Forasmuch (1) 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; (1) Having ended his digression and sliding from his matter, now he returns to the exhortation which he broke off, taking occasion... [ Continue Reading ]
That he no longer should live the (a) rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (a) So much of this present life as remains yet to be passed over.... [ Continue Reading ]
(2) For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the (b) will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: (2) By putting us in mind of the dishonesty of our former life led in the filth of sin, he ca... [ Continue Reading ]
(3) Wherein they think it (c) strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]: (3) That we be not moved with the enemies perverse and slanderous judgments of us, we have to set against them that last judgment of God which remains for them: for none, whether th... [ Continue Reading ]
(4) 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. (4) A digression because he made mention of the last general judgement. He prevents an objection, that, seeing Christ came very la... [ Continue Reading ]
(5) But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. (5) He returns to his purpose, using an argument taken from the circumstance of the time. Because the last end is at hand, and therefore we must much more diligently watch and pray, with true sobriety of mind.... [ Continue Reading ]
(6) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (6) He commends charity towards one another, because it buries a multitude of sins, and therefore preserves and maintains peace and harmony: for they who love one another easily forgive on... [ Continue Reading ]
(7) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (7) Of all the duties of charity, he commends one, namely that which was at that time most necessary, that is, hospitality, which he would have be voluntary and most courteous and bountiful.... [ Continue Reading ]
(8) As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, (9) as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (8) He shows the use of charity, that is, that every man bestow that gift which he hath received, to the profit of his neighbour. (9) A reason, because that whatev... [ Continue Reading ]
(10) 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. (10) He reckons up two kinds of these gifts as... [ Continue Reading ]
(11) Beloved, think it not (d) strange (12) concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (11) Because that cross is joined with the sincere profession of religion, the apostle fitly repeats what he touched on before, warning us not to be troubled a... [ Continue Reading ]
(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. (13) Another reason: because the afflictions of the godly and the wicked differ very much, and chiefly in three points. First, because the godly com... [ Continue Reading ]
(14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the (e) spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (14) Secondly, although the infidels think otherwise, who in afflicting the godly blaspheme God, yet the go... [ Continue Reading ]
(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. (15) The third difference: the godly are not afflicted for their evil doings, but for righteousness' sake as Christians: by which it comes to pass that the cross, seeing it... [ Continue Reading ]
(16) For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and (17) if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God? (16) The third reason: because the Lord of all the world being especially watchful over those in his household, does there... [ Continue Reading ]
(18) 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. (18) The conclusion: seeing the godly are not afflicted by chance, but by the will of God, they ought not to despair, but go forward nonetheless in... [ Continue Reading ]