1 Peter 4:12-19 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

The section repeats ideas that have already appeared (1 Peter 2:18-24; 1 Peter 3:13-17), only they are emphasized by the imminence (1 Peter 4:17) of severe trial.

1 Peter 4:15. a meddler: the original word seems to be a coinage of the writer, and its exact significance is difficult to define. It may be used politically as a revolutionary or as a stirrer up of strife in the home or society of the Christians. Again, it may be used of conformity to pagan practice, but this is unlikely in the context.

1 Peter 4:16. There may here be still the echo of the nickname, though it became accepted gladly by the Christians themselves as their title. Perhaps this passage had some part in that process (cf. art. Christian in HDB).

1 Peter 4:19. Creator: this title is found only here in the NT, and is specially significant as pointing to God as the source of all, and His will as behind all chance and change.

1 Peter 4:12-19

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

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.

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?

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.