1 Peter 4:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Wherein they think it strange, &c.— In the Syriac the words run thus: And behold now, they are amazed and blaspheme you, because you do not grow wanton with them in the same intemperance as formerly. 'Εν ω, wherein, or in which, refers to the will of the Gentiles, 1 Peter 4:3. The word ξενιζονται, rendered they think it strange, properly signifies, they are strangers; but it appears that many Greek writers used it for being astonished, or standing in admiration of a thing, as new, absurd, or surprizing: and accordingly it is so rendered in some of the ancient versions and fathers. Indeed the allusion is fine, and what obtains in many languages, to express men's admiring or wondering, as strangers do at the customs and manners of a people in a foreign country. Thus in England we say that "such a thing is very strange," when we mean that it is very surprising, or very different from what we have known, expected, or been used to. Their idolatrous neighbours and acquaintance had formerly looked upon these Gentile Christians, as of the same country and religion; but now they regarded them as strangers, or as a people whose conduct was new, strange, and surprising. See 1 Peter 4:12. Acts 17:20 and Exodus 9:6. Possibly St. Peter in the word συντρεχοντων, running, might allude to the orgies of Bacchus; in which his worshippers ran forward, like persons agitated by the furies, and, with the vehemence and transport of madmen, rushed together to the commission of the most abominable wickedness. The word αμαχυσις, rendered excess, has various significations. It is used for a puddle or sink of waters, and here may be applied metaphorically, for a sink or gulph of vice. It is used elsewhere for sloth, effeminacy, confusion, prodigality, excess, or profusion; in which last sense Archbishop Leighton understands it. The word 'Ασωτια signifies riot, luxury, prodigality, or a lewd and dissolute life: see Proverbs 28:7. St. Peter has joined these two words to express the astonishing wickedness and debauchery of the Heathens, and that even in their religious worship. He adds, that on this account they railed, or spoke evil of them: they railed at them as unsocial, and deserters of the sacred temples. Genuine converts from vice to true experimental religion, are more exposed to the ridicule and insults of their old companions than others; and indeed it was no small trial to the primitive Christians, when they were accused as morose and unsocial, and of different manners from the rest of mankind. There was great occasion for resolution and fortitude in those who adhered to Christianity; as they dared to dissent from the rest of their neighbours in matters of religion. But neither this nor any other temptation was to make them depart from truth, or practise wickedness: though Christianity was a sect every where spoken against; yet to the judgment of men they were to oppose the judgment of Christ who will soon judge the quick and the dead; for a day and a thousand years are the same to him.