1 Pet 4.1-19 exhorts these believers to remain enthusiastic in their love for Messiah and to not be surprised about any trials or testings they may encounter.
v 1…Therefore (in light of what was just said), since Messiah has suffered for us in the flesh, arm (fortify) yourselves also with the same purpose (same mind or disposition) because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (from the guilt of it; the charges and indictment and punishment has been dropped),
v 2…so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men (the unrestrained pattern of sin), but for the will of God.
v 3…For the time already past is sufficient to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles (to live with the unregenerate mindset of the non-Jews), having pursued a course of sensuality (intense sexual craving), lusts (personal desires), drunkenness, carousels, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
v 4…And in this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation (riot), and they malign you (speak evil of you).
v 5…But they shall give an account to him (so don’t avenge yourself) who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
v 6…For the gospel (Hebrew “basar”) has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead (formerly alive physically; they may have already died or were killed for their faith); that though they are judged in the flesh by men (unregenerate, unbelieving men) they may live in the spirit according to God (eternally in the Olam Haba).
v 7…The end of all things is at hand (fleshly things as far as they were concerned according to the context of v 1-6). Therefore, be of sound judgment and sober for the purpose of prayer (be watching for what to pray for; maintain a proper perspective about life; be serious).
v 8…Above all, keep fervent (enthusiastic) in your love (in action) for one another because love (in action) covers a multitude of sins (overlooks the sins of others against a believer; be ready to forgive).
v 9…Be hospitable (love of others) to one another without complaint (murmuring).
v 10…As each one has received a gift (a spiritual gift-Rom 12.3-8; 1 Cor 12.4-10), employ it in serving one another (minister among yourselves), as good stewards of the manifold (many phases) of the grace of God (from where all blessings come from).
v 11…Whoever speaks (this is how to apply a specific gift of public ministry of the word), as it were, the utterance of God (the oracles in their context); whosoever serves, as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified (be honored; deserving of the highest regard) through Yeshua the Messiah, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (to be trusted).
v 12…Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you (it was common; it happens to all of God’s people through the years), which comes upon you for your testing (of your faith through adverse circumstances), as though some strange thing were happening to you (not unusual).
v 13…But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Messiah, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation (Greek “apocalypsei”) of his glory (at Yom Ha Din, the day of judgment) you may rejoice with exultation (when the Olam Ha Zeh passes away into the Olam Haba).
v 14…If you are reviled for the name of Messiah (on account of him, you are blessed (empowered to succeed), because the spirit of glory (the Ruach Ha Kodesh) and of God rests on you; on their part (who reproach God) he is evil spoken of. But on your part he is glorified (bearing a testimony of the favor of God).
v 15…By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler (a busybody);
v 16…but if as a Christian (the Greek term was used in Greek-speaking areas like Antioch, etc; in the first century this was a term of ridicule-Acts 11.26, 26.18; these believers were Torah observant and had little resemblance to the term today), let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God (the Hebrew term for this is “Mashiachim”).
v 17…Because the time (has come) to begin the judgment from the house of God (Yeshua’s prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple); and if it begins with us first (also includes the Jewish people who believe), what shall be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel (basar) of God (unbelieving Israel)?
v 18…And if it the righteous (tzadikim) is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly (rashim) and the sinner (chataim) appear (if the righteous are chastened for sin and transgressions, how much more the wicked and sinner-a quote from the Septuagint of Prov 11.31).
v 19…Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right (when it comes time to suffer affliction, believers should entrust their case to God).
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