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1 Peter 4

BSB·19 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Therefore, sinceοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → sufferedπαθόντοςpathontos — to suffer or endure hardshipG3958 — Full Word Study → in His body, arm yourselves withὁπλίσασθεhoplisasthe — To arm oneself; to equip with weaponsG3695 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὴνautēn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → resolveἔννοιανennoian — Thought, intention, purpose, or designG1771 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → anyone whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → has sufferedπαθὼνpathōn — to suffer or endure hardshipG3958 — Full Word Study → in his body is done withπέπαυταιpepautai — to cease, stop, or refrain fromG3973 — Full Word Study → sinἁμαρτίαςhamartias — transgression, violation of God's law; wrongdoingG266 — Full Word Study →. 2Consequentlyεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study →, he does not live outβιῶσαιbiōsai — to live, to pass one's lifeG980 — Full Word Study → his remainingἐπίλοιπονepiloipon — the remaining, leftover portion; those who remainG1954 — Full Word Study → timeχρόνονchronon — A period of time; duration or seasonG5550 — Full Word Study → on earthσαρκὶsarki — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study → for humanἀνθρώπωνanthrōpōn — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → passionsἐπιθυμίαιςepithymiais — Strong desire; craving; lustG1939 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → for the will of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 3Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → you have spent enough timeχρόνοςchronos — A period of time; duration or seasonG5550 — Full Word Study → in the pastπαρεληλυθὼςparelēlythōs — to pass by, go past, or transgressG3928 — Full Word Study → carrying outκατειργάσθαιkateirgasthai — to work out, accomplish, produceG2716 — Full Word Study → the sameτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → desiresβούλημαboulēma — deliberate plan, resolved purpose, or willG1013 — Full Word Study → as theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Gentilesἐθνῶνethnōn — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study →: livingπεπορευμένουςpeporeumenous — To go, travel, or journeyG4198 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → debaucheryἀσελγείαιςaselgeiais — sexual immorality and unbridled lustG766 — Full Word Study →, lustἐπιθυμίαιςepithymiais — Strong desire; craving; lustG1939 — Full Word Study →, drunkennessοἰνοφλυγίαιςoinophlygiais — excessive drinking; drunken indulgenceG3632 — Full Word Study →, orgiesκώμοιςkōmois — drunken revelry, carousing, orgyG2970 — Full Word Study →, carousingπότοιςpotois — Drinking party; drunken revelryG4224 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → detestableἀθεμίτοιςathemitois — unlawful, forbidden, abominableG111 — Full Word Study → idolatryεἰδωλολατρίαιςeidōlolatriais — worship of idols; devotion to false godsG1495 — Full Word Study →. 4Because ofἘνEn — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thishō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study →, they consider it strangeξενίζονταιxenizontai — to host as a guest; to be amazed or shockedG3579 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → to plunge with them intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὴνautēn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → floodἀνάχυσινanachysin — Outpouring, overflow, excessG401 — Full Word Study → of reckless indiscretionἀσωτίαςasōtias — reckless indulgence, dissolute behavior, debaucheryG810 — Full Word Study →, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to giveἀποδώσουσινapodōsousin — To give back, repay, render, or restoreG591 — Full Word Study → an accountλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → to Him whoτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → isἔχοντιechonti — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → readyἑτοίμωςhetoimōs — readily, willingly, with eagernessG2093 — Full Word Study → to judgeκρῖναιkrinai — To judge, evaluate, or decideG2919 — Full Word Study → the living andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the dead. 6That is whyτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → the gospel was preachedεὐηγγελίσθηeuēngelisthē — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study → evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to those who are now dead, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → they might be judgedκριθῶσιkrithōsi — To judge, evaluate, or decideG2919 — Full Word Study → asκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → menἀνθρώπουςanthrōpous — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → in the flesh, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → liveζῶσιzōsi — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study → according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → in the spirit. 7Theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → endτέλοςtelos — end, goal, completion, taxG5056 — Full Word Study → of all things is nearἤγγικενēngiken — to draw near, approach, come closeG1448 — Full Word Study →. Thereforeοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → be clear-mindedσωφρονήσατεsōphronēsate — to be of sound mind; to think soberlyG4993 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → soberνήψατεnēpsate — To be sober-minded; to abstain from intoxication; to be watchful.G3525 — Full Word Study →, so thatεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → you can prayπροσευχάςproseuchas — Prayer, supplication, or earnest request to GodG4335 — Full Word Study →. 8Aboveπρὸpro — before (in time or place)G4253 — Full Word Study → allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →, loveἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → one anotherἑαυτοὺςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → deeplyἐκτενῆektenē — Intense, fervent, earnest without ceasingG1618 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → covers overκαλύπτειkalyptei — to cover, hide, concealG2572 — Full Word Study → a multitudeπλῆθοςplēthos — a large crowd or multitude of peopleG4128 — Full Word Study → of sinsἁμαρτιῶνhamartiōn — transgression, violation of God's law; wrongdoingG266 — Full Word Study →. 9Show hospitalityφιλόξενοιphiloxenoi — Welcoming and hospitable to strangers and guestsG5382 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study → withoutἄνευaneu — without; apart from; destitute ofG427 — Full Word Study → complainingγογγυσμοῦgongysmou — murmuring, complaining, grumblingG1112 — Full Word Study →. 10Asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → goodκαλοὶkaloi — good, beneficial, morally excellentG2570 — Full Word Study → stewardsοἰκονόμοιoikonomoi — Household manager; steward; one entrusted with administrationG3623 — Full Word Study → of the manifold graceχάριτοςcharitos — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, each of you should use whateverαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → giftχάρισμαcharisma — spiritual gift or divine grace-giftG5486 — Full Word Study → he has receivedἔλαβενelaben — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → to serveδιακονοῦντεςdiakonountes — to serve, minister, attend toG1247 — Full Word Study → one anotherἑαυτοὺςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study →. 11Ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → speaksλαλεῖlalei — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →, he should speak as one conveying the words of Godλόγιαlogia — divine utterances; God's spoken wordsG3051 — Full Word Study →. Ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → servesδιακονεῖdiakonei — to serve, minister, attend toG1247 — Full Word Study →, he should serve withἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → the strength GodΘεόςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → providesχορηγεῖchorēgei — to supply, provide, or furnish generouslyG5524 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → all thingsπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → may be glorifiedδοξάζηταιdoxazētai — To glorify, honor, or magnify with praiseG1392 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, to whomhō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → beἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gloryδόξαdoxa — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → powerκράτοςkratos — Power, strength, or dominionG2904 — Full Word Study → foreverαἰῶναςaiōnas — An age, era, or eternal period of timeG165 — Full Word Study → and everαἰώνωνaiōnōn — An age, era, or eternal period of timeG165 — Full Word Study →. Amenἀμήνamēn — Truly, so be it, affirmation of truthG281 — Full Word Study →. 12BelovedἈγαπητοίAgapētoi — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study →, do not be surprised atξενίζεσθεxenizesthe — to host as a guest; to be amazed or shockedG3579 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fieryπυρώσειpyrōsei — burning, fiery trial, intense testingG4451 — Full Word Study → trialπειρασμὸνpeirasmon — Testing or trial; solicitation to sinG3986 — Full Word Study → that has comeγινομένῃginomenē — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → uponἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, as thoughὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → something strangeξένουxenou — foreigner, stranger, guestG3581 — Full Word Study → were happeningσυμβαίνοντοςsymbainontos — to happen, occur, or come aboutG4819 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 13Butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → rejoiceχαίρετεchairete — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → thatκαθὸkatho — insofar as, inasmuch as, to the extent thatG2526 — Full Word Study → you shareκοινωνεῖτεkoinōneite — to share in, participate in, or communicateG2841 — Full Word Study → in theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sufferingsπαθήμασινpathēmasin — suffering, affliction, hardshipG3804 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you may be overjoyedχαρῆτεcharēte — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → revelationἀποκαλύψειapokalypsei — Unveiling or disclosure of hidden truthG602 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → gloryδόξηςdoxēs — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study →. 14IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → you are insultedὀνειδίζεσθεoneidizesthe — to revile, reproach, or insult verballyG3679 — Full Word Study → forἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the name of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, you are blessed, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → of gloryδόξηςdoxēs — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → restsἀναπαύεταιanapauetai — to give rest, refresh, or cause to ceaseG373 — Full Word Study → onἐφ’eph’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 15Indeedγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, none of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → should sufferπασχέτωpaschetō — to suffer or endure hardshipG3958 — Full Word Study → asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → a murdererφονεὺςphoneus — One who commits murder; a murdererG5406 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → thiefκλέπτηςkleptēs — A person who steals; a burglar or robberG2812 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → wrongdoerκακοποιὸςkakopoios — one who does evil; evildoer, wrongdoerG2555 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → even asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → a meddlerἀλλοτριεπίσκοποςallotriepiskopos — meddler in others' affairs; busybodyG244 — Full Word Study →. 16Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → if you suffer asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → a ChristianΧριστιανόςChristianos — Follower of ChristG5546 — Full Word Study →, do not be ashamedαἰσχυνέσθωaischynesthō — to feel shame; be ashamedG153 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → glorifyδοξαζέτωdoxazetō — To glorify, honor, or magnify with praiseG1392 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → thatτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → you bear that nameὀνόματιonomati — name, reputation, or authorityG3686 — Full Word Study →. 17For it is time for judgmentκρίμαkrima — judgment, verdict, or judicial decisionG2917 — Full Word Study → to beginἄρξασθαιarxasthai — to begin, to start, to rule overG756 — Full Word Study → withἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → familyοἴκουoikou — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →; andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → it beginsπρῶτονprōton — first; before; at the beginningG4412 — Full Word Study → withἀφ’aph’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, what will theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → outcome be for those whoτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → disobeyἀπειθούντωνapeithountōn — to disobey; to refuse to believe or obeyG544 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγελίῳeuangeliō — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →? 18Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →, “IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → it is hard forμόλιςmolis — with difficulty; barely; scarcelyG3433 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → righteousδίκαιοςdikaios — righteous, just, morally uprightG1342 — Full Word Study → to be savedσώζεταιsōzetai — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study →, whatποῦpou — where? (interrogative adverb of place)G4226 — Full Word Study → will become ofφανεῖταιphaneitai — To appear, shine, or become visibleG5316 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ungodlyἀσεβὴςasebēs — ungodly, impious, wickedG765 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the sinner?” 19So thenὭστεHōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study →, those whoοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sufferπάσχοντεςpaschontes — to suffer or endure hardshipG3958 — Full Word Study → according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → willθέλημαthelēma — will, desire, purpose, wishG2307 — Full Word Study → should entrustπαρατιθέσθωσανparatithesthōsan — To place before; to present or entrustG3908 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → soulsψυχὰςpsychas — The immaterial self; life force; personG5590 — Full Word Study → to their faithful CreatorΚτίστῃKtistē — Creator; one who creates or establishesG2939 — Full Word Study → and continueἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → to do goodἀγαθοποιΐᾳagathopoiia — The practice of doing good; beneficent actionG16 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Peter 4
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

