I Peter 4
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Commentaries
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As Christ hath suffered - He is your proper pattern; have the same disposition he had; the same forgiving spirit, with meekness, gentleness, and complete self-possession. He that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin - This is a general maxim, if understood literally: The man who suffers generally reflects on his ways, is humbled, fears approaching death, loathes himself because of his past iniquities, and ceases from them; for, in a state of suffering, the mind loses its relish for the sins of the flesh, because they are embittered to him through the apprehension which he has of death and judgment; and, on his application to God's mercy, he is delivered from his sin. Some suppose the words are to be understood thus: "Those who have firmly resolved, if called to it, to suffer death rather than apostatize from Christianity, have consequently ceased from, or are delivered from, the sin of saving their lives at the expense of their faith." Others think that it is a parallel passage to Rom 6:7, and interpret it thus: "He that hath mortified the flesh, hath ceased from sin." Dr. Bentley applies the whole to our redemption by Christ: He that hath suffered in the flesh hath died for our sins. But this seems a very constrained sense.
Open source ↗LIKE THE RISEN CHRIST, BELIEVERS HENCEFORTH OUGHT TO HAVE NO MORE TO DO WITH SIN. (1Pe. 4:1-19) for us--supported by some oldest manuscripts and versions, omitted by others. in the flesh--in His mortal body of humiliation. arm-- (Eph 6:11, Eph 6:13). the same mind--of suffering with patient willingness what God wills you to suffer. he that hath suffered--for instance, Christ first, and in His person the believer: a general proposition. hath ceased--literally, "has been made to cease," has obtained by the very fact of His having suffered once for all, a cessation from sin, which had heretofore lain on Him (Rom 6:6-11, especially, Pe1 4:7). The Christian is by faith one with Christ: as then Christ by death is judicially freed from sin; so the Christian who has in the person of Christ died, has no more to do with it judicially, and ought to have no more to do with it actually. "The flesh" is the sphere in which sin has place.
Open source ↗Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh..... The apostle having finished his digression concerning Christ's preaching in the ministry of Noah, to men whose spirits were now in prison, and concerning the salvation of Noah's family in the ark, by water, and concerning its antitype, baptism, its nature and effect, returns to the sufferings of Christ he had before made mention of; and argues from thence to holiness of life, and patience in sufferings, after this manner; seeing then Christ, the eternal Son of God, the Lord of glory, the holy and Just One, suffered such indignities, reproaches, and persecutions from men, the wrath of God, the curses of the law, and death itself; and that not for himself, nor for angels, but for men, and those not all men, otherwise his death, with respect to some, must be in vain; but for a particular number of men, in distinction from others, described in the beginning of this epistle, as elect, according to the foreknowledge of God; and these sufferings he endured in the room and stead of those persons, in the days of his flesh, while here on earth, and in his human nature, both soul and body, and was crucified through the weakness of his flesh, and for the sins of our flesh, and which he bore in his own: arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; that was in Christ; as he suffered for you, do ye likewise suffer for him, in his cause, for righteousness sake, for the sake of him and his Gospel; and bear all reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions on his account, willingly and cheerfully, with meekness and patience, as he did, and with the same view; not indeed to make satisfaction for sin, which was his principal design, but that being dead unto sin, you might live unto righteousness. The apostle speaks to the saints, i…
Open source ↗The apostle here draws a new inference from the consideration of Christ's sufferings. As he had before made use of it to persuade to patience in suffering, so here to mortification of sin. Observe, I. How the exhortation is expressed. The antecedent or supposition is that Christ had suffered for us in the flesh, or in his human nature. The consequent or inference is, "Arm and fortify yourselves likewise with the same mind, courage, and resolution." The word flesh in the former part of the verse signifies Christ's human nature, but in the latter part it signifies man's corrupt nature. So the sense is, "As Christ suffered in his human nature, do you, according to your baptismal vow and profession, make your corrupt nature suffer, by putting to death the body of sin by self-denial and mortification; for, if you do not thus suffer, you will be conformable to Christ in his death and resurrection, and will cease from sin." Learn, 1. Some of the strongest and best arguments against all sorts of sin are taken from the sufferings of Christ. All sympathy and tenderness for Christ as a sufferer are lost of you do not put away sin. He dies to destroy it; and, though he could cheerfully submit to the worst sufferings, yet he could never submit to the least sin. 2. The beginning of all true mortification lies in the mind, not in penances and hardships upon the body. The mind of man is carnal, full of enmity; the understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, Eph 4:18. Man is not a sincere creature, but partial, blind, and wicked, till he be renewed and sanctifies by the regenerating grace of God. II. How it is further explained, Pe1 4:2. The apostle explains what he means by being dead to sin, and ceasing from sin, both negatively and positively. Negatively, a Chris…
