End-Time Ethics

The end of all things is near;(A) therefore, be alert and sober-minded(B) for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love(C) for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.[a](D) Be hospitable(E) to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others,(F) as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides,(G) so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:8 Pr 10:12

Service, Suffering, and Judgment

For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.[a] Above all keep[b] your love for one another fervent,[c] because love covers a multitude of sins.[d] Show hospitality[e] to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another[f] as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let it be with[g] God’s words.[h] Whoever serves, do so with the strength[i] that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong[j] the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:7 tn Grk “for prayers.”
  2. 1 Peter 4:8 tn The primary verb of v. 8 is a participle (“having”) but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.
  3. 1 Peter 4:8 tn Or “constant.”
  4. 1 Peter 4:8 sn The statement of v. 8b, love covers a multitude of sins, is proverbial: It is quoted from Prov 10:12 (cf. Jas 5:20). It speaks of the forbearance that comes with love: Christian love is patient and forgiving toward the offenses of a fellow Christian (Matt 18:21-22; 1 Cor 13:4-7).
  5. 1 Peter 4:9 tn There is no main verb in this verse (“showing hospitality” translates the adjective φιλόξενοι [philoxenoi]), but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.
  6. 1 Peter 4:10 tn Grk “serving it to one another.” The primary verb is a participle but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.
  7. 1 Peter 4:11 tn Grk “if anyone speaks—as God’s words.”
  8. 1 Peter 4:11 tn Or “oracles.”
  9. 1 Peter 4:11 tn Grk “if anyone serves—with strength…”
  10. 1 Peter 4:11 tn Grk “is/are.”