2Cor. 1:9).

What is worthy to be paid attention to there are many comparisons of deep meanings in this verse ---- be judged and preach the gospel flesh and spirit according to men and according to God and be dead and live; according to men flesh and be judged and be dead belong to one group; and preach the gospel and spirit and according to God and live are of another group.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The content of the gospel is: if man is willing to receive the judgment of the cross by God he will be delivered from the terrible end of the judgment in future.

2)    Judgment in this age is not terrible. What is really terrible is the impending judgment (see v.5).

3)    It is the portion of men once to die (Heb. 9:27). It is better for believers to live in spirit according to God than to live in the flesh in vain.

4)    Many believers have a name that they live and are dead (see Rev. 3:1). We choose rather to live even though we have been dead than to be a walking corpse even when we are living.

 

1Pet. 4:7 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

YLT: “And of all things the end hath come nigh; be sober-minded then and watch unto the prayers ”

Meaning of Words: end”: ultimate purpose; serious”: sober moderate;watchful”: sensible be discreet;

Literal Meaning: “but the end of all things is at hand the end of all things” refers to the last days (see 2Tim. 3:1); “at hand”: before your eyes near the end;

“Therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” “therefore” it is the response to the previous verse. “The end of all things is at hand” the reason is sufficient enough to make us rise. “Be serious” it means that one’s mind is clear and sound without any foolishness. “Watchful”: sober and attentive its meaning is close to the word “serious”; “prayers” it contains a meaning of relying on God in everything.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    To those who indulge themselves in lusts and run in the flood of dissipation all things that they enjoy in the flesh are passing and the rest days are few. To believers in the suffering the end is coming and the days of suffering are not many.

2)    “The end of all things” to us it is not the ruin of our hope but just the starting of the fulfillment of our hope (see 1:3-5; 5:4). Therefore “at hand” it means that the target will soon be reached. 

3)    “At hand” it is coming to the end. In the last past of the race we are supposed to have better performance and run with faster speed rather than be enticed or deceived to wrong way.

4)    The night is far spent the day is at hand. That now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11-12).

5)    There are not many days for believers to suffer the slander and afflictions and injustice in the world for the sake of the Lord. Therefore let us be serious and watchful in prayers.

6)    Our keeping serious is for the purpose of being watchful and keeping a normal life with prayers. If one’s mind is slow and unclear it is easy for him to indulge himself and lose responsibility let alone prayer.

7)    Believers’ prayer life should not be influenced by the terror or emotional fluctuation caused by pressure. Believers’ relationship with God should not be affected by the unfavorable environment.

 

1Pet. 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another for "love will cover a multitude of sins."”

YLT: “and before all things to one another having the earnest love because the love shall cover a multitude of sins;”

Meaning of Words: above all”: what is most important the very first; “fervent”: earnest intent without ceasing; “cover”: conceal hide; “sin”: miss the mark trespass;

Literal Meaning: “and above all things have fervent love for one another “and above all things” it is of chief importance in the church life when we wait for the Lord; “fervent love” here love is the divine love (agape) not the common love of men (philadelphia). “Fervent” means earnest and zealous and it is a picture of galloping horses. Here the fervent love shows that we will balk at no sacrifice even that of our lives for the sake of love (see 1:22).

“For "love will cover a multitude of sins"” “love will cover” it does not mean that love enables us to conceal sin or be surrendered to sin but that love makes us bear the iniquities of others so as not to multiply sins but eliminate sins. “A multitude of sins” refer to the sins of those whom are loved (see James 5:20) not that of he who loves.

Note that this verse does not say love has the effect of putting away sins or forgiving our sins. Only the precious blood of Christ can put sins away. We should not take this verse as an excuse of indulging sins by this verse nor let the church shift off the responsibility of disciplining those who have committed sins.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “Fervent love” since it is not the hypocrite love it will not be lost easily because of frustration.

2)    The true love in the church makes us choose rather to suffer loss of ourselves and seek profit of others than to seek our own profit. Such love makes us transcend the loss and overcome many things in which we have been defrauded.

3)    Hatred stirs up strifes but love covers all transgressions (Pro. 10:12). Love makes us unwilling to declare the faults of brothers before men so as not to cause many contentions and evil things lest the Lord’s name should be much insulted.

