1Pet. 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
“Likewise” – This seems to direct the wife to the example of Christ that was just talked about in the previous verses. The wife is to be in subjection to her husband. How? Avoid sin; don’t be deceitful; don’t return evil for evil; don’t threaten. Commit yourself to righteous decisions and judgments; live a righteous, holy, just, innocent life before the LORD (and your husband). Why? So that the husband who is not following God will be convicted by the example being lived out before him in the life of his wife. This gives great credence to the old adage, “You are the only Bible some people will read.”
1Pet. 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
While they (the husband) behold (observe, inspect, watch) your (the wife’s) chaste (clean, innocent, modest, pure) conversation (behavior, conduct, way of life) coupled (not in the original Greek, but clarifies the intent—actions plus attitude) with fear (includes respect). In other words, let your actions and attitude provide visible evidence to your faith in God.
Guzik: “Submission in marriage follows the same principles as submission in other spheres. We submit to God appointed authority as our obligation before God, unless that authority directs us to sin. In that case it is right to obey God rather than men.”
1Pet. 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
I thought the entry for the word adorning was interesting: kosmos, kos´-mos; probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration…adorning, world.
Boy, have we gotten away from that implication in today’s culture. The “adornment” most popular today seems to be that which introduces lack of order and cohesiveness. In the light of the audience to whom this letter was written, adornment or pleasing decoration of the outward appearance (plaiting the hair, wearing gold and beautiful clothes) was the reference point. This type of adornment was not to be a high priority.
1Pet. 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Priority was to be given to the “adornment” of the spirit—adornments that can’t be seen or touched in the physical sense. This kind of adornment is not corruptible, won’t decay. Physical adornments decay; they don’t last. What is the type of adornment that God considers valuable? A meek (humble and gentle) and quiet (still, undisturbed, peaceable) spirit.
Another good comment from Guzik: “The real question is ‘What do you depend on to make yourself beautiful?’ Peter’s point is not that any of these are forbidden, but that they should not be a woman’s adornment, the source of her true beauty.”
1Pet. 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
“after this manner” – the manner being referred to above—trusting in God with a meek and quiet spirit
“holy women” – sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.
Who were these holy women of ages past? Those who trusted in God; their confidence, hopes and expectation were in God, not in man. These women were in subjection to their husbands in their actions and attitudes, and they didn’t even have the role model of Jesus to follow. They were motivated by their trust in God and desire to be obedient to and please Him.
1Pet. 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Sara and Abraham were the parents, the father and mother, of the Jewish people and the spiritual parents of all believers through the Jewish Messiah. She recognized Abraham as the one in authority, just as God had declared to Adam and Eve. The wife who knows Jesus as her Savior can consider Sara her mother; this relationship will be proved by the actions of that wife.
“afraid” - Frightened or in awe; amazement - alarm or terror.
I think the implication here is connected with the statement in verse 5 regarding trusting God. The wife is able to be in subjection and adorn herself in a manner pleasing to God, knowing that He will not allow anything in her life that is not for her benefit and/or will be an opportunity for her to glorify Him. She lives her life confident in God’s provision for her, not in fear of her husband.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
1Pet. 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
“Likewise” – in the same manner.
The husband is also to submit to God, and his life should give evidence to that submission. How?
By dwelling or residing with them (the wife) according to knowledge (understanding, clear perception of fact, truth, or duty). He recognizes God’s ordained plan for the family and his responsibility according to that plan.
By giving honor to the wife, by placing a high value on her as his partner and treating her with esteem and respect.
By recognizing that she is a weaker vessel. She doesn’t have the same strength physically. The word “vessel” in the Greek includes the thought of “a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband.” She can’t do the same kind of labor as a man.
She is a co-heir, equal in position to the husband, of the “grace of life.” God cares about her as much as He cares about the husband. The gifts He offers to the believer, He offers to all regardless of position.
What is the motivation for the husband? That his prayers be not hindered or impeded. This is a direct indication that our actions impact the effectiveness of our prayers (the word for prayers includes worship). We can’t be disobedient to God and then turn right around and expect Him to honor our prayers and worship before Him. That’s hypocritical.
Guzik: “This was a radical teaching in the world Peter lived in. In that ancient culture a husband had absolute rights over his wife and the wife had virtually no rights in the marriage. In the Roman world, if a man caught his wife in an act of adultery he could kill her on the spot. But if a wife caught her husband, she could do nothing against him. All the duties and obligations in marriage were put on the wife. Peter’s radical teaching is that the husband has God-ordained duties and obligations toward his wife.”
Wiersbe: “It might be good if husbands and wives occasionally took inventory of their marriages. Here are some questions, based on what Peter wrote:
Are we partners or competitors?
Are we helping each other become more spiritual?
Are we depending on the externals or the eternals? The artificial or the real?
Do we understand each other better?
Are we sensitive to each other’s feelings and ideas, or taking each other for granted?
Are we seeing God answer our prayers?
Are we enriched because of our marriage, or robbing each other of God’s blessings?”
1Pet. 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1Pet. 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Finally (moreover, also), Peter is encouraging the believers to be of one mind, in harmony with one another. They are to be sympathetic to one another, willing to suffer and commiserate with one another. They are to love one another as family members, brothers and sisters.
The word for “pitiful” means tenderhearted, sensitive. Peter is reminding the believers to practice sensitivity, courtesy and kindness. He warns them not to respond to evil actions toward them with evil or wickedness. They are not to respond to slander or abuse by being slanderous or abusive. Instead, the believer is to respond to those who mistreat them by blessing them. This goes totally against our sin nature. We can only respond in this way through the power and enablement of the Holy Spirit at work in our life. What is our motivation? Knowing that this is what Christ has called us to do, how He expects us to act. When we are obedient, we can expect to inherit the blessing and bounty of our Father in heaven.
The interesting thought to remember is that Peter is talking to believers regarding their actions toward other believers. Sad to say, it is a necessary admonishment. Though we are new creatures, we continually fight the sin nature. I am forever in debt to Paul for those verses in Romans…..
Romans 7:14-25 “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
Wiersbe: “As Christians, we can live on one of three levels. We can return evil for good, which is the satanic level. We can return good for good and evil for evil, which is the human level. Or, we can return good for evil, which is the divine level.”
1Pet. 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
1Pet. 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Peter is saying that in order to enjoy life while on planet earth, don’t use your mouth for evil or wickedness—don’t let your lips be used to practice trickery or deceit. Eschew (separate yourself from, depart from, cease) evil and wickedness. You should desire to pursue peace (oneness, quietness, rest). I liked the idea of oneness in reference to peace; I had never thought of it in that context before. It ties directly to my favorite verse of scripture—Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (That verse gives the formula for obtaining the peace you seek—Keep your mind focused on God in complete trust; be at oneness with God.)
Verses 11-12 are a quote from Psalm 34:14–16: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil….”
1Pet. 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
God is ever watching over His children. He is jealous over us (as the root word for eye allows). His ears are ever listening for our requests (petitions, beggings, beseechings). The wording in the first part of this verse indicates specific regard to our circumstances through intent focus of His eyes and ears.
The last half of the verse indicates that the LORD is just as aware of the actions of those who “do evil.” At first I thought this was referring to continual actions representing a way of life, but the word for “do” here is talking about specific acts of wickedness or evil. I keep reminding myself that Peter is writing to believers. He is warning them that evil actions have consequences that God allows or imposes.
This is yet another warning that our actions impact the effectiveness of our prayers.
1Pet. 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Peter is basically stating that those who practice good deeds will have no reason for others to harm them. Although that is true, mankind has proven himself to be willing to sink to the lowest and most evil degrees. Many who do good today find themselves victims due to the selfishness, greed, or creed of another.
1Pet. 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
The first thing I noticed as I looked over the words in this verse was that the words for “righteousness’ sake” are missing in the Greek. The only way you can get this meaning is from taking the whole section in context. The word for happy means extremely blessed. That’s much more understandable. When we know that we are pleasing and glorifying God through our submission to His truth, we are blessed. We can be hurting physically and still have peace and joy within our being. We have nothing to fear from the evil of man because of the hope that is within us—the promise of our salvation and enjoying eternity with the Savior.
Matthew 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.”
Hebrews 13:6 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
1Pet. 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
“sanctify” – purify, consecrate, venerate, hallow
“hearts” – your thoughts, feelings (mind)
“hope” - to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:—faith, hope.
This verse starts out indicating that we are the ones responsible for our attitude and actions toward God. It’s up to us to “sanctify” God in our hearts by actions that avoid defilement or impurity and that express our devotion, reverence and respect to God.
We are always to be prepared with an answer, a defense, for the hope, the expectation that is in us. The more we are immersed in the Word of God, the more able we will be to defend our faith. We are to be willing to answer “every man” that questions us about our faith. It doesn’t say that we have to argue and debate—just that we be able to explain why we believe what we believe. In fact, our answers are to be given with meekness (mildness, humility) and fear before God. In other words, our answers should always honor God as our LORD, our supreme authority.
