Have you seen Lelgee's home page? No! Then click here! Lots of interesting stuff on Revelation, Daniel, and other apocalyptic themes.
Copyright © L. L. Griffith, 1996. ISBN 0-929554-15-9. This document may be reproduced in whole or in part provided that this copyright notice is reproduced on each copy made.
Email: <lelgee@voicenet.com>1. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
Forasmuch then, 3767. Oun; this word is mostly translated as therefore, and then. Here the English is made redundant. Peter is stating the conclusion to his foregoing argument concerning the "conversation" of every servant of the LORD, and the argument's requirement.
As Christ, 5547. The only anointed son of God and son of man.
Hath suffered, 3958. See 1 Peter 2:19, 20, 21, 23; 3:14, 17-18.
For us, 5228, 2257. For the whole world, but especially in behalf of those "of us" who have received the gospel of Jesus Christ in faith and in truth.
In the flesh, 4561. In the flesh dwells no good thing because of its weakness toward corruption, Romans 7:11-19), (as the Serpent so well demonstrated to Eve in the garden, by his corrupt thinking).
Arm, 3695. This word means to furnish with a weapon.
Yourselves, 2532. Peter is speaking to the Christian "pilgrims scattered abroad."
With the same, 846. With the mind of him, the Lord. This mind... is the weapon.
Mind, 1771. Ennoia; in the thinking processes; in the mode of his thinking.
For, 3754. Hoti. A demonstrative conjunction.
He that hath suffered, 3958. The "problem of suffering" is baffling for many because they cannot associate a "suffering" of the flesh with a weakness in their thinking. Most Christian thinking about the sufferings of the Christ are limited to the idea of his humiliaton by Jewish and Roman authorities, and his pains and death upon the cross. The place where any, indeed every, "suffering" begins is in a weak mind which is overcome by a strong desire of the flesh; a lust.
In the flesh, 4561. The suffering for sins is worked out by the same fleshy part of the body which overcomes the mind to send the command to do evil, but when the evil urge is sacrificed, so to speak, - cut off at its inception - "the mind of Christ" prevails for good. Study the word list of 3563; mind. Thayer's definition: "Comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining."
The mind is a complex of these interwoven fleshy faculties. Those in the medical professions and related fields are educated to recognize these factors more readily than the average person is able to comprehend them. The principle, "first the natural, then the spiritual..." seems to apply here.
Hath ceased, 3973. To cease; to desist from (the fault in progress). In 1 Peter 3:10, "...let him refrain his tongue from evil,.."
From sin, 266. The sin; trespass; error; missing the mark.
2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
That he no longer 3371. Not still; no more. Thayer's definition: Whereas a thing went on formerly, now a different state of things has begun to exist by the "mind of Christ."
Should live, 980. Bios; to operate through the biological senses which will be governed to follow the new mind's thinking. See also 979 below.
One should not read into bios the sense of zoee, 2222, which refers to the vitality or animation of a body, which concerns its state of health.
The rest, 1954. Literally, the mortal span (of life time) remaining to him.
The answers to these questions are for the reader alone to work out, with only his Bible and a lexicon in hand.
Time, 5550. Chronos; as in chronology. Specific days of "time" are appointed to every man to exist before he passes away, like the grass. After the Flood, the LORD revised the length of the days appointed for men to exist before Death was permitted to claim them.
Flesh, 4561. Peter here refers back to Isaiah 40:6-8. See 1 Peter 1:24 where he also quotes Isaiah. This is the Word which he is pursuing in this discourse about obedience to God and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, per 1 Peter 1:2.
Lusts, 1939. The lusts of men operate and are terminable; just as the grass is programmed to germinate, grow and die in its appointed time. Lust in the flesh is overcome by gaining "the mind of Christ."
Men, 444. Human beings, both male and female kind.
But, 235. But - Peter expresses the exceptional difference between grass and men. The stages of the "nature" of the earth progress through the seasons under the government of the heavens, which do rule.
To the will, 2307. Unlike the grass, men have minds which can be made subject to the will of God. What is the expressed will of God? "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it..," Genesis 2:17. For, eating of it activates the double-mind of man. And therefore, "be ye holy, for I am holy," per Exodus 19:6; Leviticus 19:2; 20:26, and 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:5-9. This fundamental doctrine has never changed. He wants all men to hear and to obey Him; this work constitutes a true sacrifice in the spirit.