4)    Love helps us to restore the faults of brothers and brings them back from error of his way so as not to commit a multitude of sins (see Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20).

 

1Pet. 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

YLT: “hospitable to one another without murmuring;”

Meaning of Words: be hospitable”: be fond of guests; “grumbling”: complaint;

Literal Meaning: “be hospitable”: it includes hospitality and opening one’s own house as a gathering place to the local church;

  “Without grumbling” be willing to show hospitality to the other side (Rom. 12:13) and bear many inconvenience and make sacrifices;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Hospitality to the saints not only helps others but also oneself and brings him heavenly blessings (see Heb. 13:2). Where there is payment there will be rewards.

2)    Hospitality is a “mutual” action. We shall not expect others to be hospitable to us but we do not show any hospitality to them.

3)    Hospitality often brings a lot of inconvenience and troubles so man may have grumbles in heart. Therefore we have to pray to God to help us remove grumbling without out letting it off before the guests.

4)    Someone pleases to receive the strange guests but refuses those who are around him and is unwilling to open his heart to receive them. We have to know that hospitality starts from “heart” as well as those whom we touch.

5)    At that time believers received mainly the brothers who worked outside for the name of the Lord so as to work with them together (see 3John v.7-8). To receive brothers makes us have part in the works they are doing. Therefore we should never receive those who preach the heresy (e.g. the witness of Jehovah the Mormons etc.) lest we should be partakers of their evil deeds (2John v.10-11).

 

1Pet. 4:10 “As each one has received a gift minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

YLT: “each according as he received a gift to one another ministering it as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;”

Meaning of Words: receive”: obtain; “gift”: graciousness; “minister”: serve; “manifold”: various of many forms colorful; “steward”: overseer governor house-distributor;

Literal Meaning: “as each one has received a gift minister it to one another “received a gift”: the talent given by the Spirit to everyone according as he pleases (see 1Cor. 12:11). Through such gift believers are enabled to do what God has appointed them to do (Rom. 12:6-8). “Minister it to one another”: serve men and be served by men;

“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God” “manifold grace”: grace of all sorts; “steward”: be in charge of governing and distributing all household duties and family properties;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     God has not given all gifts to one person but distributed a particular part to everyone so that we will rely on one another and fill up what is lacking in the body.

2)     Great gift does not represent great success for “success” is decided by whether we have used the gifts given by God faithfully.

3)     Gift is for the purpose of service not showing off oneself. Stewards do not possess family properties but are in charge of governing and distributing them.

4)     Each steward has to give an account to his master (Luke 12:42-48; 1Cor. 4:1-5). Whether the steward will be rewarded is not decided by the gifts he has received but by whether he has used them according to God’s command or whether he has used for God or himself.

5)     The Lord’s workers should stand in the position of stewards not masters. No matter how great the effect of works is they always confess that is their duty without any boasting (Luke 17:10).

 

1Pet. 4:11 “If anyone speaks let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers let him do it as with the ability which God supplies that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

YLT: “if any one doth speak -- `as oracles of God;' if any one doth minister -- `as of the ability which God doth supply;' that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom is the glory and the power -- to the ages of the ages. Amen.”

Meaning of Words: speak”: preach utter words; “oracles”: words utterance; “ability”: strength power; “all things”: all;

Literal Meaning:if anyone speaks let him speak as the oracles of God” “as the oracles of God”: cut in a straight line the word of truth (2Tim. 2:15 the original).

If anyone ministers let him do it as with the ability which God supplies “the ability which God supplies”: it includes the physical and mental and material ability; “with the ability…”: serve brothers and sisters for the sake of serving God according to the ability given by God;

“That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ “all things”: all things concerning service; “through Jesus Christ” it indicates that we have to service through providing Christ; “be glorified”: let God be manifested;

“To whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” “glory”: the condition when God manifests (see Ex. 40:34-35); “dominion”: the internal power of God; “to whom” glory and dominion belong to God only. Except Him no one is worthy of glory and dominion. “Forever and ever”: from generation to generation from everlasting to everlasting; “amen”: it is true and sure;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Oracles are not views of men. The success of a preacher does not lie in the eloquence and sweet words but whether it is spoken according to the true meaning of God’s word. Preachers preach the messages God has entrusted to him not the knowledge they have created of themselves.

