A changed course of life
1 Peter 4:1–6FocusGod's will rather than former desires
Connection to the wholePeter calls the readers to leave former conduct and explains the hostility that may follow when others see that change.
interpretation 1 Peter 4:16
KJVYet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Read it in context
The fiery trial
Start reading at 1 Peter 4:12 (1 Peter 4:12 to 1 Peter 4:19).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter distinguishes suffering for Christ from suffering for wrongdoing and calls believers to entrust themselves to God while continuing to do good.
- 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
- 4:13 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.
- 4:14 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.
- 4:15 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.
- 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
- 4:17 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?
- 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
- 4:19 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Peter the apostle is the named author. Silvanus is associated with the letter's delivery or composition in the closing statement; his precise role is not fully explained. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Peter 4:1–4:19): Peter instructs believers facing hostility for leaving their former conduct, urging service, sobriety, and faithfulness in suffering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect strangers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: Christian communities facing suffering in Asia Minor. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 4:12. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The fiery trial. Read 1 Peter 4:12 through 1 Peter 4:19 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Peter distinguishes suffering for Christ from suffering for wrongdoing and calls believers to entrust themselves to God while continuing to do good. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses believers facing trials and speaks of Christ's revelation as their hope. It gives no calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The opening names regions of dispersion. The greeting from Babylon should be reported as written; identifying it with another city is an interpretation. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The fiery trial (1 Peter 4:12 to 1 Peter 4:19). Start reading at 1 Peter 4:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's suffering, resurrection, and example ground the exhortation. The baptism statement in chapter 3 should be read with its own qualification and its reference to Jesus' resurrection. See 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Peter 5:13. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Live faithfully and do good under pressure, entrusting judgment to God. Instructions about suffering do not make wrongdoing by those who cause it righteous. interpretation
Cited: 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 4:19, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Peter 5:13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and mentions Silvanus as the one who wrote it.
1 Peter 1:11 Peter 5:12
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Peter.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question the polished Greek, though the letter itself credits Silvanus.
Related passages
- as 1 Pet 4:19 1 Pet 3:17-18 Acts 11:26 Acts 26:28 Eph 3:13-15
- let him not Isa 50:7 Isa 54:4 Phil 1:20 2 Tim 1:12 Heb 12:2-3
- but Isa 24:15 Acts 5:41 Rom 5:2-5 Phil 1:29 Jas 1:2-4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Peter 4
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
Serve one another
1 Peter 4:7–11FocusPrayer, love, hospitality, and gifts
Connection to the wholeThe community's response to the approaching end is practical vigilance and the use of gifts in service so God is glorified.
interpretation FocusSuffering as a Christian
Connection to the wholePeter distinguishes suffering for Christ from suffering for wrongdoing and calls believers to entrust themselves to God while continuing to do good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Peter
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
A living hope
1 Peter 1:1–12FocusResurrection and salvation
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving places the readers' present trials within their hope and the salvation announced to them.
interpretation A holy and built-together people
1 Peter 1:13–2:10FocusNew birth, obedience, and identity
Connection to the wholeThe hope leads into holiness, love, and the image of believers coming to Christ as living stones.
interpretation Honourable conduct
1 Peter 2:11–3:12FocusLife among others and within households
Connection to the wholePeter applies the calling to public conduct, service, marriage, and the community's manner toward one another.
interpretation FocusChrist's example and God's judgment
Connection to the wholeThe letter addresses opposition by directing believers toward Christ and toward continued doing of good under trial.
interpretation Shepherding and steadfastness
1 Peter 5:1–14FocusHumility, vigilance, and grace
Connection to the wholeFinal instructions to elders and the church join mutual humility with watchfulness and steadfast resistance to the adversary.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.