4 In all this , they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation , and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead . 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead , that though they are judged in the flesh as men , they may live in the spirit according to the will of God .
7 The end of all things is near ; therefore , be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer . 8 Above all , keep fervent in your love for one another , because love covers a multitude of sins . 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint . 10 As each one has received a special gift , employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God . 11 Whoever e speaks , is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God ; whoever e serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies ; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ , to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever . Amen .
12 Beloved , do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing , as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ , keep on rejoicing , so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation . 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ , you are blessed , because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none e of you suffers as a murderer , or thief , or evildoer , or a troublesome meddler ; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian , he is not to be ashamed , but is to glorify God in this name . 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God ; and if it begins with us first , what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God ? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED , WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER ? 19 Therefore , those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 4:4-19
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:1-6
(Read 1 Peter 4:1-6)
The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the least sin. Temptations could not prevail, were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent. One sin draws on another. Six sins are here mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a Christian's duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but also from things that lead to sin, or appear evil. The gospel had been preached to those since dead, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evil-doers, some even suffering death. But being quickened to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:7-11
(Read 1 Peter 4:7-11)
The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords. But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest. And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch, who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are often broken, and which, when he attains, both he and they must shortly perish together. But he who has given up himself and his all to God, may say confidently that the Lord is his portion; and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus, is solid and lasting; that abideth for ever.
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19
(Read 1 Peter 4:12-19)
By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, he is evil spoken of, and is blasphemed. One would think such cautions as these were needless to Christians. But their enemies falsely charged them with foul crimes. And even the best of men need to be warned against the worst of sins. There is no comfort in sufferings, when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and folly. A time of universal calamity was at hand, as foretold by our Saviour, Matthew 24:9,10. And if such things befall in this life, how awful will the day of judgment be! It is true that the righteous are scarcely saved; even those who endeavour to walk uprightly in the ways of God. This does not mean that the purpose and performance of God are uncertain, but only the great difficulties and hard encounters in the way; that they go through so many temptations and tribulations, so many fightings without and fears within. Yet all outward difficulties would be as nothing, were it not for lusts and corruptions within. These are the worst clogs and troubles. And if the way of the righteous be so hard, then how hard shall be the end of the ungodly sinner, who walks in sin with delight, and thinks the righteous is a fool for all his pains! The only way to keep the soul well, is, to commit it to God by prayer, and patient perseverance in well-doing. He will overrule all to the final advantage of the believer.