1 Peter 4

1 Peter 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; 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.” Forasmuch is referring back to the last statement in chapter three, concerning the suffering of Jesus upon the cruel cross. Peter then tells the disciples to have Jesus’ attitude toward suffering, that they may endure until the coming of Jesus (Jh 21:22) before the destruction of Jerusalem (the great whore, called Babylon in Rv 19:2), whereof he removed his church bride out of the danger of the coming destruction of the Jewish economy (Rv 12:1-6). If one of his disciples suffer in like manner, then it is a manifest token he has crucified the flesh, and his life is in conformity to the will of God.

Vs 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: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” The 'us', in the sentence is speaking of Peter and his Jewish brethren, who in times past had walked liken unto the Gentiles in the flesh. Now these same Jewish brethren, in whom you walked, now criticize us for not walking with them now. Paul tells these same Jewish brethren in 2 Thess 1:4 “We ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them (Jews) that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints.” We see this same position recorded by Jesus in Mt 16:27 “The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.”

Vs 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 dead under consideration herein is speaking of those who have sinned the sin unto death found in 1 Jh 5:17. See also Nu 15:30, Heb 6:4, and 10:29. Yes, one who has been given the two witnesses (His works and words Jh 9:41,14:11), and turned from them (Heb 6:4) have died to the fellowship of the saints, will be judged in the coming judgment upon the nation of Israel.

Vs 7 “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” The end of the law worship is at hand (within fifteen year of this writing). Peter is herein admonishing these disciples to be sober as they terry for the coming destruction, wherein the temple will be destroyed.

Vs 8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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.” Peter herein delivers unto these disciples a wonderful admonition in the benefits of serving Him. First of all charity, love does give the body the ability to forego many offences that would otherwise cause division in the body. He then reminds the assembly to be careful to exercise the gift which God has given each member of the body, because in doing so, it will not allow jealousy to destroy the fellowship of the body. He concludes that in doing so, God receives the glory and not the individual members of the body.

Vs 12 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 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.” Peter here again tells these disciples who are suffering at the hands of their fellow countrymen (Jews), to not despair as though this was something strange, for they also did it to Jesus. If then they take it patiently they will understand when He comes with his Holy Angels to take vengeance upon those at whose hands they are suffering.

Vs 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; 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.” Peter continues to inform these Jewish brethren that those who have rejected the council against themselves (Lk 7:30), and are now reproaching them in the same manner, that they should understand therefore that God is glorified. Be careful that you not fail because of this reproach, and become as they are.
Vs 16 “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 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?” It is my understanding that this is the only place in the scriptures that uses the term Christian in reference to the disciples. It appears that Peter uses this term to emphasize the thought that Jesus Christ also suffered, so therefore be not ashamed, for God is glorified in this. The time is come, refers to the filling up of the iniquities of the nation of Israel (Gal 4:4). He came to his own, and informs them in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew of their condition, and in verses 34-38 he gave them a summery of the things he had against them. Peter than ask the question, ‘what shall the end of them be that obey not the gospel?’ Paul in answers this question in 2 Thess 1:6 “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.”

Vs 18 “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 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.” Peter concludes this chapter with a stern warning to those who have rejected the council against themselves (Lk 7:30). Then gives the suffering saints a reason for standing fast against these scoffers, for God is the faithful Creator, which one can rely upon in all things.

Allen Cook 4/9/08