CHAPTER IV
(vs 1) Cf. 3:18
"mind"-- the thought, the will. cf. Phil. 2:5
Christ continues to be a pattern to follow (2:21)
There can be no doubt that the suffering of Christ
was NOT because of any wrong He had done.
We must act likewise.
"ceased from sin" -- cf. Rom. 6:7
Having become "dead to the world," the Christian no
longer walks in sin; has "ceased to sin."
(vs 2) Our life is now different. Those in the world live to
satisfy the flesh; not the Christian.
"rest of your time" -- your remaining days in the flesh.
Our former life is contrasted with out present life.
"will of God" -- God's will is our pattern, our path to
follow. cf.1 Thess. 4:3-5.
The object of our redemption is to save us from the
flesh and lead us to following the will of God.
(vs 3) Peter now discusses their former life, as Gentiles.
NOTE: "times past" - that life is past history, no
longer to be engaged in. Crucified--Gal. 2:20.
Cf. Rom. 1:21-32; Rom. 13:11, 12.
"Gentiles" -- term used to indicate the unrighteous world
"lasciviousness" -- unbridled lust and excess. Rom. 13:13.
"lusts" -- unlawful desires. Rom. 1:24.
"Lasciviousness" --- indicates the act.
"Lust" --- the intent.
"winebibbings" (K.J.--"excess of wine") "overflowing of
wine," thus drunkenness.
NOTE: The K.J. "excess of wine" does not give a good
translation of the Greek. The word "excess" would
suggest "something more than was needed," but no
such idea is found in the original word. The Greek
word merely refers to an abundance of wine and is
better translated "drunkenness." Peter is discussing
drunkenness, not the amount used to become drunk.
"revellings" -- rioting, drunken parties, wholly
inappropriate for the child of God.
"carousings"-- (K.J.--"Banquetings") a gathering together
for the purpose of drinking, drunkenness.
Nothing in the word to indicate eating together,
as the term is often used now.
"abominable idolatries" -- licentious and drunken parties
where not only fleshly sins were present, but also
idolatrous worship, where all types of licentious
acts were engaged in.
(vs 4) The world simply cannot understand why you do not act as
they do. How can you exist if you do not drink, and act
as they act. We are "strange" to the world.
Mark 3:21 -- Some regarded Christ as "beside himself
Acts 26:24 -- Paul you are mad.
There must be something wrong with you ("us"). You mean
that you don't take a little nip now and then, or
buy a few lotto tickets, or lie a little on your
income tax, etc. Surely, you must do some of these.
"run"--more than mere association, but participation.
"excess of riot" -- would a little riot be O.K.? ("wine")
"speaking evil" -- call you fool, fanatic, seek to impugn
your motives. You are just plain "DUMB."
NOTE: Can you not hear those who lived during the days
of Noah, the things they would have said about
that old fool.
(vs 5) Those who live to the flesh, revel, etc., will one day be
called before God in judgment. None shall escape God's
wrath. Both the righteous and the unrighteous, the good
and the bad. 2 Cor 5:10.
"living and the dead" -- all, both present and past.
NOTE: The dead do not cease to exist.
NOTE: Those now living who speak evil of the righteous
will one day be called upon to be judged
themselves. They will give an accounting for their
own lives.
(vs 6) "the dead" -- those NOT NOW living, but had been receptive
to the gospel, when they were in the flesh.
NOTE: Peter has just addressed those who were being so
shamefully treated, some even dying. They needed the
encouragement that though they die; yet shall they
live, pleasing unto God.
Cf. 1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev. 14:13.
"men in the flesh"-- Those still in the flesh judge them as
fools, but God judges them as wise.
NOTE: Once again it is emphasized that the dead do not
cease to exist.
(The "dead" here are not the same as those mentioned in
3:19,20. Those in 3:19 did not respond to the
preaching of Noah, whereas these in 4:6 received the
gospel, and though dead, were alive in the spirit.)
(vs 7) "end of all things..."
(l) If the final day of judgment is referred to, it
simple points out that that event is ever close to
all of us. Cf. 2 Peter 3:8.
Thus, to each one individually, the end is ever
present. Each day may well be our last. Rom 13:11,12
(2) The destruction of Jerusalem was very near-- from 5-
6 off. Since Christianity was an offspring of the
Jewish state (to the eyes of the world), when the
Jews suffered, Christians also would suffer. Thus
their trials were to increase.
(vs 8) "fervent in love" -- you are going to need each other.
"love covers" -- When one love another, he (she) forgives.
How can I expect forgiveness when I am not willing
to forgive others. Cf. Col 3:12-14; 1 Pet. 1:22;
John 13:35.
Love covers a great many imperfections. We do not
see the imperfections of those whom we love.
In my study of "The Troubled Family" I make the
observation , "Love never keeps records." The
Husband/wife relationship does not store up
grievances against the other mate. Neither do
Christians.
Indeed, "Love covers a multitude of sins."