Of God, 2316. All the heavenly beings which bear the name of the Father are subjects to the will of God. Sometimes people have to be reminded that the angels bear the name of the LORD and act through His power in doing His will.
3 For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
For thetime, 5550. Chronology; the time period of days.
Past, 3928. Going past; day by day.
Life, 979. Bios; the given course of existence before death interfers, causing the course to cease.
May suffice, 713. Sufficient (of content).
To have wrought, 2716. To work toward; to work along with (a goal)
The will, 2307. As above; the will, the desires, the pleasures of an individual.
The Gentiles, 1484. Ethnos; equivalent to the Hebrew goim; meaning the people of the nations - who before had not been made subject to the Law of Moses; nor to the knowledge of Christ.
When we walked, 4198. To go (went); pursue as a journey.
Lasciviousness, 766. In having no self-restraint.
Lusts, 1939. Having strong desires for (things).
Excess of wine, 3632. Desiring more wine than a moderate drink.
Revellings, 2970. Partying at riot level.
Banquetings, 4224. Literally, drinking bouts.
Abominable, 111. Unlawful; as compared with things not permitted by ordinance.
Idolatries, 1495. Greediness, which is idolatry; worship of things that are "made with hands" by men who are self-willed.
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:
Wherein, 1722 and 3739. In all the things just enumerated as habits common among the Gentiles.
They think it strange, 3579. An alien or peculiar conduct.
That ye run, 4936. Suntrecho: to run together with.
Not, 3361. Qualifying their present conduct to not follow after former excesses of their lives.
Same, 846. This pronoun points to the Gentile habits; their habits.
Excess, 401. Overflowing, too much (for the container).
Riot, 810. Asotia. From a- (negative) and sozo, to save; meaning lack of safety from the judgment to come.
Speaking evil, 987. Literally, blaspheming, not speaking well of Christian conduct in comparison to the Gentile habits.
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Who, 3739. Who are these who? The disobedient, at the very least; but surely of those individuals among the elect of God who exceed the limit of the mind of Christ; those who also say they look for His grace and mercy, and the reward of obedience, but work contrary to their word.
Shall give, 591. To pay back the "earnest" of his calling; to render a statement; to deliver over; thus, to give,
Account, 3056. A speech; a saying. Rather like, "Speak your piece!"
To him that, 2192. Per John 5:21-23, "all the judgment has been given to the Son."
Ready, 2093. Is in readiness. The picture which Peter presents here is that of a court hearing, with the Judge sitting with the opened books for the post-trial sentencing. He is prepared to render His verdict to each named individual on the basis of the accused's account of his life. See Matthew 25:31-46 in the chapter's context of readiness (25:10).
Judge, 2919. "He that hears my word and believes Him Who sent me, has (the) life of the age and comes not [forth] toward judgment, but is passed from (the) death into (the) life," John 5:24. The life of the age is the life in which the elect king-priests of the Lord will live and reign during the Lord's millennial reign upon the earth, according to O.T. prophecy to David, as they, with him, partake in the promised glories of God.
Quick, 2198. From zao: to live. Meaning, those living.
Dead, 3498. From nekros: to be lifeless - more than three days - long dead; necrotic.
6 For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
For those who do not quite comprehend why every one called has an obligation to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ - whether only by example of habits or by the actual evangelizing of the Word, Peter makes the reason plain for their understanding.
For, for this, 5124. The cause for which the gospel was preached from the beginning.
The gospel preached, 2097. The good news of God's grace and mercy toward the sons of men, men who compose the "world" which Jesus Christ came to save through obedience and sprinkling of his blood.
Also, 2532. Even. The gospel of God was preached even to them who are now dead.
To them that are dead, 3498. See above; referring to those longtime dead who did respond to the LORD's word of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As incorporated into the teachings of "the Church," the pagan doctrines of preexistent spirits and of an "immortal soul" have destroyed a true understanding of the gospel from the minds of the majority of Christians; thereby damaging the foundation for a true Christian faith.
That they might be judged, 2919. Judged according to the worth of their dealings with others...
According, 2596. According to (their strengths and weaknesses).