2)     Indeed preachment should be according to the Scriptures. However preachers shall interpret the Scriptures according to their own will. Today the biggest crisis of preachers is to presume to use God’s word for his own purpose ---- raise a viewpoint first and then prove it by the word of God.

3)     It is not enough to talk about the Scriptures only. The preachers should make sure that what they are talking is just what God asks them to talk to all right now. Even though one has the gift of preaching or teaching he has to be sure that his words are what God wants him to speak in the specific condition.

4)     Not everyone shall be a teacher or preacher. But everyone has to bear witness to the Lord. Not everyone shall be an elder or minister but all believers have to serve one another in the church.

5)     Here preachers and servants are put together so the apostle did not think preachers have some differences with the servants. On the contrary both of them have received the gifts of God.

6)     He who serves God should be with the ability given by God so that he will get twice the result with half the effort and be perseverant. Services according to the occasional enthusiasm and zeal cannot be kept long.

7)     God gives us talents and gifts and chances of using gifts. Only He is worthy of the highest glory. Amen. That’ right. All the fulfillments are of God.

 

1Pet. 4:12 “Beloved do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you;”

YLT: “Beloved think it not strange at the fiery suffering among you that is coming to try you as if a strange thing were happening to you ”

Meaning of Words: fiery trial”: burning ignition; try”: test; happened”: befall; strange”: astonished; 

Literal Meaning: “beloved … concerning the fiery trial which is try you” the meaning of the “fiery trial” includes: 1) it is like the burning fire of the trial which makes men unable to stand; 2) trial is a kind of exercise through fire that makes men become more purified;

  “Do not think it strange … as though some strange thing happened to you” “not think it strange” it indicates that common believers think suffering is strange and believers of the Lord are supposed to enjoy peace and profit. “As though some strange thing happened to you” here it is the explanation of the previous verse ---- think that suffering is unusual.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     There is a great distinction between the common scrap and the refined metal. Likewise faith after fiery trial is of more honorable usage for believers before God.

2)     We have to know that “all who desire to live piously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tm. 3:12). It is not strange.

3)     We believers need not to regard the coming suffering “strange”. Instead we have to be strong in the Lord lest we should be deceived.

4)     Satan never wastes its ammunition upon the nominal Christians but aims at those who have shaken the doorsill of the hell.

 

1Pet. 4:13 “but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings that when His glory is revealed you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

YLT: “but according as ye have fellowship with the sufferings of the Christ rejoice ye that also in the revelation of his glory ye may rejoice -- exulting;”

Meaning of Words: rejoice”: be joyful; partake”: have part in; reveal”: manifest remove the covering; joy”: gladness cheer; 

Literal Meaning: “but rejoice”: embrace suffering with a positive attitude;

  “To the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings” “partake of … suffering”: have part in the suffering; “partake of Christ’s sufferings”: bear the suffering of persecutions for the sake of the Lord (see Matt. 5:11) ---- this is the source of Christians’ joy.

  “That when His glory is revealed you may also be glad with exceeding joy” “His glory is revealed”: when Christ comes again (see 5:1; Col. 3:4); “be glad with exceeding joy” when Christ comes again the suffering of Christians will be ended and rewarded.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    When suffering comes upon us let us not firstly ask for the removal of the suffering but the transformation of our attitude towards the suffering.

2)    When we feel suffering for the Lord is a kind of joy and glory “suffering” is no longer our burden.

3)    If we suffer for the name of the Lord we are partakers of “the tribulations of Jesus” (see Rev. 1:9). This is our great honor.

4)    We have the presence of the Lord (2Tim. 4:17) in suffering. If we suffer with Him in this age we will partake of the eternal glory with Him (1Pet. 5:1; 2Tim. 2:12-13).

5)    The suffering believers suffer is temporary. There is glory for believers when He reveals. The present suffering is the coming glory. He who escapes suffering is escaping glory.

6)    If the children of God rejoice in the present suffering their joy will be much more multiplied when the glory of Christ is revealed.

 

1Pet. 4:14 “If you are reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed but on your part He is glorified.”

