1 Peter 4
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Following Christ
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered[a] in the flesh,[b] equip[c] yourselves also with the same resolve[d]—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished(A) with sin[e]— 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires,[f] but for God’s will.(B) 3 For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do:[g] carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires,(C) drunkenness, orgies,(D) carousing, and lawless idolatry. 4 So they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood[h] of wild living—and they slander you. 5 They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.(E) 6 For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead,(F) so that, although they might be judged by men in the fleshly(G) realm,[i] they might live(H) by God in the spiritual realm.[j]
End-Time Ethics
7 Now the end of all things is near;(I) therefore, be serious and disciplined(J) for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain an intense love(K) for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.(L)[k] 9 Be hospitable(M) to one another without complaining. 10 Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others,(N) as good managers of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides,(O) so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Christian Suffering
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal[l] comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.(P) 13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah,(Q) so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation(R) of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,(S) you are blessed, because the Spirit(T) of glory and of God rests on you.[m] 15 None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.[n] 16 But if anyone suffers as a “Christian,” he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name. 17 For the time has come for judgment(U) to begin with God’s household,(V) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
18 And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?(W)[o]
19 So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves(X) to a faithful Creator.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 4:1 Other mss read suffered for us
- 1 Peter 4:1 The phrase “in the flesh” probably means in human experience.
- 1 Peter 4:1 Or arm
- 1 Peter 4:1 Or perspective, or attitude
- 1 Peter 4:1 Or the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
- 1 Peter 4:2 Lit for desires of human beings
- 1 Peter 4:3 Or Gentiles
- 1 Peter 4:4 Lit you don’t run with them into the same pouring out
- 1 Peter 4:6 Or in the flesh
- 1 Peter 4:6 Or in the spirit
- 1 Peter 4:8 Pr 10:12
- 1 Peter 4:12 Lit the burning
- 1 Peter 4:14 Other mss add He is blasphemed because of them, but He is glorified because of you.
- 1 Peter 4:15 Or as one who defrauds others
- 1 Peter 4:18 Pr 11:31 LXX
1 Peter 4
English Standard Version
Stewards of God's Grace
4 Since therefore (A)Christ suffered in the flesh,[a] (B)arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for (C)whoever has suffered in the flesh (D)has ceased from sin, 2 (E)so as to live for (F)the rest of the time in the flesh (G)no longer for human passions but (H)for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past (I)suffices (J)for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of (K)debauchery, and (L)they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready (M)to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why (N)the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 (O)The end of all things is at hand; therefore (P)be self-controlled and sober-minded (Q)for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since (R)love covers a multitude of sins. 9 (S)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 (T)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, (U)as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks (V)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves (W)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything (X)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (Y)To him belong glory and (Z)dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at (AA)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice (AB)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad (AC)when his glory is revealed. 14 (AD)If you are insulted (AE)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[b] and of God rests upon you. 15 But (AF)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or (AG)as a meddler. 16 Yet (AH)if anyone suffers as a (AI)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God (AJ)in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment (AK)to begin at the household of God; and (AL)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who (AM)do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will (AO)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you
- 1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
- 1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?
1 Peter 4
The Message
Learn to Think Like Him
4 1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.
3-5 You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.
6 Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
Glory Just Around the Corner
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14-16 If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17-19 It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!
If good people barely make it,
What’s in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.
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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson