1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4:1

FOr] The scope of saint Peter here, is, to perswade them to abstain from the lusts of the world, from their communion and fellowship in the death of Christ, whereby they were dead unto sin, and therefore they ought, not any longer to live therein. See this argument pressed more largely, Rom. 6. 6, &c. Galatians 5:24. and Galatians 6:14.

suffered] That is, is dead unto the flesh, that is, in his corrupt nature: or, who hath his corrupt nature crucified in him.

flesh] See chap. 3. 18.

ceased] He speaks of what they ought to do, not of that which they always do.

1 Peter 4:2

rest] That is, so much of this present life which yet remaineth to be passed over.

to the lusts of men] Romans 12:2.

1 Peter 4:3

For] By putting us in minde of our former life spent in the lusts of the world, he calleth us unto repentance.

1 Peter 4:4

Wherein they think it strange] Isaiah 59:15.

strange] So verse 12.

1 Peter 4:5

him] See James 11. 5, 8.

judge the quick and the dead] Acts 10:42.

1 Peter 4:6

dead] That is, in saint Peters days, though not when the Gospel was preached unto them.

that] Here is the end wherefore the Gospel was preached unto them, viz. for the mortification of their flesh, and the renewing in their spirits, according to the will of God. See vers. 2.

judged] That is, mortified in the flesh. The antecedent is put for the consequent. See 1 Corinthians 5:5.

1 Peter 4:7

the end] See James 8. 9.

all things 1 John 2:17.

at hand] Philippians 4:5.

sober and watch] Matth 26 41. 1 Peter 5:8.

watch] That is, be assiduous or constant in prayer, watching all opportunities to perform that service unto God. See chap. 5. 8. Luke 18. 1. and 21. 36. Romans 12:12. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Ephesians 6:18.

1 Peter 4:8

fervent] See chap. 1. 22.

shall] Or, will.

cover] It doth, as it were, bury a multitude of sins in others, and thereby preserveth peace and concord. See Proverbs 10:12.

1 Peter 4:9

Ʋse hospitality] Romans 12:13. Hebrews 13:2.

grudging] Or, murmuring, Philippians 2:14.

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received] Romans 12:6.

stewards] Matthew 21:14. Luke 12:42. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

manifold] 1 Cor. 12 4. Romans 12:6.

grace] That is, gifts bestowed through the free and undeserved grace of God.

1 Peter 4:11

as oracles] That is, reverently, considering diligently whose word it is. See Romans 3:2.

minister] Some understand this of the duty of deacons; but more probably it is to be understood of the duty of all Christians; all being bound to help one another, according to that measure of gifts which God hath bestowed on them.

1 Peter 4:12

strange] See v. 4. Because hereunto ye are called.

fiery triall] That is, those cruell persecutions which ye suffer. It is a metaphor taken from goldsmiths, who try their gold in the fire. See chap. 1. 7. Psalms 66:10.

trie] See 1 Corinthians 6:4. James 1:3.

1 Peter 4:13

rejoyce] Luke 6. 23. Col. 1. 24.

of Christs sufferings] Or, sufferings for Christ.

glory shall be revealed] Colossians 3:3. James 1:12.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproched] Matthew 5:11.

for] That is, it is an argument that the Spirit of God is in you, upholding you under so great trialls. See Colossians 1:11.

happie are ye] Chap. 3. 14. James 1:12.

Spirit of glory] That is, the glorious Spirit of God.

glorified] By your true and bold profession of him, under so many and so cruell trialls.

1 Peter 4:15

suffer as a murderer] Chap. 2. 20.

1 Peter 4:16

Christian] The professours of Christ are so called, from Christ, in whom they believe, and whom they professe. See James 2. 7.

1 Peter 4:17

time is come] Isaiah 10:12. Jeremiah 21:29. and Jeremiah 49:12.

judgement] That is, thereby understand those chastisements wherewith God chastiseth his own people for their sins.

house] That is, his Church and faithfull people. See Ephesians 1.

and if it first begin at us] Luke 23:31.

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved] Proverbs 11:31.

1 Peter 4:19

will of God] Chap. 3. 17.

commit] It is a metaphor taken from those who use to commit jewels, or gold, and the like, to the trust or some faithfull friend, for safe keeping. Hence those are said to commit themselves to God, who in their afflictions, through faith, rest on Gods faithfull promises of taking care for them.

souls] That is, themselves.

Creature] Who will not forsake the work of his own hands, Psalms 138:8.