1 Peter 4:11

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. IF ANY MAN SPEAK - namely, as a prophet, or divinely-taught teacher in the church assembly. THE - no article: 'as oracles of God.' This may be due to "God" having no article, it being a principle, when a governed noun omits the article, that the governing noun shall omit it too. In Acts 7:38 the article is wanting: thus, "as the oracles of God," the Old Testament may be right; so Romans 12:6. But the context suits better, 'Let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles OF GOD.' His divinely-inspire...

11_If any man speak _As he had spoken of the right and faithful use of gifts, he specifies two things as examples, and he has chosen those which are the most _excellent _or the most renowned. The office of teaching in the Church is a remarkable instance of God’s favor. He then expressly commands those called to this office to act faithfully; though he does not speak here only of what we owe to men, but also of what we owe to God, so that we may not deprive him of his glory. He who speaks, then, that is, who is rightly appointed by public authority, _let him speak as the oracles of God; _that is, let him reverently in God’s fear and in sincerity perform the charge committed to him, regarding himself as engaged in God’s work, and as ministering God’s word and not his own. For he still refers to the doctrine, that when we confer any thing on the brethren, we minister to them by God’s comman...

7-11 The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords. But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest. And in all the duties and...

Verse 11. _IF ANY MAN SPEAK_] In order to explain or enforce God's word, and edify his neighbour, let him do it as those did to whom the _living oracles_ were committed: they spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost. Those, therefore, at Pontus, c., who undertook to teach others, should speak by the same influence or, if not under this immediate influence, should speak _as_ or _according to_ the _oracles_ already delivered, grounding all their exhortations and doctrines on some portion of that revelation already given. This command is sent to every man upon earth in _holy orders_, in _pretended holy orders_, or _pretending to holy_ _orders_. Their teaching should be what the oracles of God, the Holy Scriptures, teach and authenticate. _OF THE ABILITY WHICH GOD GIVETH_] Perhaps the _ministering_ here may refer to the _care of the poor_, and the _ability_ is the _quantum_...

IF ANY MAN SPEAK - As a preacher, referring here particularly to the office of the ministry. LET HIM SPEAK AS THE ORACLES OF GOD - As the oracles of God speak; to wit, in accordance with the truth which God has revealed, and with an impressive sense of the responsibility of delivering a message from him. The word rendered “oracles” (λόγια logia) means, properly, something “spoken” or “uttered”; then anything uttered by God - a divine communication - a revelation. See the Romans 3:2 note; Hebrews 5:12 note. See the general duty here inculcated illustrated at length in the notes at Romans 12:6. The passag

EXPOSITIONS 1 PETER 4:1 FORASMUCH THEN AS CHRIST HATH SUFFERED FOR US IN THE FLESH. St. Peter returns, after the digression of 1 Peter 3:19, to the great subject of Christ's example. The words "for us" are omitted in some ancient manuscripts; they express a great truth already dwelt upon in 1 Peter 2:1. and 3. Here the apostle is insisting upon the example of Christ, not on the atoning efficacy of his death. Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. The word rendered "mind" (ἔννοια) is more exactly "thought" (comp. Hebrews 4:12, the only other place where it occurs in the New Testam

IF ANY MAN SPEAK, LET HIM SPEAK AS THE ORACLES OF GOD,.... This is an application of the above general rule to a particular case, the public ministry of the word, for that is here meant: "if any man speak"; not in any manner, or on any subject; not in a private way, or about things natural and civil; but in public, and concerning divine things: "let him speak": this is rightly supplied in our translation; and in which it is supported and confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, who both supply the same way: "as the oracles of God"; by which are meant the writings of the Old Testament, the sacred Scriptures; see Romans 3:2 so called, because they come from God, are breathed and spoken by him, and contain his mind and will, and are authoritative and infallible; and according to these he is to speak who speaks in public on divine subjects, both as to the matter and manner of his speech:...

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:_ Brethren, we have a Saviour who suffered for us. As the Head was, such must the members expect to be. Let us, then, be resolutely determined that, suffer as we may, we will never turn aside from our Lord; for, inasmuch as we suffered in him, yea, and died in him, we ought to reckon that we are henceforth dead to sin, and that we have ceased from it, and can no longer be drawn into it. «He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin:» 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._ The doctrine of substitution is

IV. THE COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS AND SUFFERING CHAPTER 3:10-4:19 _ 1. The comfort in suffering (1 Peter 3:10)_ 2. Few saved as illustrated by Noah's preaching (1 Peter 3:18) 3. The new life in its transforming power (1 Peter 4:1) 4. Suffering and glory (1 Peter 4:12) 1 Peter 3:10 The words which stand in the beginning of this section are quoted from Psalms 34:12. It is interesting to note that the Spirit of

The conception that the _consummation of_ all things is at hand fills the thought of the section with urgency. All work is to be done in that spirit of earnest, prayerful readiness that all life may prove a practical thanksgiving to God as it reflects the life of Jesus Christ. 1 PETER 4:8. LOVE COVERETH A MULTITUDE OF SINS (_cf._ 1 Corinthians 13:5 f., James 5:20 *). The love of Christ covers sins (Luke 7:47); and love of the brethren, flowing as it does from the love of Christ, may be regarded as a kind of secondary atonement. Brother becomes a Christ to brother, and in so far as he renews the great Sacrifice, becomes a parta