(vs 9) "hospitality" Rom 12:13; 1 Tim 3:2.
Since inns (hotels) were often places of gross sins,
Christians who traveled would stay in the homes of
other Christians; thus hospitality was needed.
"without murmuring" -- most likely there would be expense,
inconveniences, etc., don't complain, grumble.
(vs 10) "gift" -- Same word used in 1 Cor 12, where Paul discusses
the various "miraculous" gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Most likely same use here, although the principal is
of general application.
"received" (aorist tense--past) points to a definite time
when received. Is it not safe to conclude that these
gifts were bestowed freely in the first century of
the apostles??
"ministering" -- whatever gift you have should be used in
interest of others. Nothing selfish here!! Seems
that was one of the problems in Corinth. Jealousy
about the gifts and the importance of them.
"good stewards" -- we are but helpers (in behalf of God),
doing the work appointed by God.
"manifold" -- varied, God's grace is shown in many ways.
(vs 11) "oracles" -- Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12.
Divine utterances, given by inspired men.
Whatever is said will agree with the divine
revelation from Heaven. If it is of divine origin it
will agree with all other divine revelation.
"ministereth" -- Same word from which we derive "deacon,"
but does not seem to be limited to that office here.
Those who serve; thus any service performed.
"God-glorified" -- The purpose of our existence; Mt 5:16;
1 Cor. 10:31.
"Amen" -- So be it, an endorsement of what is said.
(vs 12) "Beloved" -- plural; thus all, each one
Do not be surprised when trials come upon you.
1 Pet. 1:3-4, Writer has already introduced subject.
"strange" (4:4) foreign, alien, unusual.
This was common to all Christians.
"fiery trial" -- Illustration of fire being used to purge.
(vs 13) Cf. Mt. 5:11,12 -- Christ foretold of suffering.
Christ set the example. He suffered without cause.
We are no better than our Savior
If we are to reign with Him, we must surely be
willing to suffer with Him. Some want the "crown"
without the "cross." Cf. 2:21-24; Rom 8:17; 2 Cor1:7
(vs 14) "if" -- "When" (2nd class conditional sentence)
"Blessed" same word as in the beatitudes-- Mt. 5.
"Spirit of glory, God" - Holy Spirit. Approval of the H.S.
(vs 15) (cf. 3:14-17) The Christians should refrain from these.
"murderer" -- Human life is cheap to those who do not
believe in God. Especially in ancient history. Thus,
murder was common. Many today look upon murder so
lightly.
"Thief" -- So common, especially among slaves.
"evil doer" -- law breaker, all types of lawlessness.
"meddler" -- one who pries into the affairs of others;
attempts to control or direct the other parties'
affairs as if they were his own.
Some seek to control the thinking and actions of
everyone else. Phil. 2:4.
(vs 16) A positive statement, whereas the last verse was a negative
If and when one suffers, be sure it is for doing good and
not for doing evil.
There is no shame in suffering for righteousness. Our young
people have this problem more often than those of us who
are older. Peer pressure, etc. Never be embarrassed by
that which is right.
Rom. 1:16-- Do not be ashamed of the Gospel.
"glorify" -- honor, praise. Acts 5:41.
"Christian" -- Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16 -- Three
times this word appears. A follower of Christ.
cf. Isa 62:2--Name given by the Lord.
(vs 17) "The time is come" -- Some would have this passage apply to
the destruction of Jerusalem, with its immense
trials and difficulties, which surely did happen.
But, it seems to me, that a greater application
needs to be made. If it does refer to the
destruction of Jerusalem, a secondary application
can be made to the Judgment.
NOTE: Eternal judgment is ever near each one. And for
each succeeding generation, "the time is at hand."
Suppose inspired writers would have said, "The
coming of the Lord (eternal judgment) is 2000-4000
years off." Would not man have reasoned, "I have
plenty of time, I'll serve God later"?
"begin...house of God" -- Surely God's people will be judged
"the end...." -- What an awful conclusion!!! To stand before
Jehovah, having rejected the "Good News" of Christ
Jesus. If God shall judge His people, what a fearful
thing to come before Him as an alien, a rebellious
one.
(vs 18) "scarcely" -- with great difficulty.
THINK OF THE GREAT DIFFICULTIES OF SALVATION:
(1) On the part of God. To devise such a plan.
(2) Christ -- who became flesh and suffered.
(3) To lead men to obey Christ.
(4) To keep His children faithful, free from sin.
"ungodly..." -- What hope does the sinner have?
"appear" --- They shall appear somewhere. They do not cease
to exist.
(vs 19) "suffer" -- It is a part of God's plan (according to the
will of God) that suffering be endured. (Jas. 1:2-4,
12).
"commit souls" -- our eternal care, abode.
"well-doing" -- Once again, if you suffer, be sure it is for
well doing, for right; and not for evil.
"faithful Creator" -- We are dealing with our Creator, the
one who made us; But, also, the one who loves us. We
are made in His image.
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