1 Peter 4
New King James Version
Christ’s Example to Be Followed
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered [a]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, (A)but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past [b]lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready (B)to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason (C)the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but (D)live according to God in the spirit.
Serving for God’s Glory
7 But (E)the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for (F)“love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 (G)Be hospitable to one another (H)without grumbling. 10 (I)As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, (J)as good stewards of (K)the manifold grace of God. 11 (L)If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [c]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that (M)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [d]dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for God’s Glory
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice (N)to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that (O)when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are [e]reproached for the name of Christ, (P)blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [f]On their part He is blasphemed, (Q)but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [g]busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [h]matter.
17 For the time has come (R)for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, (S)what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now
(T)“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God (U)commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Notas al pie
- 1 Peter 4:1 NU omits for us
- 1 Peter 4:3 NU time
- 1 Peter 4:11 utterances
- 1 Peter 4:11 sovereignty
- 1 Peter 4:14 insulted or reviled
- 1 Peter 4:14 NU omits the rest of v. 14.
- 1 Peter 4:15 meddler
- 1 Peter 4:16 NU name
1 Peter 4
Living Bible
4 Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, you must have the same attitude he did; you must be ready to suffer, too. For remember, when your body suffers, sin loses its power, 2 and you won’t be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires but will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy—sex sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and other terrible sins.[a]
4 Of course, your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them anymore in the wicked things they do, and they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. 5 But just remember that they must face the Judge of all, living and dead; they will be punished for the way they have lived. 6 That is why the Good News was preached even to those who were dead—killed by the flood[b]—so that although their bodies were punished with death, they could still live in their spirits as God lives.
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore be earnest, thoughtful men of prayer. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults.[c] 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay for the night.
10 God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. 11 Are you called to preach? Then preach as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies so that God will be glorified through Jesus Christ—to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
12 Dear friends, don’t be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. 13 Instead, be really glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed.
14 Be happy if you are cursed and insulted for being a Christian, for when that happens the Spirit of God will come upon you with great glory.[d] 15 Don’t let me hear of your suffering for murdering or stealing or making trouble or being a busybody and prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ’s family and being called by his wonderful name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God’s own children. And if even we who are Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed in the Lord? 18 If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless have?
19 So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.
Notas al pie
- 1 Peter 4:3 other terrible sins, literally, “lawless idolatries.”
- 1 Peter 4:6 killed by the flood, implied; see 3:19-20.
- 1 Peter 4:8 love makes up for many of your faults, or “love overlooks each other’s many faults.”
- 1 Peter 4:14 the Spirit of God will come upon you with great glory, or “the glory of the Spirit of God is being seen in you.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.