1Pet. 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
“Having a good conscience” – CJB = Keeping your conscience clear; NLT = But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.
People may choose to slander you and call you evil because they don’t like the truth you are speaking regarding Jesus or the actions you are taking based on His Word. They are the ones who will end up being shamed and disgraced for making false accusations about you.
1Pet. 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
“better” – stronger, nobler, powerful
I think the key truth of this verse is that your testimony is more powerful when you suffer for doing what is right before God according to His Word than it is when you suffer because you deserve it.
“if the will of God be so” – The only way you can know if you are suffering according to God’s will is by being immersed in His Word and being obedient to the Spirit’s teaching and leading.
1Pet. 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Important points in this verse—
Christ (Jesus, the Messiah) suffered once for sins.
Christ was just (innocent, holy, righteous); He suffered for the unjust (you and me, the guilty, unholy, wicked).
The reason He suffered was to bring us near to God.
Jesus was put to death as the perfect man; He was quickened (made alive again) by the Spirit of God.
Guzik: “Here, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. It also tells us that the Father raised Jesus from the dead, and it says that Jesus raised Himself from the dead. The resurrection was the work of the Triune God.”
Acts 5:30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.”
John 2:18–22 “Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”
1Pet. 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
1Pet. 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
I’ve read these verses several times, and I still don’t really understand them. Guzik’s comments made good sense to me: “Though some have regarded these spirits as human spirits, it is more likely that they were demonic spirits. We know that their disobedience was in the days of Noah. We have evidence that this was a time of gross sin for both demons and humans, when there was an ungodly mingling of humans and demons….We also don’t know exactly why Jesus preached to these imprisoned spirits. In all probability this was preaching (the proclamation of God’s message), but it was not evangelism (the proclamation of good news). Jesus preached a message of judgment and final condemnation in light of His finished work on the cross to these disobedient spirits.” [Personal note: I would substitute “fallen angels” for demons. I believe demons are the spirits of the dead offspring of the human/angel hybrid beings.]
Wiersbe adds: “Furthermore, nowhere in the Bible are we told that Jesus visited hell. Actss 2:31 states that He went to ‘hades,’ but ‘hades’ is not hell. The word ‘hades’ refers to the realm of the unbelieving dead, a temporary place where they await the resurrection.”
Acts 2:31 “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell [Greek = haides or Hades], neither his flesh did see corruption.”
I think it is important to note that God’s long-suffering was in evidence as He waited for Noah to build the ark. In other words, judgment would have been implemented sooner had it not been for God’s mercy. Even though He allowed such a long time for the people to repent, only eight were deemed worthy of salvation by their faith.
1Pet. 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Peter goes on to explain that preparation had to be made for Jesus to enter the scene and provide an “ark of spiritual salvation” for all those that believe. Noah and his family had a choice to make—to trust God or not. We too have a choice to make regarding “putting away the filth of the flesh” and trusting God, to place our faith in the resurrected Jesus Christ. That faith is demonstrated by our baptism, immersion, washing by water. This baptism isn’t for the purpose of physical cleanliness; its purpose is to declare publicly that we are consciously choosing to follow God just as Noah’s obedience in building the ark declared his faith in God publicly. If we choose to reject Jesus, we will perish spiritually just as surely as those on earth (excepting Noah and his family) perished physically in the flood.
1Pet. 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Who (Jesus Christ) is gone into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. This truth is affirmed throughout scripture.
Psalm 110:1 “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
Acts 2:33 “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”
Acts 7:55 “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God….”
Colossians 3:1 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
All the spiritual beings of the unseen realm are subject to His authority, whether they be good or evil.
Colossians 1:16 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him….”
Colossians 2:8-10 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power….”
1Pet. 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1Pet. 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Because Christ suffered for us in the flesh as the sacrifice for our sin, we should be prepared to do the same for Him. The second phrase of verse one seems to be equating suffering in the flesh to ceasing from sin. The more I think about it in that respect, the more it makes sense. Our natural tendency is to choose the things that are contrary to the teaching of Jesus that included dying to self, making yourself a servant to others, turning the other cheek, etc. It is a constant struggle for the believer to eliminate sin from his life. The reason for “suffering in the flesh” is to live our lives according to the will of God. We choose not to make the choices that feed our natural desire for the forbidden. (The Greek for the word “lusts” expresses a longing, especially for what is forbidden.)