YLT: “if ye be reproached in the name of Christ -- happy because the Spirit of glory and of God upon you doth rest; in regard indeed to them he is evil-spoken of and in regard to you he is glorified;”

Meaning of Words: reproached”: reviled; “blessed”: happy; “rest”: dwell take ease;

Literal Meaning: “if you are reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you” “are reproached for the name of Christ”: “are reproached in the name of Christ”: partake of Christ’s suffering (see v.13) and bear His reproach (Heb. 13:13) because of believing the name of Christ and being united with Christ; “blessed are you”: for the heavenly reward is great (see Matt. 5:11-12);

  “For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” “for” here it points out the blessed reason for believers’ suffering for Christ; “the Spirit of glory and of God”: namely the Holy Spirit who makes men foretaste the glory of God (see Eph. 1:14); “rests upon you”: be covered by the power of the Spirit (see 2Cor. 12: 9-10; Gen. 1:2);

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     “For the name of Christ” it shows that the greatest value of our suffering is not decided by the condition of suffering but whether it is “for Christ”.

2)     It is indeed the Spirit of God dwells in every true child of God. However He dwells in those who follow Christ with whole heart in a particular manner. They know the presence and power of the Spirit of God but others do not.

3)     The Spirit of glory and of God often rests upon those who suffer for Christ and is their glory (Ps. 3:3; 89:17) proving that they are supposed to enjoy the glory with the Lord and helping them to glorify God in sufferings.

 

1Pet. 4:15 “But let none of you suffer as a murderer a thief an evildoer or as a busybody in other people's matters.”

YLT: “for let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or evil-doer or as an inspector into other men's matters;”

Meaning of Words: busybody in other people's matters”: over see others’ affairs meddler; 

Literal Meaning: “but let none of you suffer as a murderer” “of you”: of true Christians; “murderer”: he may have not committed murder; if a Christian has enmity against someone he has committed sin in the sight of the Lord (see Matt. 5:21-22).

“A thief an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters” “thief” it includes covetousness for things of others and everything in heart; “evildoer”: all evil words and evil deeds (see v.3; 3:10-11); “as a busybody in other people’s matters” it is a compound comprising two words ---- “belong to others” and “oversee” which means overseeing the realm of others namely exceeding one’s own duties and meddling in others’ affairs.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Sometimes the suffering of Christians is caused by themselves. If one has suffered unnecessary pains and persecutions because of his own sins and the overstepping of his own duty it is of no spiritual value.

2)     Christians’ evil speaking and works are often caused by evil heart. Therefore keep our heart more than anything that is guarded (see Pro. 4:23).

3)     He who does not manage his own things likes to meddle in others’ affairs. It is abnormal if one oversees everything of others but ignores all that of his own. The more one thinks he is spiritual the more may he make such mistakes.

 

1Pet. 4:16 “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in this matter.”

YLT: “and if as a Christian let him not be ashamed; and let him glorify God in this respect;”

Meaning of Words: Christian”: with the odor of anointment; “be ashamed”: feel shame;

Literal Meaning: “yet if anyone suffers as a Christian let him not be ashamed suffers as a Christian”: suffer for the name of Christ (see v.14); “be ashamed”: feel shame;

“But let him glorify God in this matter” “glorify God” there are two meanings: 1) feel glory as a Christian and thus offer thanksgiving and praises to God; 2) make those who are in the world realize that Christians have God inside and give glory of the good conduct unto God;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    It is not a shame for us to be Christians. On the contrary it is glory to us.

2)    Persecution is a sign of God’s approval to our works (see Acts 5:41). We need not seek tribulation nor escape it but still do what we have to do without caring whether there will be tribulations.

3)    Morgan said “”.

4)    “Christian”.

 

1Pet. 4:17 “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

YLT: “because it is the time of the beginning of the judgment from the house of God and if first from us what the end of those disobedient to the good news of God?”

Meaning of Words: begin”: commence; “end”: ultimate conclusion;

Literal Meaning: “for the time has come” it carries two aspects of meaning: 1) “the time has come” the time of writing this epistle has come; 2) “the time is coming”: the Lord’s second coming is coming.

“For judgment to begin at the house of God” “judgment” has two aspects of meaning: 1) the judgment of God’s chastening in this age that is to say we suffer as the Christians (see v.16); 2) the judgment before the judgment-seat of Christ when the Lord comes again (2Cor. 5:10) which aims at believers (see 1Cor. 3:13-15); then there will be the judgment upon all nations before Christ’ throne of glory (see Matt. 25:31-32).

