Open an explanation beneath verses with notes. Your notes and highlights stay on this device.
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
Verse 1. He that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sins. Some expound these words of Christ; but he never had committed the least sin. The true sense is, that every one who suffers by Christ’s example, leaves off a sinful life, so as not to fall into great sins. Witham.
that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.
Verse 3. For the time past is sufficient, and so forth As if he said, you who were Gentiles, have already lived too long in vices before your conversion; so that they who are not yet converted, admire [1] at the change they see in you, make a jest of you, talk against you for your not running on with them in the same wicked and shameful disorders: but they shall render an exact account of all to the just Judge of the living and the dead. For as I told you before, in the last chap. (verse 19) for this cause (that is because Christ is judge of all) he descended to the place where the souls of the dead were, and preached to them, shewing himself, their Redeemer, who judgeth and condemneth those who had lived according to the flesh, but gave life to those who had lived well, or done penance according to the spirit of God. Witham.
They think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.
They will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.
But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Verse 8. Charity covereth a multitude of sins. It is a great means to atone for them; or it may signify, that a charitable mind excuses many sins in others. Witham.
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
Verse 10. As good stewards of the manifold grace of God. An admonition to the ministers of the gospel, to employ well their talents and the graces received to the honour and glory of God. Witham.
If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
Verse 12. Think not strange, and so forth Be not surprised, nor discouraged that a hot and sharp persecution is come upon you at this time, as if it were a new and an extraordinary thing. It is what you must expect and be ready to receive with patience, and even with joy, when you suffer as Christ did before you, and for his sake: this is the way to eternal happiness in heaven. Witham.
But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
Verse 14. Which is of the honour, glory, and so forth He gives them the reason why they must rejoice and look upon themselves happy to suffer for the name of Christ, because to suffer for God’s sake is glorious, is a mark that the glorious, the honourable, and the powerful spirit of God rests upon them: for as Paul said, (Hebrews 12:6) “For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth; and he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Nothing then is more honourable, nothing more advantageous, than to suffer for being a Christian. This word is only found here, and Acts 11:26. Witham.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters.
Verse 15. Or a railer. [2] The Greek here signifies one that does evil, or a malefactor.—Or as coveting the goods of others. [3] The Greek rather signifies one curiously prying into the affairs of others, which Protestants translate a busy body. Witham.
But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.
For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God?
Verse 17. The time is that judgment should begin at the house of God. By judgment seems to be here understood afflictions, persecutions, and trials in this world; and the sense is, that the time of this life is a time of suffering.—And if first at us. That is, if the justice of God deal in this manner with his friends whom he loves, much greater will be hereafter the punishments of sinners, and of those who have refused to believe in Christ. Witham.
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”
Verse 18. Scarcely. That is, not without much labour and difficulty. Challoner.
Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.