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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER

CHAPTER FOUR:
“SHARERS IN THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST”

[“Shared Sufferings”]
Key Word: Suffer
Theme Verse: 13

1 Peter 4:1-6 – An Inclination to Suffer like Christ

1PE4:1 Therefore, [as] Christ suffered in the flesh, 191 you also, arm yourselves with the identical mental inclination, 192 because the person who suffers in the flesh ceases to sin, 193

191	Christ suffered in the flesh: Compare the prophecy in Isaiah 53:1-12. [Philippians 2:8] See the word suffer(ing) in Peter’s epistles. [1 Peter 1:11; 2:19, 20, 21, 23; 3:14, 17; 4:1, 13, 15, 16, 19; 5:1, 9, 10; 2 Peter 2:12; 3:6]

192	Arm yourselves with the identical mental inclination: Or, same mind, resolve, determination, attitude, disposition. Compare 1 Peter 2:21. [Philippians 2:5-7]

193

The person who suffers in the flesh ceases to sin: Or, KJV: for he that suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. The phrase likely means: the person who is suffering in the flesh does not sin. A person very ill and bed-ridden is not capable of sinning. There may also be another view if Peter’s word “suffers” includes death, for the dead can no longer sin so have no new sins charged against them. Compare Romans 6:7, 11. [1 John 3:6] Christians who are presently suffering in the flesh have no time, inclination or opportunity to sin.

1PE4:2 resulting in no longer living the remainder of [his] time in fleshly desires 194 but rather doing God’s will.

194	No longer living the remainder of [his] time in fleshly desires: Or, KJV: live the rest of his time in the flesh; TCN: rest of his earthly life. If the latter be the correct rendering then Peter alludes to that future heavenly life.

1PE4:3 For the time past is plenty [of time] to have worked out the wishes of the non-Jews 195 who have followed deeds of shameful conduct, 196 heightened desires, 197 over drinking, 198 wild parties, 199 drinking matches, 200 and unlawful idolatries. 201

195	The time past is plenty [of time] to have worked out the wishes of the non-Jews: Or, KJV: for the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.

196	Deeds of shameful conduct: Or, lasciviousness, steeped in sensuality, debauchery. [Ephesians 4:19]

197	Heightened desires: Or, lusts.

198	Over drinking: excesses with wine, drunkenness, getting drunk. [1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 5:21]

199	Wild parties: Or, riot, revelries. [Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21]

200	Drinking matches: Or, banquetings, tippling, hard drinking, drinking bouts. Proverbs 23:20 warns not to associate with heavy drinkers.

201	Unlawful idolatries: Or, abominable idolatries, profane idolatry. [Romans 13:13] The Romans and Greeks were given to wild orgies in their worship of idols.

1PE4:4 And now because you do not continue running with them 202 in their headlong rush into a licentious course, 203 they think you the strange ones 204 and speak abusively of you. 205

202	Because you do not continue running with them: Or, KJV: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them; MOF: it astonishes pagans that you will not plunge with them. [Romans 12:2] The Christians stood out as a moral force in the community.

203	Licentious course: Or, excess of riot, flood of dissipation, violent wasting of life. The Greek is A-SOTIAS [unsaving] ANAKHYSIN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #401, pouring forth].

204	They think you the strange ones: Or, PME: think it very queer. Many a Christian throughout the Gospel Age has puzzled former drinking buddies when the Nazarene disciples stops running with the crowd.

205	Speak abusively of you: Or, speaking evil of you, uttering defamation, malign, vilify, blaspheme. Compare the notes on 1 Peter 3:16. [Acts 13:45; 18:6]

1PE4:5 These very people will have to give an account 206 [Job 31:14] to the One ready to judge the living and the dead. 207

206

These very people will have to give an account: There are several sources of such a phrase, such as Job 31:14. Research the word account[ing]. There is no escaping the judgment of God. The Greek words here for “give an account” are APODOSOUSIN LOGON. The latter indicating a “log” is being kept by God. The former word is like the root for the French dossier which is a set of documents recording information about some person. For details on the subject of judgment as a major Biblical theme see the work God and Judgment in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Compare notes on Matthew 12:35, 36 and Romans 2:15, 16.

