1 Peter 4:1

CHAPTER IV.

We should suffer patiently, after the example of Christ, 1.

And no longer live according to our former custom, but disregard

the scoffs of those who are incensed against us because we have

forsaken their evil ways, who are shortly to give account to

God for their conduct, 2-5.

How the Gospel was preached to Jews and Gentiles, 6.

As the end of all things was at hand, they should be sober,

watchful, charitable, benevolent, good stewards of the bounty

of Providence; and, when called to instruct others, speak as

the oracles of God, 7-11.

Of the persecutions and trials which were coming upon them, and

how they were to suffer so as not to disgrace their Christian

character, 12-16.

Judgment was about to begin at the house of God, and even the

righteous would escape with difficulty from the calamities

coming upon the Jews; but they must continue in well-doing, and

thus commit the keeping of their souls to their faithful

Creator, 17-19.

NOTES ON CHAP. IV.

Verse 1 Peter 4:1. As Christ hath suffered] He is your proper pattern; have the same disposition he had; the same forgiving spirit, with meekness, gentleness, and complete self-possession.

He that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin] This is a general maxim, if understood literally: The man who suffers generally reflects on his ways, is humbled, fears approaching death, loathes himself because of his past iniquities, and ceases from them; for, in a state of suffering, the mind loses its relish for the sins of the flesh, because they are embittered to him through the apprehension which he has of death and judgment; and, on his application to God's mercy, he is delivered from his sin.

Some suppose the words are to be understood thus: "Those who have firmly resolved, if called to it, to suffer death rather than apostatize from Christianity, have consequently ceased from, or are delivered from, the sin of saving their lives at the expense of their faith." Others think that it is a parallel passage to Romans 6:7, and interpret it thus: "He that hath mortified the flesh, hath ceased from sin." Dr. Bentley applies the whole to our redemption by Christ: He that hath suffered in the flesh hath died for our sins. But this seems a very constrained sense.