1 Peter 4:11

Let him speak as the oracles of God] RV 'speaking as it were oracles of God,' i.e. God's solemn utterances, such as the prophets used to introduce by 'thus saith the Lord.' God's oracles had always been entrusted to His people to minister to others: cp. Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12.

Amen] a Heb. word used by our Lord (and translated 'verily') when He wished to assert anything with special emphasis: cp. Matthew 26:34; Luke 23:43. Such sayings might be called His 'oracles.' 4:12- 5:14. With this second 'Beloved' the last section of the Epistle begins. In it the Apostle encourages the readers to meet with courage and trust the severer persecution which is threatening them. As good discipline in their community will help them to do this, he gives precepts for rulers and ruled, and then brings their thoughts back to God the Father, in. whose keeping their lives and the course of the whole world are secure. He adds a prayer to God for His support, and ends with greetings and a blessing.

The section falls into five parts: A, 1 Peter 4:12, the fiery trial; B. 1 Peter 5:1, discipline; C, 1 Peter 5:6, trust and hope in God; D, 1 Peter 5:12, greetings; E, 1 Peter 5:14, blessing.

A. 1 Peter 4:12. 'Beloved, the trial that is coming is not a strange one for Christians to endure, for it will prove you as God's gold must be proved, and will enable you to share Christ's sufferings and glory—that glory which is surrounding you even now, though you cannot see it yet. Suffering and reproach for the name of Christ are blessings: like Israel of old you thus partake in the lot and in the spirit of God's Anointed One. If they call you Christians in mockery, be worthy of that holy name, and give them no more real cause of offence. Judgment is about to begin, as it did at the fall of Jerusalem, from the house of God. You are that house, do not risk by disobedience the more fearful fate of those outside it. Those who suffer according to the will of God may do what their Lord did when He suffered, and commit their souls unto God, confident that He who created will also support: but, I insist, let it be in well-doing.'