Open source ↗4:1-6 Peter urges Christians to decisively turn their backs on the former sinful way of life from which Christ in his suffering delivered us. 4:1 since Christ suffered physical pain: Peter introduced this idea in 3:18; he now indicates its significance in Christian experience. In our own physical sufferings, we are to imitate Christ’s attitude (see 2:21-24). Our suffering with Christ shows that we have identified with him (see Rom 8:17). Those who identify with Christ experience the victory over the power of sin that he won on the cross (Rom 6:1-10).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus πάσχω (páschō, G3958) — to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ὁπλίζω (hoplízō, G3695) — to equip (with weapons (middle voice and figuratively)) ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἔννοια (énnoia, G1771) — thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. παύω (paúō, G3973) — to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e. restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
Open source ↗εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… βιόω (bióō, G980) — to spend existence μηκέτι (mēkéti, G3371) — no further ἐπίλοιπος (epíloipos, G1954) — left over, i.e. remaining χρόνος (chrónos, G5550) — a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from G2540 (καιρός), which… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… χρόνος (chrónos, G5550) — a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from G2540 (καιρός), which… παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, G3928) — to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish… βίος (bíos, G979) — life, i.e. (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of… ἀρκετός (arketós, G713) — satisfactory ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, G2716) — to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀσέλγεια (asélgeia, G766) — licentiousness (sometimes including other vices) ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) οἰνοφλυγία (oinophlygía, G3632) — an overflow (or surplus) of wine, i.e. vinolency (drunkenness)
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ξενίζω (xenízō, G3579) — to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you συντρέχω (syntréchō, G4936) — to rush together (hastily assemble) or headlong (figuratively) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀνάχυσις (anáchysis, G401) — properly, effusion, i.e. (figuratively) license ἀσωτία (asōtía, G810) — properly, unsavedness, i.e. (by implication) profligacy βλασφημέω (blasphēméō, G987) — to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi, G591) — to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἑτοίμως (hetoímōs, G2093) — in readiness κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, G2097) — to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τέλος (télos, G5056) — properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἐγγίζω (engízō, G1448) — to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach σωφρονέω (sōphronéō, G4993) — to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νήφω (nḗphō, G3525) — to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πρό (pró, G4253) — "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἐκτενής (ektenḗs, G1618) — intent ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because καλύπτω (kalýptō, G2572) — to cover up (literally or figuratively) πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128) — a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract)
Open source ↗φιλόξενος (philóxenos, G5382) — fond of guests, i.e. hospitable εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another ἄνευ (áneu, G427) — without γογγυσμός (gongysmós, G1112) — a grumbling
Open source ↗καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) χάρισμα (chárisma, G5486) — a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a… διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) καλός (kalós, G2570) οἰκονόμος (oikonómos, G3623) — a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by… ποικίλος (poikílos, G4164) — motley, i.e. various in character χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) λόγιον (lógion, G3051) — an utterance (of God) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἰσχύς (ischýs, G2479) — compare , a form of G2192 (ἔχω)); forcefulness (literally or figuratively) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that χορηγέω (chorēgéō, G5524) — to be a dance-leader, i.e. (generally) to furnish ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole δοξάζω (doxázō, G1392) — to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
Open source ↗ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved ξενίζω (xenízō, G3579) — to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you πύρωσις (pýrōsis, G4451) — ignition, i.e. (specially), smelting (figuratively, conflagration, calamity as a test) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ξένος (xénos, G3581) — foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or… συμβαίνω (symbaínō, G4819) — to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e. concur (take place)
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… καθό (kathó, G2526) — according to which thing, i.e. precisely as, in proportion as κοινωνέω (koinōnéō, G2841) — to share with others (objectively or subjectively) Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus πάθημα (páthēma, G3804) — something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ἀποκάλυψις (apokálypsis, G602) — disclosure καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō, G21) — properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult
Open source ↗εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. ὀνειδίζω (oneidízō, G3679) — to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus μακάριος (makários, G3107) — supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀναπαύω (anapaúō, G373) — (reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication,… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,
So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
For anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!
Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?