1 Given that Christ suffered in his human life, arm yourselves with this certainty: the one who suffers in his body has broken with sin
2 so as to spend the rest of his life following the will of God and not human passions.
3 You have given enough time, in the past, to living as the pagans do: a life of excess, evil passions, drunkenness, orgies and worship of idols.
4 They now find it strange that you are no longer swept along with them in this ruinous flood, and then abused you for it.
5 But they will be accountable to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 The Gospel has been preached to many who are now dead. As humans they received a deadly sentence, but through the Spirit they shall live for God.
7 The end of all things is near; keep your minds calm and sober for prayer.
8 Above all, let your love for one another be sincere, for love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Welcome one another into your houses without com plain ing.
10 Serve one another with the gifts each of you received, thus becoming good managers of the varied graces of God.
11 If you speak, deliver the word of God; if you have a special ministry, let it be seen as God’s power so that, in everything, God may be glorified in Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
Be glad to share in the sufferings of Christ
12 My dear people, do not be sur prised at the testing by fire which is taking place among you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 Instead, you should be glad to share in the sufferings of Christ because, on the day his Glory is re vealed, you will also fully re joice.
14 You are fortunate if you are insulted because of the name of Christ, for the Spirit of glory rests on you.
15 I suppose that none of you should suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a criminal or an informer;
16 but if anyone suffers on account of being a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace; rather let this name bring glory to God.
17 The time of judgment has come and it begins with God’s household. If its beginning so affects us, what will be the end of those who refuse to believe in the Gospel?
18 If the just one is barely saved, what will happen to the sinner and unbeliever?
19 So, then, if you suffer according to God’s will, entrust yourself to the faith ful Creator and continue to do good.
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Comments Letter of Peter 1, Chapter 4
• 4.1 Given that Christ suffered. See Romans 6.
They find it strange (v. 4). We, perhaps, too easily accept to organize our life, as do those who are not waiting for the promises of Jesus; in our conduct there is nothing to surprise them.
The Gospel was preached to the dead (v. 6). This refers to the previous passage 3:18-20. It is a way of speaking about the mysterious encounter that, after his death, Jesus had with the dead of past ages, whom he had come to save as well.
Live wisely and spend evening time praying (v. 7). Prayer requires a disciplined life. Go to bed when it is time and give up entertainments that only devour time and make us half-wits.
• 12. These verses pre sent a summary of the central idea in this letter.
Let us note that Peter cannot concede that a Christian should have to be judged or go to jail through his own fault, murder, theft, etc. How many “Christians” in name only are in jail today? And, how many more should be there?