This chapter relates principally to the manner in which those to whom the apostle wrote ought to bear their trials, and to the encouragements to a holy life, notwithstanding their persecutions. He had commenced the subject in the preceding chapter, and had referred them particularly to the example o... [ Continue Reading ]
FORASMUCH THEN AS CHRIST HATH SUFFERED FOR US IN THE FLESH - Since he as a man has died for us. See the notes at 1 Peter 3:18. The design was to set the suffering Redeemer before them as an example in their trials. ARM YOURSELVES LIKEWISE WITH THE SAME MIND - That is, evidently, the same mind that h... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT HE NO LONGER SHOULD LIVE - That is, he has become, through the death of Christ, dead to the world and to the former things which influenced him, in order that he should hereafter live not to the lusts of the flesh. See the notes at 2 Corinthians 5:15. THE REST OF HIS TIME IN THE FLESH - The re... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE TIME PAST OF OUR LIFE MAY SUFFICE US - “We have spent sufficient time in indulging ourselves, and following our wicked propensities, and we should hereafter live in a different manner.” This does not mean that it was ever proper thus to live, but that, as we would say, “we have had enough of... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREIN THEY THINK IT STRANGE - In respect to which vices, they who were once your partners and accomplices now think it strange that you no longer unite with them. They do not understand the reasons why you have left them. They regard you as abandoning a course of life which has much to attract and... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT - That is, they shall not do this with impunity. They are guilty in this of a groat wrong and they must answer for it to God. THAT IS READY TO JUDGE - That is, “who is prepared to judge” - τῷ ἑτοίμως ἔχοντι tō hetoimōs echonti. See the phrase used in Acts 21:13; “I am... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR, FOR THIS CAUSE - The expression, “For, for this cause,” refers to an end to be reached, or an object to be gained, or a reason why anything referred to is done. The end or reason why the thing referred to here, to wit, that “the gospel was preached to the dead,” was done, is stated in the subse... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND - This declaration is also evidently designed to support and encourage them in their trials, and to excite them to lead a holy life, by the assurance that the end of all things was drawing near. The phrase, “the end of all things,” would naturally refer to the en... [ Continue Reading ]
AND ABOVE ALL THINGS - More than all things else. HAVE FERVENT CHARITY AMONG YOURSELVES - Warm, ardent love toward each other. On the nature of charity, see the notes at 1 Corinthians 13:1. The word rendered “fervent,” means properly extended; then intent, earnest, fervent. FOR CHARITY SHALL COVER... [ Continue Reading ]
USE HOSPITALITY ONE TO ANOTHER - On the duty of hospitality, see the Romans 12:13 note; Hebrews 13:2 note. WITHOUT GRUDGING - Greek, “without murmurs;” that is, without complaining of the hardship of doing it; of the time, and expense, and trouble required in doing it. The idea of grudging, in the c... [ Continue Reading ]
AS EVERY MAN HATH RECEIVED THE GIFT - The word rendered “the gift” (χάρισμα charisma,) in the Greek, without the article, means “endowment” of any kind, but especially that conferred by the Holy Spirit. Here it seems to refer to every kind of endowment by which we can do good to others; especially... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
BELOVED, THINK IT NOT STRANGE - Do not consider it as anything which you had no reason to expect; as anything which may not happen to others also. CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU - Referring, doubtless, to some severe persecution which was then impending. We have not the means of dete... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT REJOICE, INASMUCH AS YE ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS - That is, sufferings of the same kind that he endured, and inflicted for the same reasons. Compare Colossians 1:24; James 1:2; See the notes at Matthew 5:12. The meaning here is, that they were to regard it as a matter of rejoicing th... [ Continue Reading ]
IF YE BE REPROACHED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST, HAPPY ARE YE - That is, in his cause, or on his account. See the notes at Matthew 5:11. The sense of the word “happy” here is the same as “blessed” in Matthew 5:3, etc. It means that they were to regard their condition or lot as a blessed one; not that the... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT LET NONE OF YOU SUFFER AS A MURDERER - If you must be called to suffer, see that it be not for crime. Compare the notes at 1Pe 3:14, 1 Peter 3:17. They were to be careful that their sufferings were brought upon them only in consequence of their religion, and not because any crime could be laid t... [ Continue Reading ]
YET IF ANY MAN SUFFER AS A CHRISTIAN - Because he is a Christian; if he is persecuted on account of his religion. This was often done, and they had reason to expect that it might occur in their own case. Compare the notes at 1 Peter 3:17. On the import of the word Christian, and the reasons why the... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE TIME IS COME - That is, this is now to be expected. There is reason to think that this trial will now occur, and there is a propriety that it should be made. Probably the apostle referred to some indications then apparent that this was about to take place. THAT JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN - The word... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF THE RIGHTEOUS SCARCELY BE SAVED - If they are saved with difficulty. The word used here (μόλις molis) occurs in the following places: Acts 14:18, “scarce restrained they the people;” Acts 27:7, “and scarce were come over against Cnidus;” 1 Peter 4:8, “and hardly passing it;” 1 Peter 4:16, “w... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE, LET THEM THAT SUFFER ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD - That is, who endure the kind of sufferings that he, by his providence, shall appoint. Compare 1 Peter 3:17; 1 Peter 4:15. COMMIT THE KEEPING OF THEIR SOULS - to him. Since there is so much danger; since there is no one else that can kee... [ Continue Reading ]