1 Peter 4 calls persecuted Christians to a radical reorientation of life around Christ's suffering and the imminence of God's judgment. Peter exhorts believers to abandon their former pagan patterns, embrace suffering as participation in Christ's redemptive work, and live as faithful stewards of God's grace. The chapter moves from personal sanctification (verses 1–6) through community life and worship (verses 7–11), to rejoicing in trials (verses 12–19), anchoring every exhortation in the nearness of Christ's return and the certainty of divine judgment.

Verses 1–5: Crucified with Christ, Separated from Sin

Peter begins by drawing believers into the logic of Christ's substitutionary suffering. Verse 1 grounds the Christian life in the historical fact that "Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh." Because Christ bore our sins in His body, we are called to "arm ourselves" with the same mindset of willing sacrifice. The phrase "he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin" does not mean sinless perfection, but rather that death to self—identification with Christ's crucifixion—breaks the reign of sin. We are no longer enslaved to it.

Verses 2–3 describe the practical outcome: the believer's remaining years are redirected from "lusts of men" to "the will of God." Peter then catalogs the Gentile lifestyle his readers have abandoned: "lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries." This was not a call to asceticism but to holiness—the reordering of desires around Christ rather than the flesh.

Verses 4–5 acknowledge the social cost. Unbelieving neighbors find it strange and offensive that Christians no longer join in their excesses; they "speak evil" of believers. But Peter redirects attention to ultimate accountability: all will "give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead." Human mockery pales before the throne of God.

Application: Holiness often invites hostility. But our choices are submitted not to the crowd's opinion but to Christ's lordship and His coming judgment.

Verses 6–11: Gospel Hope and Community Stewardship

Verse 6 contains one of Scripture's most challenging statements: the gospel was preached "to them that are dead." While interpretations vary, the most pastoral reading is that believers who died before hearing the complete gospel still experience its benefits through Christ's redemptive work, being "judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." This assures suffering believers that God's justice and mercy extend beyond earthly circumstances.

Verse 7 shifts tone with urgency: "the end of all things is at hand." Whether Peter meant the imminent destruction of Jerusalem or the ever-near return of Christ, the effect is the same—cultivate sobriety (clear-headed spiritual vigilance) and prayer.

Verses 8–11 turn to communal life. Verse 8 commands "fervent charity" (agape love with intense passion) as the binding force; love "shall cover the multitude of sins"—not by hiding them, but by overcoming them through grace. Verse 9 urges generous hospitality "without grudging." Verses 10–11 ground all ministry in stewardship: each gift comes from God and must be exercised as His representative. Whether speaking or serving, believers glorify God through faithful deployment of His grace.

Application: The local church thrives on fervent love expressed through hospitality and faithful stewardship, always pointing to God's glory.

Verses 12–19: Rejoicing in Suffering as Participation in Christ

Verses 12–14 reframe persecution: don't view trials as anomalies but as participation in "Christ's sufferings." The promise is not escape but ultimate joy at His revelation (verse 13) and present blessing—"the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you" (verse 14). Reproach for Christ's name brings happiness because God is glorified.

Verses 15–16 distinguish unjust suffering (as criminal or busybody) from Christian suffering (for righteousness). Only the latter brings honor; believers must never be ashamed to glorify God through faithful endurance.

Verses 17–19 conclude with eschatological sobriety: judgment begins with God's household; if the righteous "scarcely be saved," the ungodly's fate is dire. Therefore, "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."

Application: Suffering for Christ, though painful, is the pathway to His glory and our eternal joy. Commit yourself fully to God's care.

Application for Today

As modern believers face cultural hostility to Christian conviction, 1 Peter 4 calls us to

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