Wiersbe: “If a person really believes in eternity, then he will make the best use of time. If we are convinced that Jesus is coming, then we will want to live prepared lives. Whether Jesus comes first or death comes first, we want to make ‘the rest of the time’ count for eternity.”
1Pet. 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
Before we became followers of Jesus, we were content to do the things associated with the heathen, those who didn’t follow the teachings of God. Some of those things were:
Lasciviousness – licentiousness (lewd, lustful, unchaste, impure), filthy, wantonness (undisciplined, unrestrained)
Lusts – sinful desires
Excess of wine – drunkenness
Revellings – riotings (to feast in a riotous manner, without restraint, with lots of liquor)
Banquetings – drinking parties
Abominable idolatries – unlawful worship (according to the law of God)
These categories seem to overlap each other a lot. It would seem that one of the key differences in one who follows God and one who doesn’t is self-control. The list above includes actions that are unrestrained, self-pleasing, and anything goes. God has no place of authority or respect in the life of those who practice such things.
1Pet. 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1Pet. 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Those who live so totally focused on self don’t understand why you, as a believer, don’t want to live the same way they do. They are having fun. You are just a party pooper, a stick in the mud, a goody two shoes, a spoiled sport.
The word “who” is interesting in verse 5. At first reading, it would seem to refer to the closest noun, “you,” referring to the believer. After reading the verse a couple of times, I’ve decided it doesn’t matter, because all of us are going to stand in judgment before God—the quick and the dead. The quick would include those who are alive in the spirit and the dead would be those that are dead in the spirit. As believers, our lives will be judged to determine are rewards in heaven. Unbelievers, on the other hand, will be judged for condemnation to hell.
2Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Revelation 20:12-15 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
1Pet. 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
The gospel has to be heard to be believed.
Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
We are all dead spiritually before we are born again through faith in Jesus. Our sin has to be judged just as surely as those who choose to reject God’s gift. The difference is that Christ took the judgment for our sin and gifted us with His righteousness through His shed blood. Now we can live our physical lives according to God’s will as taught in His Word through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us.
1Pet. 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
There is a point when time will be no longer; eternity will begin. I realize the philosophers would argue my expression, but it’s the way my mind puts it into perspective. In other words, God has a plan for this earth and for mankind on this earth. The time will come when that plan will be completed, fulfilled. That time is drawing near, getting closer. (Whether it takes a few days or another 2,000 years, that is a true statement.)
Peter warns the believers to stay sober and “watch” unto prayer. Very interesting to me was the Greek for the word “watch.” It means to abstain from wine, keep sober, be discreet. The word for “sober” puts more emphasis on being of sound mind. Peter is telling us that it is important to stay clear of mind and focused in prayer as we watch and wait for God’s plan to come to fruition.
1Pet. 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
While we watch and wait, our priority is to be fervent in charity. The word for fervent indicates “without ceasing.” This kindness, affection, love for one another is to be a regular part of our interaction with one another. This brings to mind another verse that has been a real inspiration to me:
Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Yes, we are supposed to be a light to the world and return good for evil and do good to all men—but especially to those who are part of the family of faith, our brothers and sisters in Jesus. God has different areas of service for each one of us, and I have always been drawn more to minister to those in the household of faith.
1Pet. 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
I liked the way good old Webster’s defines hospitality, “The act or practice of one who is hospitable; reception and entertainment of strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.” The definition for grudging includes, “to covet; to give with reluctance; to desire to get back again.” The whole mentality today centers on “What can I get out of it?” “How will this benefit me?”
This verse is just another statement that emphasizes the LORD’s teaching that we are to love one other with a servant spirit, without expecting anything in return.
1Pet. 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
As I look over the Greek, I think it would read better to say, “As every person has been gifted, we should minister to one another, showing ourselves to be good stewards of our particular gifting(s) among the many types of gifts He gives.” We each receive different giftings according to the Spirit.
1Corinthians 12:7-11 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
We are to use those gifts to serve one another. These gifts are ours through the grace of God, and He gives His grace to us in different ways. A good steward uses his God-given authority and abilities wisely and worthily in accordance with His will.
1Pet. 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
I think Peter is saying that we should only speak or serve as God provides the ability and opportunity. When we speak, it should be according to God’s word. When we serve, it should be through God’s enablement. Our motive in all we say and do should be to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ, the “author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)
John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
The last phrase is another one of those phrases that applies to both antecedents in the phrase before it—God and Jesus Christ. You can’t separate One from the Other when it comes to deserving praise and exercising power and authority forever.
1Pet. 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
“Beloved” – Peter is writing to people he cares about.
