Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Peter 4

Peter urges Christians to make a definite separation from their former sinful way of life. Christ freed us from that way of life through his suffering.

since Christ suffered in His body: Peter introduced this idea in 3:18. He now explains its importance in Christian life. In our own physical suffering, we should imitate Christ’s attitude (see 2:21–24). Our suffering with Christ shows that we have identified with him (see Romans 8:17). Those who identify with Christ experience the victory over the power of sin that he won on the cross (Romans 6:1–10).

the Gentiles: Peter uses this term from his Jewish background to describe those non-Jews who do not have a relationship with God.

Peter refers to people who are now dead but heard the good news about Jesus when they were alive. He is not teaching that people have a chance to repent after death. If these people responded with faith when they heard the message, they can trust God. Even though they had to die like all people, they will live forever with God in the Spirit.

With this paragraph of final instructions, Peter brings the third main part of the letter to a close (3:13–4:11).

The end of all things is near: With the coming of Christ, the "last days" predicted by the Old Testament prophets had begun (see 1:10–12). The next event in God’s plan to save people is the second coming of Christ. His return will bring an end to the world as we know it. This end could come at any time. Therefore, Christians must always be ready for it (see also Philippians 4:5; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3; 22:10).

By its nature, love chooses to overlook the sins that other people commit against us (see Proverbs 10:12; Matthew 18:21–22; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Peter might also mean that when we show love, we reveal our relationship with Christ. This loving attitude “covers” our own sins and leads to their forgiveness (see Luke 7:47).

• manifold grace of God: This refers to the variety of spiritual gifts God has given to followers of Jesus. See Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:1–31; Ephesians 4:7–16.

• use (literally manage) whatever gift: Christians are like managers. They have been trusted by God, their Master, with gifts to be used to bring glory to him.

so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen: This doxology (a short hymn of praise) has led some people to think that one original letter of Peter ended here and that another letter was later added to it. Doxologies in the New Testament do appear at the end of letters (Romans 16:25–27; Philippians 4:20; Hebrews 13:21; 2 Peter 3:18; Jude 1:24–25). Doxologies also appear at the end of major sections within letters (Romans 11:36; Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21; 1 Timothy 1:17).

Since there is no textual evidence for two separate letters, it is better to understand this doxology as marking the end of a major section of the letter.

Peter gives Christians one final instruction about how to face the trials that will surely come.

do not be surprised: Christians, especially those trying to live in a way that pleases God, should expect hostility from this world that is full of sin (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29).

Christians are called to suffer with Christ in order to be glorified with him (see also Romans 8:17).

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed (literally, you are blessed when people criticize you): This verse reflects the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:11–12.

Although the evidence is limited, it is likely that the name Christian (compare Acts 11:26) first served as a simple label used by those who did not follow Jesus. They used it to summarize what they believed were the strange religious practices and immoral behavior of those who followed Jesus.

God’s judgment is often described as beginning with God’s own household, meaning his people. This judgment serves to purify them (Jeremiah 25:29; Ezekiel 9:5–6; Malachi 3:1–6).