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;

Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered death in his human nature,

1 Peter 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.

He must have nothing to do with his wonted corruptions; neither must lead the rest of his life, which he hath to spend here below, according to the sinful lusts of carnal men, but according to the holy will of God.

1 Peter 4:6

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.

For, for this cause was the Gospel preached, of old, to those which are long since dead, being swept away by the Deluge; that, howsoever they were, in the sight and construction of men, seized on by the fearful judgment of God, yet that some of them, being wrought upon by that word of his, and brought to a sudden repentance, might have their souls saved.

1 Peter 4:8

For charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

For true charity, if it be in us, will hide a multitude of those sins and infirmities, which are in our brethren.

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.

If any man be called, by God, to speak publicly, as his messenger or minister to his people, let him so deliver that word which he brings, as may become the holiness and majesty of the Oracles of God.

1 Peter 4:12

Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.

Beloved, let it not seem strange and uncouth to you, that there is a fire of persecution begun to be kindled among you, for the profession of the Gospel; which is intended by God, for the trial of your faith and constancy.

1 Peter 4:14

For the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.

For the Spirit of God, which always brings glory and happiness with it, resteth upon you; and doth, by this means, give you good evidence of his abiding in you.

1 Peter 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?

For the time is come, wherein, according to the prediction of the prophet, judgment must begin at the sanctuary or house of God; which is his Church: the wisdom of God hath thought fit, by the cruel hands of wicked men, to exercise the patience and faith of his dearest children; and, if he begin with these sharp afflictions upon us, which are tenderly beloved and respected of him, what intolerable punishments hath he provided, and will be sure to inflict upon those, that are wilfully and rebelliously disobedient to the Gospel of God!

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

And, if the most righteous and dearest of all God’s children shall not escape a very sore and severe trial of chastisement, such, as if they were left to their own strength, were enough to overlay and miscarry them, what shall then become of the wicked and ungodly? how shall it be possible for them to escape utter confusion?