Men, 444. Living their appointed natural years as men do.
In the flesh, 4561. Which left alone, always naturally corrupts through time.
But to live, 2198. Zao: to live in the holiness of the spirit.
According, 2596. But according to their faith in Christ and worthiness to God.
To God, 2316. Toward God.
Spirit, 4151. Peter is comparing the spirit of good and evil in men against the good and holy spirit of God, according to the LORD's intention from the beginning; see Numbers 14:21 and Exodus 19:6. Reflect upon the saying of 1 Peter 1:12, 15-16 and 1 Peter 2:5, 9 for the purpose of God. Peter connects this thought with the following statement about the judgment about to come upon Jerusalem and the nation.
7. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
But, 1161. De: the conjunction for which ties into the prior statement.
The end, 5056. The end; the terminal point of an age...
Of all (things), 3956. All things pertaining to the past Jewish life.
At hand, 1448. Eggizo: to draw near. Peter, an elder and an apostle of Jesus Christ, was the minister to the circumcision, Galatians 2:9, as the epistle's salutation indicates in 1 Peter 1:1. The Jewish commonwealth was terminated by the Roman wars in the destruction of Jerusalem during A.D. 70-73. Peter's Epistle is dated to about A.D. 67. As the Mosaic law and the nation's government in its order passed away, with the passing came the individual's responsibility toward the hearing - and seeing to the things - of the "new" covenant of the gospel of God through Jesus Christ.
During the era between A.D. 33 and his death, the apostle Paul had the difficult task of working to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. After the time of judgment ceased and the distinction between Jews and Christians was made, "replacement theology" then developed its claim to all the domain of the gospel of Jesus Christ, taking his honor and glory to "the continuing Church" hierarchy. The apostasy was begun...
Be ye therefore, 3767. As a consequence of the nearness of the "end of all things" Jewish coming in the fall of Jerusalem and in their dispersion into all nations of the world.
Sober, 4993. Sophroneo: to be in the right mind. This advice was first offered at 1 Peter 1:13, and amplified in 1 Peter 3:8.
Watch, 3525. Nepho: To be calm and collected in spirit, as in 1 Peter 1:13. (Note that the English translation of these two Greek words is misleading).
Prayer, 4335. Daily prayer to God, in the name of the Christ, is now made acceptable. See John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24, 26. The exhortation to a right mind and the calm, collected spirit is not advised because of the supposed nearness of the Lord's apocalypse, but is urged for the required daily purification and sanctification of the spirit. This daily work being done, the day of the Lord's appearance is awaited in the right way, without fear.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
And above, 4253. But, taking precedent over all things of this life...
All things, 3956. ...before every other commandment...
Have, 2192. Echo: to have; keeping in the grasp; to hold.
Fervent, 1618. Fervor is a condition that extends or goes beyond one's self. It is an enthusiasm that "is catching!" "I wish that you were either hot or cold, ..."
Charity, 26. Agape: the warm love of God that passes all understanding.
Among, 1519. Eis: into. The quality should be ingrained within the character.
Yourselves, 1438. As a community, for Peter is speaking to the true Christian churches of the Jews in Asia, etc., who were dispersed abroad from the holy city, Jerusalem; and from the promised land.
Charity, 26. Godly love.
Shall cover, 2572. To cover, with the idea of completely hiding what is covered.
Multitude, 4128. A profusion. Literally, a plethora (of errors).
Sins, 266. Offenses, mistakes, errors.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Use hospitality, 5382. Philoxenos: have an affection for the foreigners (amongst whom they live).
One another, 240. Reciprocate; be mutual; exchange friendship.
Without, 427. Outside; (above).
Grudging, 1112. Not to murmur or mutter to one's self; no petty comments made aside.
One can hardly claim to "Love thy neighbor" when he/she does not put this bit of advice into action. "In the world, but not of it" does not preclude showing good "conversations" to one's neighbors.
10 As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
As every man, 1538. The phrase is, literally, each.
Hath received, 2983. To take with the hand; to get hold of.
Gift, 5486. Charisma; an extraordinary spiritual gift or endowment; a grace granted to individuals for the benefit of others. In this instance, one of God's favors. Since every individual has weaknesses in the flesh but in varying ways, it is imperative that the power of prayer be utilized for making requests - asking for a favor, concerning his need to improve in the holiness of his spirit.