“The house of God” refers to the church (see 1Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6); “begin at” here it relates to the order of judgment; no matter at present or in future the judgment of God shall begin from the church and then to all the world.

“And if begins with us first” “if” here it does not give a supposition but mentions a fact.

“What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God” “those who do not obey the gospel of God”: broadly speaking it refers to all the unbelievers in the world. And narrowly speaking it refers to all those who persecute Christians; “what will be the end” it indicates that more serious judgment will be upon them and their end will be miserable.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     There are differences of order and of degree in the judgment of God. Obviously the earlier the less serious of the judgment. And the later the more serious of the judgment.

2)     Christians would rather receive the judgment of God on the cross than suffer the judgment of God on the great white throne (see Rev. 20:11-12). We choose rather suffer the chastening of God’s present judgment than suffer the punishment of God’s judgment in future (see 1Cor. 3:13-15; 4:5).

3)     How worthwhile it is to suffer today and thus be delivered from more afflictions in the future. However what a great loss of the present enjoyment that makes us lose the greater enjoyment in the future (see Matt. 16:25 27).

 

1Pet. 4:18 “Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"”

YLT: “And if the righteous man is scarcely saved the ungodly and sinner -- where shall he appear?”

Meaning of Words: scarcely”: barely hardly with difficulty; “ungodly”: irreverent impious;

Literal Meaning: this verse may be the quotation of the verse in the Book of Proverbs ---- “behold the righteous shall be requited on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner” (Pro. 11:31).

  “Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved” “the righteous one”: believer who has been justified by faith (see Rom. 5:1); “be scarcely saved” it does not mean “one is saved by chance even though he was almost dying” but that “one has finally obtained the salvation after many difficulties”. That is to say one is saved hardly.

  “Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear” “the ungodly and the sinner”: unbelievers of the gospel (see v.17) especially those who have many evil works after “the lusts of men” (see v.2-3) and those who revile and slander and persecute Christians (see v.5; 2:12; 3:14); “where will … appear”: be unable to stand before the judgment seat (see Ps. 1:5-6);

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     As far as the objective knowledge is concerned we Christians are righteous before God (see Rom. 8:33). However as for the personal experience we have to do good “see v.19” and lead a holy life (see v.2; 1:15-17; 2:12) so that we are righteous truly (see 3:12-13).

2)     The salvation of spirit is easier than the salvation of soul ---- it is easy to obtain eternal life but it is difficult to be rewarded. Objective justification is easier than the subjective justification ---- it is easy to be justified by faith but it is difficult to be justified by works.

3)     “The righteous one is scarcely saved” ---- the door of Christians is difficult to enter in and the path of Christians is difficult to walk upon (see Matt. 7:13-14). And there are many tribulations in Christians’ life on the earth (John 16:33; Acts 14:22).

4)     Christians suffer first and then are blessed. Men in the world enjoy happiness first and then suffer. The former (Christians) suffers little and is blessed boundlessly. And the latter (men in the world) enjoys little happiness and yet will suffer endlessly.

 

 

1Pet. 4:19 “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good as to a faithful Creator.”

YLT: “so that also those suffering according to the will of god as to a stedfast Creator let them commit their own souls in good doing.”

Meaning of Words: faithful”: trustworthy trustful; “Creator”: founder maker;

Literal Meaning: “therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God” “therefore” this verse is the conclusion of the paragraph from verse 12 to 19. “Suffer according to the will of God”: those who live according to the will of God in the mind of suffering (see v.1-2; 3:17); “do good”: walk in good with whole heart;

  “Commit their souls to Him in doing good as to a faithful Creator” “their souls” soul is the person of a man representing one’s “self”. “Commit”: the present tense shows that it is a continual action. And this word is a term used in banking which means handing over something as deposit and entrusting everything to the one who receives (see 2Tim. 1:12).

  “As to a faithful Creator”: the faithful Creator is God Himself; “faithful” He will keep His promises and not forsake us. “Creator”: He will fulfill His works of creation instead of giving up halfway.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Believers’ sufferings should be according to the will of God. The zealous religionists who act on impulse without any pursuit of God’s guidance will cause disasters.

