1.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2.
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Verse 2
That is, such is the tendency of tribulation,--to wean the heart from the world, and fix it more steadily upon God.
3.
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
Verse 3
To have wrought the will of the Gentiles; to have conformed in conduct, and character to the example of a wicked world.
4.
Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
5.
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Verse 5
Who; that is, those that reproach you for not joining with them in their sinful pleasures.--The quick and the dead; the living and the dead.
6.
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Verse 6
To them that are dead; that is, probably, to those who had been slain in the persecutions which the Christian had endured.--That they might be judged, &c.; that, though condemned by men to bodily death, their souls might be saved. Those who suppose that the passage 1 Peter 3:19,1 Peter 3:20, teaches that Christ went into the invisible world during the interval between his death and his resurrection, and made the offer of salvation to the departed spirits there, regard this verse as referring to the same circumstance
7.
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Verse 7
Watch unto prayer; be earnest and constant in prayer.
8.
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Verse 8
Charity; kindness and brotherly love. The latter clause of the verse appears to be quoted from Proverbs 10:12 . The meaning is, as its connection there shows, that kind feelings towards others makes us lenient in respect to their faults and failings.
9.
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Verse 10
The gift; the gift of worldly prosperity, that is, the means of exercising the hospitality enjoined in the 1 Peter 4:9.--The manifold grace; the multiplied favors. The meaning is, that the favors and advantages which God bestows, are to be held in trust, as means of doing good to others.
11.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Verse 11
As the oracles of God; let him act simply as the interpreter of the divine will.--Let him do it as of the ability, &c.; that is, let him feel entirely dependent on God for his ability.
12.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Verse 12
Think it not strange, &c.; think it not extraordinary that God should subject you to such sufferings and trials.
13.
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Verse 14
On your part he is glorified, by your example, and the spirit and temper of mind which you exhibit.
15.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Verse 17
Judgment must begin, &c. that is, in the terrible persecutions and sufferings which the Christians were about to endure.
18.
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19.
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.