Each person has received this gift of God; this love Peter commends; so he affirms that the person is obliged in turn to distribute his gift to others.
Minister, 1247. To serve it; to meet its need; according to God's grace to him/her.
Same, 846. A pronoun, referring to the same gift.
One to another, 1438. The basic gift of love, used as per verse eight, as an aid to growth in love and to the furtherance of the gospel of Christ.
Good, 2570. The good conduct which excels above the evil spirited "conversation." It is hardly likely that unless one uses the first gift well that he is entrusted further with other small gifts which may enhance the ability of the evangelist. How can any "seed" which an ecclesia sows germinate unless it is planted in the earth outside the house?
Stewards, 3623. The steward - the servant - who deals well with his pounds and talents is a good manager of the household of Jesus Christ and its affairs.
Manifold, 4164. Diverse, of various sorts.
Grace, 5485. Charis: the small gift of favor granted for use under "the mind of Christ" in this "day" of small things...
Of God, 2316. Of His many and diverse "graces," the Father determines which favors shall be granted and which ones shall not be granted, according to one's necessity through Christ. Request for such favors - prayer - is now permitted (and granted) through the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. For, it is the Son's "household" that is in the process of building. Peter's instructions "to the pilgrims scattered abroad" are very much reminiscent of Jeremiah, the prophet of the LORD, who gave instructions to the captives who were carried off into Babylon by the depredations of Nebuchadnezzar.
The gift is to be used under the control of the individual who speaks or ministers through "the mind of" Jesus Christ. (Compare with 2 Peter 1:20).
11 If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
If, 1487. Any man, 1536. The Greek defines as, whoever and whatever...
Speak, 2980. To talk; to give voice; to make a speech.
As, 5613. Like in form, manner, and content.
Oracles of God, 3051. The logion of God are the brief sayings of God, as composed under the whole collection of His Word; the reema, His entire teaching. The speaker then is to speak to the point of his concern according to the Word of God which he is restating for his hearers. Presumably he speaks to the church to teach, or to convince, to correct, or to discipline in the right way, per 2 Timothy 3:16.
If, 1487. Any, 1536. As above.
Minister, 1247. To meet the need, as in verse ten.
As of the ability, 2479. Not ability of the minister, but as of the strength or might of the need for the service.
Which, 3739. God, 2316.
Giveth, 5524. Choregeo; a rare word, used only twice in the N.T. It means to fetch together as a chorus; describing many individuals who together perform with different voices to do one work. The modern English word corresponds somewhat to choreography, to set a dance work to music. Peter has chosen the word very well - all things have been placed under the Lord's direction for the glory of God. Paul uses the word in 2 Corinthians 9:10 as, "...He that supplies ... may He supply..." God choreographs all His gift-giving for every following work in the ministry of the Christ.
That God, 2316. The Father.
In all, 3956. In all the elect and in all their works.
May be glorified, 1392. May bring both glory and praise, as below.
Through, 1223. Through as a channel; a conduit of grace.
Jesus, 2424. Christ, 5547. First and foremost, the anointed Savior of Israel; secondarily, the savior and redeemer of all from the world who chose to answer the Father's subsequent call to the nations.
To whom, 3739. Who is the vital mediator, bringing all things together into the One Name of the Lord GOD Almighty.
Praise, 1391. A good report, of the honor and respect held for the Name.
Dominion, 2904. Of the force and strength which has been given to the Lord.
For ever and ever, 165. Literally, for the ages of the ages over which he shall rule as the king/priest of Israel and of God, the Father. The millennium.
Amen, 281. The Hebrew word said as a seal of approval of a covenant. Peter concurs.
12. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Beloved, 27. Agapetos; Greatly loved ones of God.
Think it [not] strange, 3579. Xenizo; to lodge, or to entertain, as a guest. The language of this verse is rather awkward as it reads in the English translation. A better way to interpret this phrase might be to say, "Do not be alienated..."
Concerning, 4012. Peri; about.
Fiery, 4451. Purosis; the burning.
To try, 3986. Peirasmos; as a trial to test one's integrity and fidelity.
Strange thing, 3581. Xenos; the adjective of the above noun: as strange.
