1 Peter 4
Summary for 1Pet 4:1-6: 4:1-6 a Peter urges Christians to decisively turn their backs on the former sinful way of life from which Christ in his suffering delivered us. 4:1 b since Christ suffered physical pain: Peter introduced this idea in 3:18 c; he now indicates its significance in Christian experience. In our own physical sufferings, we are to imitate Christ’s attitude (see 2:21-24 d). Our suffering with Christ shows that we have identified with him (see Rom 8:17 e). Those who identify with Christ experience the victory over the power of sin that he won on the cross (Rom 6:1-10 f).4:3 g godless people (literally the Gentiles): Peter takes this term from his Jewish heritage to describe those who do not know God.
4:6 h Peter refers to people now dead who were exposed to the Good News while alive; he does not envision a chance to repent after death. If they responded in faith to the message in life, they can be confident that, although they were destined to die like all people, they will live forever with God in the Spirit.
Summary for 1Pet 4:7-11: 4:7-11 i With this paragraph of miscellaneous exhortations, Peter concludes the third major section of the letter (3:13–4:11 j). 4:7 k The end of the world is coming soon: At Christ’s coming, the “last days” predicted by the Old Testament prophets had begun (see 1:10-12 l). The next event in salvation history is the second coming of Christ, which will bring the end of the world as we know it. The end could come at any time; therefore, Christians must always be ready for it (see also Phil 4:5 m; Jas 5:8 n; Rev 1:3 o; 22:10 p).
4:8 q By its nature, love overlooks sins committed against us by others (see Prov 10:12 r; Matt 18:21-22 s; 1 Cor 13:4-7 t). Peter might also mean that our attitude of love, because it displays our relationship with Christ, covers our own sins and causes them to be forgiven (see Luke 7:47 u).
4:10 v his great variety of spiritual gifts: See Rom 12:6-8 w; 1 Cor 12:1-31 x; Eph 4:7-16 y.
• Use (literally manage) them well: Believers are like managers: They have been entrusted by God, their Master, with gifts to be used to glorify him.
4:11 z All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen: This doxology has led some to suggest that one original letter of Peter ended here and that another one was added to it. Doxologies in the New Testament do appear at the end of letters (Rom 16:25-27 aa; Phil 4:20 ab; Heb 13:21 ac; 2 Pet 3:18 ad; Jude 1:24-25 ae), but also at the end of sections within letters (Rom 11:36 af; Gal 1:5 ag; Eph 3:21 ah; 1 Tim 1:17 ai). Since there is no textual evidence for the existence of two separate letters, it is better to assume that this doxology marks the end of a major section of the letter.
Summary for 1Pet 4:12-19: 4:12-19 aj Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 ak don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33 al; Acts 14:22 am; Rom 8:17 an; Phil 1:29 ao).
4:13 ap Christians are called to suffer with Christ in order to be glorified with him (see also Rom 8:17 aq).
4:14 ar If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed (literally you are blessed when you are reproached): This verse reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matt 5:11-12 as.
4:16 at Although evidence is very fragmentary, it is likely that the label Christian (cp. Acts 11:26 au) was originally a convenient way of summarizing the alleged superstitious practices and immoral character attributed to Jesus’ followers.
4:17 av God’s judgment is often pictured as beginning with God’s household—i.e., with his own people—as a means of purifying them (Jer 25:29 aw; Ezek 9:5-6 ax; Mal 3:1-6 ay).
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