207

To the One ready to judge the living and the dead: Or, quick and the dead. Though God is the Absolute Judge [Genesis 18:25; Hebrews 9:26] He has committed the judging to His Son according to the Nazarene himself. [John 5:22] Compare Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:12. Note Peter’s language at Acts 10:42. [2 Timothy 4:1]

1PE4:6 For this very reason the Good News was declared to the Dead, 208 so that they as fleshly humans might be condemned, 209 but those [who are] spiritual might live in harmony with God. 210

208

For this very reason the Good News was declared to the Dead: Or, KJV: for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead; NEB: why was the Gospel preached to those who are dead? Though some try to parallel this phrase with 1 Peter 3:19, this contradicts the Bible’s teaching on the condition of the dead. [Ecclesiastes 3:19-21; 9:4, 5, 10] It is more likely Peter has in mind those “dead” above who persist in vile practices. [Matthew 8:22; Ephesians 2:1]

209

So that they as fleshly humans might be condemned: Or, KJV: that they might be judged according to men in the flesh; PME: that it might judge the lives they lived as men. It seems likely Peter means: in the judgment “fleshly humans” who continued in vile practices will be condemned. There may be an echo of John 5:29 here. [Daniel 12:2] Compare Romans 8:5, 6 and Colossians 3:6.

210	But those [who are] spiritual might live in harmony with God: Or, KJV: but live according to God in the spirit. There are several views. The Greek is ZOSI [live] DE [but] KATA [according to] THEON [God] PNEUMATI [to spirit].

1 Peter 4:7-11 – Entreaties as the End Draws Close

1PE4:7 But, the end of all things approaches! 211 Be sound in mind, 212 therefore, and be temperate remaining in prayers. 213

211

The end of all things approaches: Or, is at hand. A careful consideration of Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 21 would seem to indicate the TO TELOS here is the foretold desolation of Jerusalem and her Temple as foretold by the Nazarene. [See details in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Matthew 24, or Nazarene Apocalypse 2000©.] The first attack by the Romans under Vespasian took place on July 1, 66 AD. Peter was executed in the year 66, as was Paul. Peter likely wrote this epistle between 62-64 AD and much of the Christ’s prophecies in Matthew 24:4-14 had undergone fulfillment. No doubt Peter could see the Roman threat on the horizon. [Matthew 24:33] James speaks in a similar vein. [James 5:8] It is worthy of note that Peter writes, not from Jerusalem – the danger zone [Matthew 24:15, 16; Luke 21:20-24] – but Babylon, a thousand miles away from the coming threat.

212	Be sound in mind: Or, KJV: sober; GDS: be serious and collected; MOF: steady then, keep cool; NEB: lead an ordered and sober life.

213	Be temperate remaining in prayers: Or, KJV: watch unto prayer; TAY: earnest, thoughtful men of prayer. This was the same advice given by Jesus at those critical times. [Matthew 24:20; Mark 13:18; Luke 21:36]

1PE4:8 Above all be persons possessing compassionate affection [that] reaches out, 214 because “compassionate affection covers a multitude of sins.” 215 [Proverbs 10:12]

214

Above all be persons possessing compassionate affection [that] reaches out: Or, KJV: above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; GDS: keep your love for one another strong; KNX: preserve constant charity among yourselves. [1 Corinthians 13:8; Colossians 3:14] The Nazarene warned that “the love of the greater number would cool off” before Jerusalem’s destruction. [Matthew 24:12]

215	Compassionate affection covers a multitude of sins: Or, TCN: love throws a veil over countless sins; NEB: love cancels innumerable sins. Peter quotes [or alludes to] Proverbs 10:12. Compare also Proverbs 17:9; 1 Corinthians 13:7.

