The First Epistle General of Peter

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- Chapter 4 -

(1 Corinthians 10:23–33)

Since Christ has suffered in the flesh, you also should be armed with the same intention. For he who suffers in the flesh desists from sin,

so that now he may live, for the remainder of his time in the flesh, not by the desires of men, but by the will of God.

For the time that has passed is sufficient to have fulfilled the will of the Gentiles, those who have walked in luxuries, lusts, intoxication, feasting, drinking, and the illicit worship of idols.

About this, they wonder why you do not rush with them into the same confusion of indulgences, blaspheming.

But they must render an account to him who is prepared to judge the living and the dead.

For because of this, the Gospel was also preached to the dead, so that they might be judged, certainly, just like men in the flesh, yet also, so that they might live according to God, in the Spirit.

But the end of everything draws near. And so, be prudent, and be vigilant in your prayers.

But, before all things, have a constant mutual charity among yourselves. For love covers a multitude of sins.

Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

Just as each of you has received grace, minister in the same way to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

When anyone speaks, it should be like words of God. When anyone ministers, it should be from the virtue that God provides, so that in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him is glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as Christians

Most beloved, do not choose to sojourn in the passion which is a temptation to you, as if something new might happen to you.

But instead, commune in the Passion of Christ, and be glad that, when his glory will be revealed, you too may rejoice with exultation.

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you will be blessed, because that which is of the honor, glory, and power of God, and that which is of his Spirit, rests upon you.

But let none of you suffer for being a murderer, or a thief, or a slanderer, or one who covets what belongs to another.

But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, he should not be ashamed. Instead, he should glorify God in that name.

For it is time that judgment begin at the house of God. And if it is first from us, what shall be the end of those who do not believe the Gospel of God?

And if the just man will scarcely be saved, where will the impious and the sinner appear?(a)

Therefore, too, let those who suffer according to the will of God commend their souls by good deeds to the faithful Creator.

Footnotes

(a)4:18 Scarcely:That is, not without much labour and difficulty; and because of the dangers which constantly surround, the temptations of the world, of the devil, and of our own corrupt nature.(Challoner)

(1 Corinthians 10:23–33)

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

Suffering as Christians

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.

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.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters.

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?

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”(a)

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.

Footnotes

(a)4:18 ℘ Proverbs 11:31