1 Peter
Chapter 4
Overview
Peter addresses believers who are being mocked and tested because their lives no longer match the habits around them. He calls them to face suffering with the Messiah’s resolve, leave destructive desires behind, and use their abilities for one another’s good. The chapter moves from clearheaded prayer, deep love, and generous hospitality to a bracing discussion of suffering and judgment. Peter offers no umbrella against trouble; he teaches his readers how to stand in the rain. Through it all, he urges them to keep doing good and entrust their lives to the Creator.
1Since the Messiah suffered physically, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking. Whoever has suffered physically has broken with sin,
2so that person lives the rest of this earthly life no longer controlled by human desires, but by what God wants.
3You have already spent enough time doing what people who do not worship God want. You lived in uncontrolled behavior, lustful desires, drunkenness, wild parties, drinking parties, and forbidden worship of idols.
4They are surprised that you no longer run with them into the same flood of reckless living, so they insult you.
5But they will have to answer to the one who is ready to judge both the living and the dead.
6This is why the good news was announced even to the dead: so that although they were judged in the body as human beings are, they might live in the spirit according to God’s will.
7The end of everything has come near. Therefore, think clearly and stay alert so that you can pray.
8Above all, keep loving one another deeply, because love covers over many sins.
9Welcome one another into your homes without complaining.
10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve the others, like good managers entrusted with God’s grace in its many forms.
11If anyone speaks, that person should speak words from God. If anyone serves, that person should serve with the strength God provides. Then in everything God will receive honor through Jesus the Messiah. Glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen—may it be so.
12Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery trial happening among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13Instead, be glad that you share in the Messiah’s sufferings. Then you can also be filled with overflowing joy when his glory is revealed.
14If people insult you because you bear the Messiah’s name, you can count yourselves fortunate, because the Spirit of glory—the Spirit of God—rests on you.
15None of you should suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a wrongdoer, or someone who meddles in other people’s affairs.
16But if someone suffers for being a Christian, that person should not be ashamed. Instead, let that person honor God by bearing this name.
17The time has come for judgment to begin with God’s own household. If it begins with us, what outcome awaits those who refuse to obey God’s good news?
18If even a person who does what is right is saved only with difficulty, what will become of the person who rejects God and lives in sin?
19Therefore, those who suffer because it is God’s will should keep doing good and entrust their lives to the faithful Creator.