1PE4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 216

216

Be hospitable to one another without complaining: Or, without grudging; KNX: keep open house for all with a glad heart. [Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2] It is the “goats” who refrain from showing hospitality, and it is a most serious matter. [Matthew 25:43] The one who refuses charity no longer has the love of God [1 John 3:17], and faith is now dead. [James 2:15-17]

1PE4:10 And just as each person has received a spiritual gift, 217 use it in serving others 218 as good household servants 219 [Luke 12:42] with a varied form of God’s unmerited favor. 220

217	And just as each person has received a spiritual gift: Or, the gift, the endowment. The Greek CHARISMA means a “gift” and in the Christian context a “spiritual gift.” Compare Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31. See the Biblical Article God’s Spirit and You.

218	Use it in serving others: Or, minister, in service. Compare Matthew 20:26-28.

219	Good household servants: Or, trustees, stewards. There seems a strong likelihood that Peter alludes to the words of the Nazarene [Luke 12:42] where he uses the same word, OIKONOMOS. Compare Matthew 24:45 and 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2.

220	A varied form of God’s unmerited favor: Or, manifold grace, many-sided favour, varied forms. [Romans 12:6]

1PE4:11 If any man speaks, 221 [speak] as though it was God’s utterance. 222 If anyone is serving, [serve] from the strength God provides. 223 [Do] so that The God may be glorified by means of Jesus Christ, 224 to whom is the Glory and the Might throughout all future periods of time. 225 Amen.

221	If any man speaks: Or, KJV: if any man speak. Christian elders spoke as apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and missionaries. [Ephesians 4:11, 12] Only males spoke in the early Christian congregation. [1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:11, 12]

222

[Speak] as though it was God’s utterance: Or, KJV: let him speak as the oracles of God; MOF: he must preach as one who utters the words of God; NWT: sacred pronouncements. This is speaking with authority after the example of Jesus. [Matthew 8:29] The Greek for “utterance” is LOGIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3051, oracle] is diminutive, “little words.” Compare also Romans 3:2.

223	If anyone is serving, [serve] from the strength God provides: Or, minister. Above Peter speaks of elders; here he may mean “deacons” in particular. They serve the congregation as the physical ministers. Compare Acts 6:2-6. [1 Timothy 3:8-11] They may also be women. [Romans 16:1; 1 Timothy 3:11]

224	[Do] so that The God may be glorified by means of Jesus Christ: Or, KJV: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Both elders and deacons, and the service they render the churches, will bring honor to God.

225	To whom is the Glory and the Might throughout all future periods of time: Or, praise and dominion; endless ages, forever and ever. [Romans 16:27]

1 Peter 4:12-14 – Share Sufferings in a Burning Test

1PE4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange the burning fire you face as a test 226 as though something alien was taking place.

226	Do not think it strange the burning fire you face as a test: Or, KJV: the fiery trial which is to try you; ABU: fiery test. [1 Peter 5:9] See notes on 1 Peter 1:6.

1PE4:13 But rather all of you continue to rejoice because of sharing in the sufferings of the Christ, 227 [Isaiah 53:3-5; Mark 9:31] so that you might also rejoice in exultation at the revelation of his glory. 228

227	Continue to rejoice because of sharing in the sufferings of the Christ: Peter may allude to Isaiah 53:3-5 or Mark 9:31. See notes on 1 Peter 2:21 and 1 Peter 4:1. Peter knows whereof he speaks. [Acts 5:42]

228

You might also rejoice in exultation at the revelation of his glory: Or, KJV: when his glory shall be revealed; TCN: when the time comes for the manifestation of his glory. There will be two reactions and outcomes to the revelation of Christ and the parousia-judgment to follow. Compare Daniel 12:2, John 5:29, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 John 2:28. Peter has already mentioned this “revelation.” [1 Peter 1:7, 13]

1PE4:14 Blessed you are if you are being reproached in Christ’s name, 229 [Psalm 89:51; Matthew 5:11] because God’s glorious Pneuma is resting upon you. 230 [Isaiah 11:2]

229	Blessed you are if you are being reproached in Christ’s name: Or, WMS: because you bear the name of Christ. Peter likely alludes to Psalm 89:51 and Matthew 5:11. [James 1:12; 5:11]

230

God’s glorious Pneuma is resting upon you: Or, KJV: the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; GDS: because the glorious Spirit of God is resting upon you. The language is nearly identical to Isaiah 11:2, 3 LXX. The same Pneuma resting upon the Messiah now rests upon the members of the “holy nation.”