Happened, 4819. To happen or to befall them... The fiery trial of these believers might be compared to that trial of faith which is to befall those believers who are living during the "last days." Nothing is more able to destroy a body of believers than the tactic used both by the Jewish authorities against the apostles of the Lord, and as used by the Roman authorities against the Christians, before "the faith in Christ" was made a legal religion by Constantine! That tactic of "making an example" of the leaders appears to be a tactic that will be used again by the Antichrist, as described in Daniel 11:33-35. The same method of intimidation and persecution is illustrated also in Revelation 11, concerning the bodies of the "two witnesses." Believers in the faith of Christ, during the last days, ought to be ready - prepared - at every moment - for such an horrible onslaught against both Jewish and Christian believers.
Unto you: But here, Peter is speaking specially to the Jewish Christian "strangers scattered" in the five provinces of Asia Minor. The Christian religion was not legally permitted to Roman citizens and was punishable with death. The burning at the stake, as a punishment under Roman law, was not an experience unique only to the Christians of the Roman world. The notorious Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus, was the Roman emperor from 54-68 A.D., and died as a mad suicide. Peter evidently was concerned that some Christians to whom this epistle was addressed, being weak in the faith, might be led to apostatize - to be alienated from the faith - rather than to face a trial and a burning at the stake - for the Christian by condemnation to Nero's fire.
See John's later letter written to Smyrna, Revelation 2:8-11, which describes a similar coming trial of faith under Domitian's persecution. Faithfulness unto death is a theme that is found throughout the books of the New Testament. Peter admonishes every reader and hearer of his epistle to hold fast simply because the experience, though surely not desired, is nevertheless a necessary sharing in the persecutions and sufferings of the Lord, Jesus Christ, whom we follow after. Peter would hope that "the mind of Christ" would prevail in all, with every face stedfast to the end.
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.
But, 235. But, i.e., instead of being alienated by the threatened fiery testing of faith.
Rejoice, 5463. To be in an excess gladness; to have joy and joy again.
Inasmuch, 2526. Katho; to be in accord with.
Ye are partakers, 2841. Koinoneo; you become an associate; share a fellowship.
Of Christ's, 5547. Christ, the anointed one of Israel. Both kings and priests were anointed for the respective office.
Sufferings, 3804. Pathema; HAW suggests that this word relates to the mental tortures of a temptation just barely under control, citing Romans 7:5. Certainly in the case of a double-minded man, the Lord would wish that a man was either hot or cold in his decision, and not lukewarm.
That, 2443 in, 1722. "So that in the apocalypse of his glory,.."
His glory, 1391. Peter surely is not speaking about the manner in which the Lord will descend at his return, per Acts 1:9-11, for as he was taken up, so he will come again. Peter is emphasizing only that the time of rejoicing will occur when the glory of the Lord, the cloud of shining light akin to his Father's cloud of glory, will reveal him to the world. At that time all the beloved will rejoice together with him.
Shall be revealed, 602. Apokalupsis; the revelation of the glory of the Lord. According to the apostle Paul, nothing of any present persecution or weight of burden in any way compares to the glory which the Lord shall bring unto us when he comes back to "his house." Why not, then, be faithful unto death, which is only the last burden which he will then remove from us?
Ye may be glad, 5463. The same word as "rejoice" above.
Also, 2532. Like as now, but even so more glad then.
With exceeding joy, 21. This is a state of exceptional joy beyond gladness or rejoicing. Peter seems to be anticipating the exact words of Revelation 19:7, 9. See also below, under "Happy."
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.
If, 1487. If or whether put into the danger of the fire.
Ye be reproached, 3679. To be reproached, reviled or to be upbraided for conduct becoming to the name of Christ. This "reproach" may or may not lead to the fiery trial.
The name, 3686. The word defines both the proper name and the reputation which adheres to the name.
Christ, 5547. As above.
Happy, 3107. Makarios; usually translated as blessed. "You are blessed," he says. By all means, check the word lists, (Greek, and Hebrew: 835) for the superlatives associated with the blessed of the Lord. According to Daniel 12:12, the blessed are those who wait (throughout the 1,260 days and then to the 1,290th day) and come to the 1,335th day of "the last days." So "ye are blessed," Peter says, for a very good reason - "for the (spirit of the) glory and the spirit of God rests upon you" now! As if to say, 'your adversaries will see neither God nor His glory' for long in the judgment.
