1 Peter 4

1. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered, etc. The apostle reverts to Christ’s sufferings as our example (iii. 18).

arm yourselves. It is only by a severe conflict in which you must be armed with a readiness to suffer with Christ, that the power of sin over you can “be made to cease”: cp. Rom. vi. 1-7.

3 the time past of [our] life may suffice us, etc. Ironical.

4 they think it strange, etc. “It is strange unto a carnal man to see the child of God disdain the pleasures of sin; he knows not the higher and purer delights and pleasures that the Christian is called to” (Leighton).

to the same excess of riot. Or, “into the same flood of profligacy” (Moffatt).

6. For this cause was the gospel preached, etc. This verse has been variously interpreted, according to the view taken of iii. 19; on which see note. It probably means: The gospel was preached to those who died, in order that, while in their mortal part they must suffer the sentence on all mankind, in their higher spiritual nature they may live a Divine life by God’s power.

8 charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Rather, “Love covereth a multitude of sins”: see Prov. x. 12, and note. Cp. also the πάντα στέγει of 1 Cor. xiii. 7, “covers” or “hides” the faults of others.

9 without grudging. Lit., “without murmurings”: see Heb. xiii. 2.

10 hath received the gift. Lit., “received a gift.” as good stewards, etc. Extraordinary as well as ordinary gifts and graces in all their variety (Rom. xii. 4-8; 1 Cor. xii. 4-11), are a trust for the benefit of the Church.

11 [let him speak] as the oracles of God. Teaching, not his own notions, but God’s revealed truth, and uttering his words with the conviction, reverence, humility, and earnestness which become so great and holy a message.

minister. See note on Rom. xii. 7.

the ability which God giveth. Lit. and more forcibly, as R.V., “the strength which God supplieth.”

12 the fiery trial which is to try you. Lit., “the burning fire among you which cometh to you for trial.”

13 but rejoice, etc. Those who suffer like Christ, and for Him, may rejoice in the prospect of sharing His glory: cp. Matt. v. 11, 12; Phil. iii. 10, 11; Col. i. 24, and notes.

inasmuch as. Lit., “according as,” or “in so far as.” In whatever degree ye partake His sufferings, rejoice.

14 for the name of Christ. Properly, “in the name of Christ”; i.e., as being called by His name (16).

the [Spirit] of glory and of God, etc. The Spirit of God rests upon you (like the Shechinah upon the ark) as the Spirit of glory; shedding His glory over all your reproach, weakness, and suffering: cp. Isa. xi. 2; 2 Tim. i. 7.

on their part, etc. This contrast between the reviling and the glorifying of Christ seems to have been the comment of some transcriber. It is omitted in the best texts: so R.V.

16 as a Christian. That is, for being a Christian: then a name of scorn: see Acts xi. 26; xxvi. 28. It does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament.

on this behalf. The best MSS, have “in this name.” The “name” is that of Christ, or of “Christian.”

18 scarcely. Or, “with difficulty.” This is the Septuagint version of Prov. xi. 31. The original idea of the Greek word is that of toil and trouble.

19. Wherefore let them that suffer, etc. See Matt. x. 28-33.