2)     Since suffering is the will of God our suffering for the sake of God must not be in vain but will achieve certain purposes. Likewise when we are in suffering God will take full responsibility of making us attain to that purpose.

3)     The will of God for us is to do good (see 2:15) and suffer because of doing good (see 3:17) not doing evil.

4)     Remember in suffering that Satan can at most kill our bodies but cannot kill our souls (see Matt. 10:28). Therefore let us be not afraid of it.

5)     Today he who desires to save his life will lose life. However if one loses his soul life because of suffering for the Lord he will obtain soul life (see Matt. 16:25).

6)     Christ is our Creator ---- we are of Him in the creation in the beginning. And in the new creation we are also of Him (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). In the both aspects we are the objects of His love and attendance. It is most right that we commit our souls to the Lord who creates and saves our souls.

7)     “The Creator” it refers to His omnipotence. “Faithful” it shows that one thing he is unable to do ---- He cannot deny Himself (see 2Tim. 2:13).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

Arm Oneself with the Mind of Suffering

A.  Deal with the flesh by suffering and cease from sin (v.1);

B.  No longer live in the flesh for the lusts of men but live according to the will of God in the world (v.2);

C.  No longer walk according to the will of the Gentiles (v.3);

D.  Choose rather be blamed by men in the world than sin against the Lord who judges (v.4-5);

E.  Imitate the examples of believers who live by God according to the hope of the gospel (v.6);

 

Differences between Believers and the Gentiles

A.  Different views: have the mind of suffering (v.2) ---- the pleasures of lewdness and drunkenness (v.4);

B.  Different motives: according to the will of God (v.2) ---- according to the lusts of men (v.2);

C.  Different directions: live the rest of time for the will of God (v.2) ---- run the flood of dissipation (v.4);

D.  Different ends: live according to God in the spirit (v.6) ---- be judged by the Lord (v.5);

 

Several Pairs of Opposite Things

A.  The lusts of men and the will of God (v.2);

B.  Past lifetime and no longer (v.2-3);

C.  Man’s blaming and the Lord’s judgment (v.4-5);

D.  Flesh and spirit (v.6);

E.  Suffering and joy (v.13);

F.   Suffering for doing evil and suffering as a Christian (v.15-16);

G.  Beginning and end (v.17);

H.  The righteous and the ungodly and the inner (v.18);

 

Comforts in Suffering

A.  For he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (v.2);

B.  For he who persecutes us will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (v.5);

C.  For the end of all things is at hand (v.7);

D.  For we suffer with Christ together and are reproached for the name of Christ (v.13-14a);

E.  For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us (v.14b);

F.  For the suffering as a Christian will glorify God (v.16);

G.  For we suffer according to the will of God (v.19);

 

The Necessary Responses to the “Time”

A.  Since the time of doing evil in the past is enough let us live the rest of our time for the will of God (v.2-3);

B.  Since the end of all things is at hand we have to catch the opportunity to serve others (v.7-11);

C.  The time of judgment is coming so we have to do good according to the will of God (v.17-19);

 

“Ten Commandments” for Believers

A.  Be serious (v.7a);

B.  Be watchful in prayers (v.7b);

C.  Have fervent love for one another (v.8);

D.  Be hospitable to one another (v.9);

E.  Minister to one another (v.10);

F.  Do not think it strange (v.12);

G.  But rejoice (v.13);

H.  Not be ashamed (v.15-16);

I.    Glorify God (v.16-18);

J.   Commit to God (v.19);

 

Things Good Stewards Have to do

A.  Be serious (v.7a);

B.  Be watchful in prayers (v.7b);

C.  Have fervent love (v.8);

D.  Be hospitable to one another (v.9);

E.  As each one has received a gift minister it to one another (v.10-11);

 

How to Face the Fiery Trials?

A.  Do not think it strange … as though some strange thing happened to you (v.12);

B.  But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings (v.13);

C.  Know that the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us (v.14);

D.  Do not bring unnecessary suffering to oneself (v.15);

E.  Do not be ashamed because of the suffering as a Christian (v.16);

F.   Receive persecutions and regard them as the purifying judgment of God (v.17-18);

G.  Do good and commit one’s soul to the faithful Creator (v.19);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou