Special articles written by Primitive Baptist Elders

Commenting On 1 Peter (Continued)

J.C. Stanaland

 "the end of all things is at hand"

I Peter 4:7  “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

The phrase, “is at hand”, is the same phrase that John The Baptist used to announce that the New Testament Kingdom/Church was near (Mat 10:7) and truly it was, for it was wonderfully and powerfully manifested to them just a few years later in Acts 2.  Peter wrote this letter from “Babylon” (I Peter 5:13), for the Christians had disbursed around the known world because of the persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 11:19).  Very soon, the Jewish leaders would rebel against Rome resulting in the Roman commander Titus being dispatched to Jerusalem where he laid siege to the city, which culminated in the utter destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  The destruction was so complete that the Jewish church/nation, their economy, temple religious activities, and way of life came to a complete end.  Christ prophesied of this destruction when He proclaimed, “… See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mat 24:2).  Peter says, “the end of all things is at hand”; that is, the awful fall and destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Church/Nation was about to happen.  Peter mentions it here to remind the persecuted Christians that the Lord would bring His judgment upon their persecutors, and that they were not to take matters into our own hands: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19).

I Peter 4:7  “be ye therefore sober”  In view of the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the associated human sufferings, Peter exhorts the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God to a behavior that is focused upon the Lord and submissive to His will.  Peter will explain that there are wonderful blessings in being obedient to the Lord, even in the face of great trial and that there are grievous consequences for disobedience.  One of the great travesties in modern Christianity is that we have managed to theologically put off this great chastening judgment until the last day of the earth, wherein is the final judgment.  In putting off this judgment to the last day, we theologically remove the consequences, of unholy behavior, that come upon us as we live in this life.  Therefore, Peter exhorts the Christian peoples in his day and in ours to a God-honoring behavior.  First, he exhorts, “be ye therefore sober”; that is, be of a clear mind and keep ourselves under control.  The Lord provided the Christians of that day and this day wonderful ways in which to be “sober”.  First, we are to faithfully go to Church, and there listen and make note of the Gospel messages and then employ those messages in our lives.  Second, in today’s world we have an advantage over the first century Christians, we can all have our very own Bible.  To think clearly (be “sober”) we should read and study the written Word Of Truth (Bible); thus, affording ourselves the solid, foundational truth against which we measure (think soberly) our attitudes and behavior in this life and the behavior of the world around us.

I Peter 4:7  “Watch Unto Prayer”  In view of the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the associated human sufferings, Peter further exhorts the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God to “watch unto prayer”.  To “watch unto prayer” is to seek every opportunity to pray, both privately and publicly, at home and at Church.  Great trials were ahead of the Children of God, such trials, as we know nothing of in our day and land.  These trials would include such things as public ridicule, destruction of private property and Church buildings, beatings, imprisonment, and gruesome deaths.  So dreadful were the persecutions that the Children of God would flee ahead of their persecutors into distant lands, where they would find refuge for a time.  In face of these trials, Peter exhorts them to seek every opportunity to pray.  Though, by God’s grace, we do not suffer, as did our Christian ancestors, yet we often face trials of such magnitude that we are rendered helpless and wherein we must “watch unto prayer”.  Our Lord does hear our prayers, He is able to deliver, He does care for us, He does provide answers to seemingly impossible questions, He does remove mountains of trials that we cannot budge, and He does provide “grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16); therefore, let us likewise “watch unto prayer”.

I Peter 4:8  “have fervent charity”  “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

To “have fervent charity” is to actively and continuously love.  This “charity” (love) does not naturally rise from human emotion.  This “charity” is the product of being “born again” (I Peter 1:23).  With the phrase “And above all things”, Peter emphasizes the pinnacle worth of “charity” in every aspect of life, but most certainly “among yourselves”; that is, in the local Church.  Without this “charity”, it would be necessary to bind humans together with vain and worldly attractions.  In essence, Peter is exhorting us to use our God-given “charity” as our bond, and not worldly attractions.  This “charity” is manifested in the things that we say and do as well as in the things that we do not say and do to each other.  The word “fervent” is used to exhort us to show this “charity” continuously, day by day, when times are hard as well as easy, when those around us are lovable and when they aren’t.  To have “fervent charity” is to be longsuffering towards each other, to be kind and forgiving when we are offended, to be helpful when there are special needs, to be an encourager when those around us are discouraged, and to love when love is not readily returned.

