I Peter 4:19
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So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
General conclusion from Pe1 4:17-18. Seeing that the godly know that their sufferings are by God's will, to chasten them that they may not perish with the world, they have good reason to trust God cheerfully amidst sufferings, persevering in well-doing. let them--Greek, "let them also," "let even them," as well as those not suffering. Not only under ordinary circumstances, but also in time of suffering, let believers commit. (Compare Note, see on Pe1 3:14). according to the will of God--(See on Pe1 3:17). God's will that the believer should suffer (Pe1 4:17), is for his good. One oldest manuscript and Vulgate read, "in well-doings"; contrast ill-doings, Pe1 4:15. Our committing of ourselves to God is to be, not in indolent and passive quietism, but accompanied with active well-doings. faithful--to His covenant promises. Creator--who is therefore also our Almighty Preserver. He, not we, must keep our souls. Sin destroyed the original spiritual relation between creature and Creator, leaving that only of government. Faith restores it; so that the believer, living to the will of God (Pe1 4:2), rests implicitly on his Creator's faithfulness. Next: 1 Peter Chapter 5
Open source ↗The work of a Christian is twofold - doing the will of God and suffering his pleasure. This chapter directs us in both. The duties we are here exhorted to employ ourselves in are the mortification of sin, living to God, sobriety, prayer, charity, hospitality, and the best improvement of our talents, which the apostle presses upon Christians from the consideration of the time they have lost in their sins, and the approaching end of all things (Pe1 4:1-11). The directions for sufferings are that we should not be surprised at them, but rejoice in them, only take care not to suffer as evil-doers. He intimates that their trials were near at hand, that their souls were in danger as well as their bodies, and that the best way to preserve their souls is to commit them to God in well-doing.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.
For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.
Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.
To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”
While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”