For the spirit, 4151. Pneuma.
The glory, 1391. Doxa. This is the noun, the glory, implying the praise of Jesus Christ.
And of God, 2316. The Father. The two are true witnesses to the state of the blessed.
Resteth, 373. Anapauo; by resting, rests. Thayer has a very interesting definition for this word. He says, "to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect strength." This is the resting of the spirit that heals the body for the life eternal.
Upon you. You, the beloved, whom Peter addresses. Peter does not explain how the spirit rests upon one. Of two things we can be certain: He is not referring to the power of the holy spirit, as it overwhelmed the holy ancient prophets and caused them to speak forth the Word of the LORD; nor is he referring to the possession of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which as in the apostolic days, were poured out upon men and women chosen by God to receive those gifts. To what then does he point for meaning?
"The spirit" which rests initially "upon you" is that "earnest" of the spirit under which each individual is sealed at his baptism into the name of the Father and the Son. See 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; and Ephesians 1:14. This is the spirit which engages us to the Lord for the "last days" salvation and redemption of the things promised through the Son. This is the holy spirit through which the glory and the spirit of the Lord which now comforts each of us in our hope and removes the fear of death. As in "Be ye holy [in spirit], for I am holy..."
On, 2596. On the part of the adversaries.
Evil spoken, 987. Blasphemeo; evil speech; the reproach (as suggested by verse fourteen).
Your, 5209. On the Christian's part.
Glorified, 1392. Praised or honored; this glory is given to the name of God...
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.
But, 1063. This Greek word joins the next three verses to what Peter has just written in verse fourteen, providing the obverse view of specific things. The first things are carnal errors and things sure to draw the penalty of Roman law upon the convicted offender.
None, 3361. No one among the people.
Suffer, 3958. To be sensibly affected to act in such an unright manner; to suffer.
Murderer, 5406. To kill a person; to commit homicide.This is a commandment of the Lord.
Or, 2228.
Thief, 2812. One who embezzles, robs, or just pilfers another's goods. A good steward would not do so; see 3623 above. Furthermore, "Thou shalt not steal" is a commandment of the Lord!
Evildoer, 2555. One who does a single evil deed (small as a petty theft or as great as murder) which is transgression of the second law of the royal commandments.
Busybody in other men's matters, 244. Allotriepiskopos.In either language the word is quite a mouthful! From allotrios; a stranger or alien; an outsider, and episkopos; a bishop or overseer. One who meddles in the affairs of others for his own curious interest, and not because he was appointed to do so; in modern speech, a protester against things neither his affair, nor of the church. (At times in the church even one appointed to the office of a bishop may use the office as an opportunity to judge now, and thus, to "busybody in other men's affairs.")
16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Yet, 1161. But when a trial is presented.
If, 1487. If truly he is a Christian in heart and soul.
As a Christian, 5546. In Antioch of Syria, the disciples of Christ were first called by the name of "Christians," per Acts 11:19 through 12:3, during the days of the apostle Paul's ministry, whose years of ministry seems to have paralleled those of Peter's time.
Let him not be ashamed, 153. Aischune: to be disgraced. But often one's brethren view will view this type of suffering for Christ's sake as a reason to turn the back to the suffering one, as if the person is under disfavor of God. Like Job's friends, when under his trial of faith in God, this is the natural, humanistic reaction and unrighteous in love, for family and brethren to accuse or to turn away from the afflicted one. It is no disgrace to suffer for the sake of the Lord.
Let him glorify, 1392. Praise and honor God.
God, 2316.
On, 1722. En; in.
This, 5129. This refers to the supposed disgrace of trial; which is a part of the suffering.
Behalf, 3313. Meros; as a part or portion of his appointed fellowship in the flesh with Christ. But the best Greek texts have onomati; name in the place of meros, which continues the thought through as a contrast to the questionable glory which is the portion of unbelievers. Meros is favored by the translators who accept the doctrine of Christ as a substitutionary sacrifice; but there is no way that the Law's requirement for a perfect sacrifice could be circumvented or changed by the offerer, and yet be acceptable or pleasing to God.
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?