In context we have been talking about suffering for Jesus as He suffered for us. Peter is reminding his audience that the trials, testing, proving of our faith is to be expected. We tend to think that if we trust in Jesus and become His child, we will only experience the good things associated with that relationship. The truth is that while here on a decaying planet earth and living in this body born in sin and subject to the attack of spiritual forces of evil, we will experience bad and evil along with good and blessing. Christ has set the example and given us the Spirit to empower, comfort and guide us on our journey. Our focus is to be on the confident expectation of His coming and/or our going to Him. The beautiful truth to remember is that no type of “fiery trial” can touch us without the permission of the Father.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Guzik: “Now is our time of fiery trial; the ungodly will have their fire later. The fire we endure now purifies us; the fire the ungodly will endure will punish them. Yet we always remember that there is never any punishment from God for us in our sufferings, only purification. For the Christian, the issue of punishment was settled once and for all at the cross, where Jesus endured all the punishment the Christian could ever face from God.”
Thought-provoking quote from Wiersbe: “The world does not persecute ‘religious people,’ but it does persecute righteous people.”
1Pet. 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
“rejoice” – be cheerful, calmly happy, well off
In other words, no matter in what circumstances we find ourselves as believers, we can have a heart of calm and happiness knowing that we are partakers or sharers in Christ’s sufferings. Obviously, Christ suffered alone on the cross; but the Man Jesus felt grief at the suffering of His friends when Lazarus died.
John 11:33-35 “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. In that regard, I think He suffers with us as we choose to obediently endure according to His Word whatever trial/testing He allows in our life.”
What is the source of that calmness, that happiness during suffering? We know that Jesus is coming back as King of kings and LORD of lords, and we will bask in the glow of His glory forever.
1Pet. 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Peter has so many ways of saying the same thing and emphasizing the truth he is teaching. We shouldn’t care if we are taunted and reproached because of our stand for Jesus and the truth of His Word. In fact, it should make us happy to bring glory and honor to Him.
Only the unbeliever would speak evil of Jesus. The word for “speak evil of” is the word for blaspheme. How does Webster define blaspheme? “To speak of, or address, with impious irreverence; to revile impiously (anything sacred); as, to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.” This trait is so dominant in America today. Even those who claim to be His child use the name of God lightly and without reverence, e.g. “O my God.” This ought not to be. In fact, this verse should give one pause as you examine your life. Peter says that only unbelievers would speak in this manner.
2Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
Exodus 20:7 “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
1Pet. 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
This really seems a strange statement to me to address to those who claim to follow Jesus. Peter is saying that none of them should be guilty of murder, theft, criminal behavior, or meddling in other people’s affairs. My thoughts are taking me back to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.
Matthew 5:21-22a “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”
Matthew 5:43-44 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
When you think of Peter’s warning as it applies to the attitudes and thoughts in our heart, it’s not so strange anymore. We may not be guilty of the physical commission of a sin, but we are guilty nonetheless for the attitudes and thoughts in our heart. That is very sobering. It certainly keeps me ever on my knees before the LORD. Paul affirms the truth of Peter’s message:
2Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
1Pet. 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Men can shame or disgrace us publicly according to the eyes of the world; but if we are being mistreated because of our faith, we don’t have to feel shame or disgrace. In fact, we should praise God for accounting us worthy as He did Job.
1Pet. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
As stated in the comments on verse 5 above, we will all face judgment before Almighty God. Peter is stating that believers, those who are part of the family of God, will be judged first. If God is determined to judge His children, how much more certain will be the judgment of those who reject Him and His Word.
1Pet. 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
This is a hard verse. The wording indicates that the righteous will be saved (delivered, protected, preserved) with difficulty and much work (from the Greek for “scarcely”). Because Jesus is the One that accomplished this work for us, it is not natural for us to think of it as something that was difficult and required hard work. The fact is that Jesus lived for 33 years as a man on this earth without sin. Yes, He had the guidance and empowerment of the Spirit, but so do we. Living a godly life in this wicked world is hard work. He experienced all the temptations that we face.
Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
I understand the last part of the verse by understanding that it is a contrast to the first part of the verse. The believer is saved through the work of the Savior, so where does that leave the ungodly, the sinner that rejects His gift of salvation? Condemned.
John 3:17–18 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
1Pet. 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
When we suffer because we are following the example of Christ and being obedient to His Word (according to God’s will), we can be confident that He will preserve our souls to everlasting life. We can trust Him because He is the faithful (trustworthy, sure, true) Creator (author, source of origin).