I Peter 4:8  “cover the multitude of sins”  It is most difficult for someone to be mean-spirited when the hand of “charity” (love) is continually before them.  Notice that Peter is exhorting a particular conduct “among yourselves”; that is, among the brotherhood in the Church.  The “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God are sometimes very mean-spirited and unkind to each other.  Our proper response is “fervent charity”.  Such sincere and energetically active “charity shall cover the multitude of sins” that one brother might hurl against another brother.  To “cover the multitude of sins” is to hide or cover over the sinful conduct with “charity”.  Our human nature balks at the thought of being kind and loving to someone who is not so to us, but Peter is not telling us to be guided by our human nature, he is telling us to be guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word Of God.  He is not telling us to encourage or condone immoral behavior, he is authoritatively telling us “have fervent charity among yourselves”; that is, among our Church Family.  If we do so our “charity shall cover the multitude of sins”; that is, hide it away, out of sight and out of mind; whereby, we “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb 13:1).  In doing so, we will enjoy a great measure of peace “among yourselves”.  While Peter is particularly addressing the behavior expected among the Church Family, such charitable behavior is also appropriate and beneficial among our family, friends, and acquaintances in life.

I Peter 4:9  “Use hospitality”  “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

Closely associated with “charity” (I Peter 4:8) is “hospitality”.  To “Use hospitality” is to: (1) conduct ourselves in such a kind and loving way that others will feel welcome in our home and Church, (2) vigilantly watch for the needs of others who come into our home and Church, and (3) do all that is within our power to satisfy the needs of those who come into our home and Church.  Even strangers who come among us must be treated with “hospitality”, for we are also exhorted to “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb 13:2).

I Peter 4:9  “Without Grudging”  To “Use hospitality” “without grudging” is to willingly share the blessings and benefits of our homes and Churches with others who are in need.  To share our blessings “without grudging” is to share freely so as to not make those whom we are helping feel indebted to us.  Additionally, we must not mourn within ourselves for the things we share with others, but rejoice that we are able to share what God has blessed us with.  Spiritual giving, in this way, is one of the basic evidences that the love of God is in an individual (I John 4:20).

I Peter 4:10  “As every man hath received the gift”  “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The Holy Spirit administers gifts to the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God as He sees fit.  The phrase, “As every man hath received the gift”, refers to gifts in general, but in I Peter 4:11, Peter focuses, in particular, on the speaking gift.  The gifts given by the Holy Spirit are varied in both nature and degree.  There is a categorical list of gifts listed in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12.  These gifts are dispensed by the Holy Spirit to whom He is pleased to give them.  Additionally the Holy Spirit gives these gifts in various degrees of power and breadth.  These gifts are to be used: First, to the glory of God; Second, to the benefit of those around us.  These gifts are to be administered with “charity” (I Peter 4:8) and “hospitality” (I Peter 4:9).

I Peter 4:10  “minister the same one to another”  Notice that we have “received the gift”; that is, the blessings for service, which we have, are given to us as a gift.  “the gift” is to be used to serve our Lord and His people.  As we have freely received “the gift” we are to in-turn “minister the same one to another”.  To “minister” is to serve; therefore, we are to use our God-given “gift” to its fullest extent to serve the Lord’s people.  The purpose of “the gift” is not to glorify ourselves in any way, we are to use it to bless and benefit others in the Lord’s service.  As we have “received the gift” without charge, we are to, in like manner, “minister” it to others.  Notice also that we are to “minister the same”; that is, “minister” “the gift” that we have been given.  We cannot “minister” what we have not been given; that is, we cannot give what we do not have.  We oftentimes observe the gifts that others have and, in our human nature, yearn to have their “gift”.  We must not lust after “the gift” given to others, but we are to fully use “the gift” that we have been given.  If we use our “gift” to the best of our ability, we will be contented in the Lord’s service, those around us will be blessed, and the Church will wonderfully prosper to the glory of God and our benefit.

I Peter 4:10  “as good stewards”  A “steward” is one that has been given responsibility for the care and keeping of someone else’s property.  A “steward” is left in charge as if he were the owner of the property, but never forgetting that the property under his charge is the possession of the owner.  The Parable Of The Talents (Mat 25:14-30) illustrates stewardship.  Three servants were left in charge of money for which they were responsible to, not just keep it, but to make it prosper.  One servant received “five talents”, “another two”, and “another one”.  The first two servants doubled the money left in their care and they received praise for their “good” stewardship when their “lord” said unto them, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.  The servant who received “one” “talent”, hid his “talent” and did nothing with it, he was a very poor steward; therefore, his “lord” referred to him as, “Thou wicked and slothful servant”.  In this parable, the “good stewards” were those servants who took charge of their “lord’s” goods and made them prosper for their “lord”.  Thus, Peter is exhorting us to be “good stewards”; that is, we are to make “good” use of whatever gift that the Lord has given us, we are to use it, to grow it, and never forget that it is the Lord’s and that it is to be used for His glory and not our own.

I Peter 4:10  “the manifold grace of God”  The word “manifold” literally means ‘many types’.  The word “grace” refers to the blessed benefits and abilities that our Lord gives us in our service to Him.  Therefore, Peter is instructing us to serve others with whatever gift the Lord has given to us, in so doing we serve the Lord; to wit, “…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Mat 25:40).  Paul gives us a representative list of God-given gifts in Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:7-10,28; and Ephesians 4:11.  The gift of “apostle” was for a specific period of time in the first Christian century.  The other gifts; albeit, some to a lesser degree than in the first century, are present with us today and are to be used to their fullest extent to worship our dear Lord and to serve one another, especially in the Church.  The Lord has given gifts to each of His “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) children.  These gifts are to be lovingly used in service to each other, thus serving the Lord.  John writes of our love for each other this way, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?  21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” (I John 4:20-21).  Therefore, “the manifold grace of God” refers to whatever service-gift the Lord has given to us.  Each of the “Elect”, “born again” Children of God has gifts, of different types and various degrees.  As God has freely given gifts to us, we are to in turn freely give them in service to others.  When we fully use the gifts that God has given us, we are happier, those around us are happier, the Church prospers, and the Lord is glorified.

I Peter 4:11  “If any man speak”  “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 provides a significant example of “the gift” (I Peter 4:10).  The phrase, “If any man speak”, is referring to those men who are called of God to preach and teach the Word Of God.  Paul instructs the preachers from Ephesus, to “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 2:28).  Notice that the “Holy Ghost” placed these men in this position.  They didn’t just decide one day that they would ascend to this position, neither did another person or body of persons decide that these men were to “speak”; that is, “speak” the Word Of God so as “to feed the church of God” on spiritual food.  The men who so “speak” are called by God to perform this duty.  Those who “speak” in this manner are charged to “feed” “the flock” with their message; that is, to lift up, encourage, comfort, and to exhort them to obedience.  The focus of this message must always be Jesus Christ, the Son Of God.  Those who “speak” are called into service by the “Holy Ghost”, guided in their studies by the “Holy Ghost”, and guided as they deliver the message to “the flock” that the “Holy Ghost” has prepared to hear it and to be fed by it.  When men “speak” to feed “the flock”; the Lord is glorified and “the flock” is nourished for service to the Lord.

I Peter 4:11  “speak as the oracles of God”  An “oracle” is a concise declaration by one having the authority and power to issue it.  The word “oracle” is used four times in the New Testament, in each case it refers to God’s declarations and commandments (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12; I Peter 4:11).  In this case the word “oracles” refer to the whole body of God’s Word.  In Peter’s day, the “oracles” included the Old Testament and the inspired teachings and writing of the Apostles that were being written at that time.  Today the “oracles of God” are the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible.  Peter is, in this “oracle”, authoritatively commanding the men who “speak” to confine themselves to “the oracles of God”; that is, the Bible.  Man’s philosophy and imaginations have no place in a message that is intended to “to feed the church of God” (Acts 2:28).  It is the Lord’s Church and He has determined her nourishment and we are to confine ourselves to it, His “oracles”.  Additionally, the men who “speak” are to “speak” the entirety of God’s “oracles”, not just pick and chose those portions that might fit one’s fancy.  Thus, within the “oracles of God”, the men who “speak” are command to nourish the Church on the Word Of God, exclusively.

I Peter 4:11  “if any man minister”  To “minister” is to serve so as to bring some helpful or beneficial service or aid to another.  Preachers are responsible to “minister” or serve the Word Of God to the Church in a preaching way as well as in homes, at bed sides, and anywhere else that the need arises.  Deacons in the Church are specifically charged with the duty to serve; that is, it is their duty to learn of the needs of others, especially Church members, and then to direct aid to satisfy those needs.  However, such service or ministry also applies to us all in the sense that we are to share our blessings with others as we see the need arise.  Sometimes money is required, sometimes its food or clothing, sometimes it is assistance with chores, sometimes it is a visit, and sometimes it is a note or phone call to encourage and to lift up some troubled soul.  We should always be vigilant to learn of the needs of others and then to assist if we can, if we cannot satisfy the need ourselves, we should notify the Church’s Deacons so that the Church’s blessings can be applied to the need.

I Peter 4:11  “do it as of the ability which God giveth”  Whatever our gift might be, especially “If any man speak” and “if any man minister”, “let him do it as of the ability which God giveth”; that is, “let him” use his gift according to the “ability which God giveth”.  We cannot do what God has not equipped us to do; however, we are to fully use whatever gift God has given us.  This principle applies to all the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God.  The Lord has graciously provided each of His Children with one or more gifts.  When we use our gift(s) to the fullest extent, the Lord is glorified, the Church and those around us are benefited, and we are satisfied. 

I Peter 4:11  “that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ”  The spiritual gifts that we have are given by God to be used to His glory and for our benefit.  When we faithfully use our God-given gifts, God is “glorified” in that God is the object and purpose of the things spoken and done.  When we faithfully use our God-given gifts; God is praised as the gracious giver of all good things, God is praised as we receive the benefits of the gifts, God is praised when His Word is spoken to guide and to comfort others, God is praised when salvation is proclaimed to be by his grace alone, and God is praised when His Children hear His Word and conform their lives to His Word.  Such praise is in truth, when Jesus Christ is proclaimed to be the object of our gifts, for He has given us the Church-Kingdom, given Himself in sacrifice to free us from the penalty of our sin, given us protection and provision in life, and has given us a “lively hope” of eternal life in Heaven “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Peter 1:3) – “to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

I Pet 4:12  “Beloved”  “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”

Peter refers to the “Elect” (I Pet 1:2), “born again” (I Pet 1:23) Children of God as “Beloved”.  This tender address precedes Peter’s exhortations concerning the “trials” that the Children of God must often endure.  Having faced great trials himself, Peter understood the need to be loved and encouraged during such times.  There were severe trials in Peter’s day, as there have been in every generation since then, and there are trials today.  When those around us are facing their trials, it is good to encourage them by showing them that they are “Beloved” of us.  John writes that it is a commandment:  “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” (I John 4:21).  We love our “brother” by putting our brotherly love into action.

I Pet 4:12  “the fiery trial”  A “fiery trial” is a life-altering affliction.  Peter employs industrial terminology to make his point.  Those who refine metals, heat the metals to extremely high temperatures so as to burn off the impurities (“dross”), while retaining the desired metal.  After sufficient heat is applied over necessary period of time, the “dross” is burned off leaving the desired pure, usable metal.  This analogy was often used in the Old Testament:  “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” (Isa 48:10);  “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”  (Zec 13:9);  “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”  (Mal 3:3).  When the Lord uses such trials in our lives, they are indeed “fiery”; that is, sufficient burden is brought upon us so as to correct the course of our lives, to a manner of living that is pleasing to the Lord.  While the Lord does use such “fiery trials” to correct us, in this case, Peter is referring to the trials that the adversarial world inflicts upon the Children of God, simply because they are seeking to worship in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23) and are not willing to conform to the ungodly ways of the world around them.  In Peter’s day the Church certainly suffered “fiery trial” and has continued to suffer throughout the generations.  Our Lord phrased it this way, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Mat 11:12).

I Pet 4:12  “To Try You”  Over the years, the Church and those who seek to serve and worship the Lord, have often experienced “the fiery trial” of troubles and persecutions simply because of their affection and dedication to the Lord.  Our Lord is not to be blamed for every trial that comes our way, for Satan and his villainous minions are actively going about “seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8), and the Lord will hold him accountable for his evil deeds and will provide to us “grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).  When faced with “the fiery trial”, the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God necessarily turn to the Lord and cry out for grace to help”.  Such “fiery trial which is to try you”, serves to sharpen our resolve to serve the Lord, to compel us to lean more heavily upon the Lord than upon ourselves, to openly and clearly proclaim our affection and allegiance to our Lord, and to demonstrate that the Lord is of far greater value to us than our own well-being and lives.  “the fiery trial which is to try you” affords the opportunity to exercise our God-given “faith” (Heb 12:2).

I Pet 4:12  “some strange thing”  The “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God should not think it unusual or uncommon when they encounter severe trials simply because they put their faith into action.  The adversary to God and godliness first appeared in Genesis Chapter Three and has made it his business to plague the Lord’s Church and His people with “fiery trial”.  It is his purpose to discourage the Church and to hinder the Lord’s people in their quest to live their lives in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.  When these trials come, we should not think that “some strange thing happened unto” us, for while this earth stands “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).

I Peter 4:13  “partakers of Christ’s sufferings”  “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.”

We should “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial” that comes upon us in our service to the Lord, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings”.  Our “sufferings” do not in anyway elevate our deeds or us to that of Christ; however, it should be a great joy for us to persevere in the face of “trial”.  We should willingly face our “trial”, knowing that “Christ’s sufferings” purchased our pardon from sin and that our willing sacrifice is a manifest testimony of our love and allegiance to Him.  So great and so far beyond our ability to personally obtain is the gift of eternal salvation, that we should “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2) for the cause of Christ and His kingdom.

I Peter 4:13  “when his glory shall be revealed”  Those who faithfully continue in the Lord’s service, even in the face of severe trials, do so knowing that they will not be forsaken by the Lord whom they serve, for “when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”  There are glorious occasions in this life in which the Lord brings such extraordinary blessing upon His people that it seems one could almost physically feel the glory of His presence.  In such times His glory is certainly revealed, making His Children “glad also with exceeding joy”.  The ultimate hope for the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) is toward the last day, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (I Thess 4:16-17).  In the times of our “fiery trial”, let us remember this exhortation: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thess 4:18).

I Peter 4:14  “reproached for the name of Christ”  “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.”

“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26).  Those who are “reproached for the name of Christ” are those known to be believers in Him and lovingly obedient to Him in their walk in this life, that are “called Christians”.  Throughout history Christian people have often been “reproached” (meanly treated) simply because they professed Jesus Christ to be their Lord and lovingly submitted to Him and to Him alone.  Such allegiance assigns all glory to the Lord versus to men, organizations, and institutions; thus, those who relish the glory of men, jealously “reproach” the “Christians” who give all glory to the Lord.

I Peter 4:14  “happy are ye”  To have the love of God in our hearts, is to yearn to be faithful in our obedience to Him, even in the face of “fiery trials”.  No one in their right mind enjoys the suffering that accompanies “fiery trials”; however, “happy are ye” when ye are privileged to suffer “reproach for the name of Christ”.  This happiness rises from the God-given love that the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God have for their Lord.  This most precious love makes one feel honored, even “happy”, to be called upon to suffer “reproach” for cause of Christ and His Church.

I Peter 4:14  “the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you”  Peter answers our question, how can we be “happy” “If ye be reproached”.  The answer, “for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you”.  The “spirit of glory” is the wonderful and blessed work of God in our hearts and minds that lifts us up to encourage us and comfort us during troublous times.  It is the “spirit of glory and of God” Himself that “resteth upon you”.  Thus when great trials come upon us, we are not left to our own wisdom and strength to sustain us, God Himself comes to us speaking such wonderful things as: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psa 46:10), “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exo 14:13), and “Be not afraid of sudden fear” (Pro 3:25).  It is indeed a “happy” experience when, in the face of trial, we hear the Lord saying to us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28).

I Peter 4:14  “on their part he is evil spoken of”  “on their part” refers to those who “reproach” the Children of God, bringing “fiery trials” upon them.  They speak “evil” of Christ as they denounce and ridicule the glory given to Him, the dependence upon Him, the allegiance given to Him, the grace attributed to Him, and the peace and joy given by Him.  “but on your part he is glorified”, for even as the faithful Children of God are being “reproached” and subjected to “fiery trials”, they maintain their allegiance to the Lord, giving all glory to Him, enjoying the peace and joy given by Him, and all the while giving testimony that all these blessings are by His grace alone.

I Peter 4: 15  “let none of you suffer as”  “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 exhorted us to “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you” (I Peter 4:12), giving us to understand that “fiery trial” is to be expected in the course of our service to the Lord.  The Children of God are indeed, often subject to sufferings simply because of their faith in Christ Jesus.  While suffering in the Lord’s service is to be expected, we are to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27) whereby we would not “suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters”.  We bring such suffering upon ourselves by our misbehavior and it is dishonoring to our Lord.

I Peter 4:16  “Christian”  “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 

Peter is specifically addressing the “Elect” (I Peter 1:2), “born again” (I Peter 1:23) Children of God.  Peter further labels these Children of God, “Christian”; that is, those who faithfully follow our Lord Jesus Christ.  To follow Christ is:  (1)  To demonstrate our love for Him by our obedience to Him (John 14:15).  (2)  To remain faithful to Him and to His Church during hard times as well as the easy times.  (3)  To give testimony of our allegiance to Him by our words and deeds.  (4)  To learn His Word (Bible) by attending the worship services and by personal study.  (5)  To conform our lives to His Word.  (6)  And to never be ashamed to confess that He alone is our Lord and Savior.  Our Lord was and remains faithful to His Children and has confessed them to His Father and is ever before the Father as a perpetual “witness” (Revelation 1:5) that He fully paid their sin debt.  Our Lord is worthy of our loving obedience to Him! 

I Peter 4:16  “suffer as a Christian”  Peter previously exhorted us to “… think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you …” (I Peter 4:12), “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings …” (I Peter 4:13), and “let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody …” (I Peter 4:15).  It is therefore clear that those who seek to follow (serve) the Lord can expect to suffer periods of “fiery trial” in this life.  We are to “think it not strange” but to “rejoice” when we suffer the “trial” that comes of our efforts to follow the Lord.  We are also exhorted not to bring sufferings upon ourselves by our own sins.  Oftentimes we do bring sufferings upon ourselves by our own misbehavior, these sufferings are to our shame.  However, we are not to “be ashamed” of the sufferings that come upon us in our service “as a Christian”.  When such righteous sufferings are inflicted upon us, we are exhorted to “let him glorify God on this behalf”; that is, “glorify God” that we are counted worthy to suffer for His cause.  Let us be ever ready to humbly take up our cross and follow the Lord, rejoicing at having the privilege of suffering in His Name.

I Peter 4:17  “the time is come”  “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?”

In the days of the Apostles the political world, social world, economic world, and religious world was undergoing radical change.  The Church of Jesus Christ was spreading throughout the known geographic world.  Wars were being fought and others were soon to ravage the land in which the Church resided.  In the midst of this great turmoil, the “Christians” (I Peter 4:16) grievously suffered at the hands of their adversaries, the Hebrews who rejected Christ came under God’s chastening hand, and ultimately those who persecuted the Church suffered God’s vengeance.  But the good news is that the gates of hell did not prevail against the Church (Mat 16:18) and the followers of Jesus Christ were abundantly provided “grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).  Today, much like then, “Christians” (those who follow Christ) can also proclaim:  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psa 23:4).

I Peter 4:17  “judgment”  To exercise “judgment” is to  (1)  Discern the facts of a matter,  (2)  Make a decision concerning a matter,  (3)  To effect the judicial decision of a matter.  It is understood that the One performing the “judgment” has authority to make and carry out the judgment.  As is shown in the next two verses, God is the Judge, exacting His judicial authority upon mankind.  Examples of God’s judgment are found in the case of Adam who was judged and found guilty, the world in the time of Noah that was judged and found guilty, Judah and Jerusalem in the time of the kings who were judged and found guilty.  In each of these cases, God’s righteous judgment came upon the rebellious and disobedient to chastise them for their disobedience.  In each case God’s judgment also brought “grace” (e.g., Gen 6:8) to those of His choosing.  While God’s severe chastisement fell upon the great multitudes, He chose to graciously preserve a “very small remnant” (Isa 1:9) or as Paul terms it, “a seed” (Rom 9:29).  This preservation arose from the Lord’s wonderful grace and mercy, not man’s inherent righteousness.  The purpose of this blessed grace and mercy is that our Lord’s name will be glorified in worship.  Our duty to The Righteous Judge is as Solomon declares: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccl 12:13).

I Peter 4:17  “judgment must begin at the house of God”  The Sovereign God would soon “judge” both those who rejected Him and the world at large for its persecution of the Church.  However, “judgment must begin at the house of God”; that is, those who are known as “Christian” (I Peter 4:16) would have their conduct and motives compared to the Word Of God.  At least twice in the New Testament we are told that the Lord does “chasten” His own: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Heb 12:6), “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Rev 3:19).  It is clear that our conduct matters to God, that He is our Lord and Master, that He has commanded us to a certain behavior, and that He will “chasten” us for our misbehavior.  And lest we take it lightly, we have this warning: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb 10:31).

I Peter 4:17  “if it begin at us”  Peter is here showing us a distinction between the “Christian” (I Peter 4:16) in “the house of God” and “them that obey not the gospel of God”.  The point is, if God would judge the Christian in His house, just imagine how severe His judgment will be upon “them that obey not the gospel of God”.  The “house of God” has certainly endured many trials over the years, but those who arrogantly disobey God, shrugging off His authority over them, have in times past and will continue to be overthrown and subdued for the sake of “the house of God”.  The Lord’s people are precious in His sight, He loves them with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3) and nothing can separate them from His love (Rom 8:39).  His chastening judgment upon them is further evidence of his love for them (Heb 12:6).

I Peter 4:18  “if the righteous scarcely be saved”  “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

When such words as save, saved, salvation, deliver, and delivered appear in the Scripture we must always ask of the Scripture, “from what?”.  We must use great care to address the subject in the context that it is used in.  Here Peter is not addressing Eternal Salvation, he is speaking of when “the times is come that judgment must begin at the house of God” (I Pete 4:17).  In this case those who were known as “Christians” (I Peter 4:16) were not perfect themselves but would be graciously delivered, in that the judgment of “them that obey not the gospel” would more severe, even devastatingly so.  This principle was also clearly presented in the Old Testament this way, “Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.” (Pro 11:31).  The message then is clear, “if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”; that is, if the Christian is subjected to God’s judgment, it is inconceivable what will become of those who blatantly reject and disobey the gospel.

I Peter 4:19  “in well doing”  “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.”

Oftentimes it is the “well doing” which brings sufferings and trials to the Lord’s people.  Those who would strive to learn and obey the Word Of God may find themselves at odds with almost everyone around them.  In seeking to obey God, these faithful folk find themselves suffering at the hands of their adversaries.  In Peter’s day, such suffering sometimes included imprisonment and even gruesome death.  It is their obedience that is “according to the will of God”.  Their willingness to remain faithful to God in spite of their suffering is a high honor unto God.  May we all be found “well doing”, to the glory of our Lord, as we live out our lives.

I Peter 4:19  “keeping of their souls”  The “Christians” (I Peter 4:16) who knowingly and willingly “suffer according to the will of God”, often times subject themselves to “fiery trial” (I Peter 4:12), and in Peter’s day, they were placing their very lives in danger.  Thus the phrase, “commit the keeping of their souls”, instructs the “Christians” to continue faithful unto the Lord, trusting that He will care for our “souls” (lives) as we face the trials before us.  In the next Chapter, Peter encourages us this way, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:6-7).  Again were are exhorted:  “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Heb 13:5).  Oh, what an extraordinarily wonderful promise!

I Peter 4:19  “a faithful Creator”  The “Christians” (I Peter 4:16) are not being asked to put their trust in man, no not even in themselves, not matter how mighty their physical prowess or intellectually adept they might be – for man is prone to and will fail.  It is not so with God, for it is impossible for God to fail, else He would not be sovereign.  Furthermore, “it was impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18); therefore He is referred to as “a faithful Creator”; that is, He will be there in our times of need.  As “a faithful Creator”, He has encouraged us this way, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28).  A promise to rest in!

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Last modified: 03/17/08