Peter's line of thought appears disjointed by breaking his words and punctuating of the text as it stands in the English translation. Why not say, 'Let him praise God in this respect, that the season (is coming) to start the judgment at the house of God..?" For they who examine themselves will not be judged for evil doing...
For, 3754. Hoti; that.
The time, 2540. Kairos; a fixed measure of a greater time. The secondary translation is season.
Judgment, 2917. The daily matters to be judicially decided... The only time in which any error may be rightly corrected is while an individual lives in the flesh. The Christian must begin to judge his own actions according to the mind of Christ. "Let a man examine himself..." and so to be ready not to come forth to a judgment of loss on account of sin at the resurrection from the dead. A thorough study of the word lists of 2917, 2919 and 2920, 2922 and 2923 ought to show one when and where "the mind of Christ" should be exercised as a judge.
Must begin, 756. To begin, to start.
At us, 575. Apo: from, i.e., those called to an inheritance in the new creation of a house of God. Good judgment must be instilled - like seeds are sown in a field, like good teaching is sown into children's minds - by the godly; who else can do the work of a holy spirit?
House, 3624. Oikos; the actual house and household; the home, whether the abode of the angels or a man's home. The principle of teaching, conviction, correction and discipline in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) is upheld by Peter as a right judgment which must be first instilled in the home.
Of God, 2316. See Jeremiah 32:17-19. When the servant is indentured (sealed with the spirit in the name of God at baptism) to serve the Lord, the same judicial process begins to operate thereafter during his lifetime. Refer back to what Peter has said in verses two and three. The answer to prayer comes from the counsel of the LORD and from the Son. This is the judgment which begins at the house of God. The ungodly, who ask no favors from God now, will nevertheless receive a judgment in the day of the LORD when His great wrath shall burn then - with an unquenchable fire - against them.
And if, 1487. Conjunctions regarding the expressed conditions, not doubt.
First, 4412. Proton; as first in the rank of those appointed for judgment.
At us, 25. Whether Peter is referring to the Jewish nation, to the Jewish "house of God" or to the "house" of Gentile converts is not clear. Perhaps to all? The phrase, "at us", seems to require a subjective application. Perhaps, the apostles?
The end, 5056. Telos; the termination. What kind of a sentence will be received by those who are adamant to remain in their sins, and who reject Christ? There is an allusion here to 5053 and 5054, as related to "death." See subhead above, "The Dead."
Them that obey not, 544. Apeitheo; those who will not be persuaded, even at the end.
Gospel of God, 2098. Of the glad tidings of God from the beginning of the world, the good news concerning the assured salvation through belief in the Son of God, Israel's promised Messiah. Now, Peter again rephrases his meaning if perhaps the dull-witted hearer may better understand his word. See Acts 14:22; Romans 2:9 and 5:3. Contrast with 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6.
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
And if, 1487. Again, conjunctions regarding the expressed conditions, not doubt.
Righteous, 1342. Those who do right to follow good law and who practice justice, yet must overcome the many obstacles which we find in the pathway.
Scarcely, 3433. With difficulty, very rarely, i.e., not easily in comparison to the ungodly. Then too, "many are called, but few are chosen..."
Be saved, 4982. Sozo: to be kept safe and sound from Death, because of their practical alliance with Jesus Christ.
Where, 4226. Questioning the place or location; the final disposition of.
Ungodly, 765. The impious who have no reverence and awe toward God and heavenly things.
Sinner, 268. Men who follow their own ways of error.
Appear, 5316. Phaino: to come forth into the light. Where will the ungodly and the sinners show up? Peter holds out little hope for those called - who apostatize under fire - who come forth from the resurrection to a judgment of impiety and sin.
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.
Wherefore, 5620 and 532. Hoste; so that, and kai; and.
Them that suffer 3958. Who undergo hardship in the testing of their faith.
According, 2596. By the decision of God...
Will, 2307. His wish, desire or will.
God, 2316.
Let... commit, 3908. To commend; set forth; to place beside.
Their souls, 5590. Themselves. Psuche. The "soul" is the breath of life which animates the body and shows itself in the breathing process. The life ought to be inspired to do good because God is good.
In well doing, 16. Doing well is taking the right course of action
A faithful, 4103. Trustworthy.
Creator, 2939. Ktistes; the founder, the inventor, the creator.