1 Peter 4:12-19

The section repeats ideas that have already appeared (1 Peter 2:18; 1 Peter 3:13), only they are emphasized by the imminence (1 Peter 4:17) of severe trial.

1 Peter 4:15. a meddler: the original word seems to be a coinage of the writer, and its exact significance is difficult to define. It may be used politically as a revolutionary or as a stirrer up of strife in the home or society of the Christians. Again, it may be used of conformity to pagan practice, but this is unlikely in the context.

1 Peter 4:16. There may here be still the echo of the nickname, though it became accepted gladly by the Christians themselves as their title. Perhaps this passage had some part in that process (cf. art. Christian in HDB).

1 Peter 4:19. Creator: this title is found only here in the NT, and is specially significant as pointing to God as the source of all, and His will as behind all chance and change.