ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Peter 4

1 Pet. 4:1–2 Since therefore Christ suffered. Christ’s suffering again functions as a model for readers. whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Two likely interpretations have been suggested: (1) This refers to the believer being dead to the power of sin, as a result of having died with Christ (compare Rom. 6:1–11). (2) More likely, it means that when believers are willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ they show that their purpose in life is not to live for their own pleasures but according to the will of God and for his glory.

1 Pet. 4:6 the gospel was preached even to those who are dead. Some think that Peter offers a chance to accept Christ after death for those who rejected him while they were alive. This view contradicts both the clear teaching of Scripture (e.g., Luke 16:26; Heb. 9:27) and the immediate context. In this context, “those who are dead” are Christians to whom “the gospel was preached” when they were alive but who have since died. This fits with the meaning of “dead” in 1 Pet. 4:5. Believers will experience physical death (that is, they are judged in the flesh the way people are). But believers who have died live in the spirit the way God does. That is, they live in heaven now, and they will live at the resurrection when Christ returns.

1 Pet. 4:7 The end of all things is at hand does not mean Peter expected Christ to return soon. It means all the major events in God’s great salvation plan were completed in the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. Therefore Christ’s return could happen at any time.

1 Pet. 4:8–9 love covers a multitude of sins (Prov. 10:12). Where love is present, offenses are forgiven. hospitality. See note on Heb. 13:2.

1 Pet. 4:10 All believers have received at least one spiritual gift from God. They must use these gifts faithfully as stewards of God’s grace (see 1 Corinthians 12–14).

1 Pet. 4:11 whoever speaks . . . whoever serves. Peter divides spiritual gifts generally into speaking and serving gifts (for more detailed lists, see Rom. 12:6–8; 1 Cor. 12:8–10, 28–30; and Eph. 4:11). Those who speak must not teach their own ideas but faithfully declare God’s words (oracles). Those who serve must not depend on their own strength but draw their strength from God, so that God alone may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

1 Pet. 4:12–5:11 Enduring Suffering. As the letter draws to a close, Peter reminds his readers that they should not be surprised when they suffer. God is using their suffering to purify the church. Therefore they should give themselves to God completely in their sufferings (4:12–19). Peter concludes with challenges to the leaders and the congregation to continue in the faith. They can do so knowing their final reward is certain (5:1–11).

1 Pet. 4:12–13 Beloved marks the beginning of a new section of the letter (compare 2:11). when his glory is revealed. When Christ returns.

1 Pet. 4:14 To be insulted because one belongs to Christ is to be blessed by God, because in such times the Spirit of glory, the Holy Spirit, rests upon believers in an especially powerful way.

1 Pet. 4:17–18 In the OT, household of God (literally, “house of God”) refers to the temple. Now God’s people are his temple (see 2:4–10). “Judgment beginning with God’s house” echoes Ezek. 9:1–6 and Mal. 3:1–4, where the Lord purifies his people. Judgment here is not punishment. It is purifying and cleansing. The suffering of God’s people makes them stronger (1 Pet. 1:6–7). what will be the outcome? If God’s people need purifying, then surely the judgment of those who do not obey the gospel will be much more severe.

1 Pet. 4:19 This verse summarizes the message of 1 Peter.