1Pe 4:1-6 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Pet 4:1-6: 4:1-6 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 since Christ suffered physical pain: Peter introduced this idea in 3:18 ; he now indicates its significance in Christian experience. In our own physical sufferings, we are to imitate Christ’s attitude (see 2:21-24 ). Our suffering with Christ shows that we have identified with him (see Rom 8:17 ). Those who identify with Christ experience the victory over the power of sin that he won on the cross (Rom 6:1-10 ).

a4:1-6►

b4:1►

c3:18►

d2:21-24►

eRom 8:17►

fRom 6:1-10►

g4:3►

h4:6►

‏ 1 Peter 4:1-6

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.