1 Peter 4:15-19 – Suffering as a “Christian”

1PE4:15 Now, let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief, or one harming others, 231 or as some kind of overseer into the personal matters of others. 232

231

Let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief, or one harming others: It is unthinkable that a Christian would be guilty of murder, theft, or badness. Likely these were few in the 1st Century. However, history is a sad story during the Gospel Age of murder, theft, and harmfulness on a disgusting scale. This has been true of the leadership in both the Catholic and Protestant Churches in the last 2,000 years. Sadly, World Wars I and II were largely between Christians of different countries.

232

Or as some kind of overseer into the personal matters of others: Or, busybody; KNX: infringing other men’s rights; MON: as a spy upon other people’s business; TAY: prying into other people’s affairs. The Greek word rendered ‘overseer’ here is ALLOTRIEPISCOPOS, the latter from “overseer.” It is a sad comment that many Christian “overseers” [see 1 Timothy 3:1] become busybodies in the personal and private affairs of members of the congregation. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:24, “We are not dictators ruling over your faith.”

1PE4:16 But, if [anyone] suffers as a Christian, let such not be ashamed; 233 but, rather, let such a person continue to glorify The God in this name. 234

233	But, if [anyone] suffers as a Christian, let such not be ashamed: Or, no disgrace. The designation “Christian” occurs only here and at Acts 11:26 and Acts 26:28. Jesus foretold that his disciples would be hated because his name. [Matthew 24:9]

234	Let such a person continue to glorify The God in this name: Despite the words spoken at the first Christian conference [Acts 15:14], it is not the Name of God, but that of Christ [or, Christian] in which the early disciples suffered.

1PE4:17 Because the judgment will start at the House of The God 235 [Ezekiel 9:6] at the appointed time. 236 Now if [judgment] begins first with us, 237 what will be the end of those disobeying the Good News of The God? 238 [2 Thessalonians 1:8]

235

Because the judgment will start at the House of The God: Or, KJV: for the time is come that judgment must begin t the house of God. There are several views on these renderings. It is possible Peter refers to the judgment pending upon the Temple and Jerusalem. Or, more likely, he refers to the parousia-judgment that begins with the Master’s judgment of his own Household. [Matthew 24:45-25:46; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28] Peter may borrow from Ezekiel 9:6 where the language is the same.

236

At the appointed time: Or, it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with God’s House. As pointed out above, Peter may refer to Jerusalem’s Temple or that “spiritual house” he mentioned in 1 Peter 2:5. The latter is more likely. Christ taught that he would return as the Master of the House to judge his own household. Thus, all Christians are raised first to their own judgment upon the Arrival of Christ. [1 John 2:28; 4:17; Daniel 12:1, 2] Humankind will be judged at the end of the Thousand Years. [Revelation 20:5, 12-14] For details see the work God and Judgment in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

237	Now if [judgment] begins first with us: Confirming the above, as judgment begins with God’s own Household or Temple at the Parousia of Christ.

238

What will be the end of those disobeying the Good News of The God: The language is the same as that at 2 Thessalonians 1:8 where the prophetic context is “at the revelation of the Lord Jesus.” See notes on 1 Peter 1:7, 11. This may confirm Peter has in mind – not the judgment upon Jerusalem’s Temple – the parousia or revelation at the Return of Christ. [Matthew 24:30, 31]

1PE4:18 “And if the righteous person is scarcely being saved, 239 where will the irreverent and sinner show up?” [Proverbs 11:31]

239	If the righteous person is scarcely being saved: Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 and uses the principle in relation to the judgment of the Church.

1PE4:19 So, then, also let those doing good continue to suffer in harmony with the will of The God, 240 committing their souls to a trustworthy Creator. 241

240	Let those doing good continue to suffer in harmony with the will of The God: Or, well doing, do right, persevere in doing right.

241	Committing their souls to a trustworthy Creator: Or, faithful Creator. The actual designation “Creator” is rare in the Bible. [Ecclesiastes 12:1; Isaiah 40:28; 42:5; 43:1, 15; 45:18; Amos 4:13]

Review Questions on Chapter Four