mh_parser/vol_split/60 - 1Peter/Chapter 4.xml

<div2 id="iPet.v" n="v" next="iPet.vi" prev="iPet.iv" progress="86.68%" title="Chapter IV">
<h2 id="iPet.v-p0.1">F I R S T   P E T E R.</h2>
<h3 id="iPet.v-p0.2">CHAP. IV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iPet.v-p1">The work of a Christian is twofold—doing the will
of God and suffering his pleasure. This chapter directs us in both.
The duties we are here exhorted to employ ourselves in are the
mortification of sin, living to God, sobriety, prayer, charity,
hospitality, and the best improvement of our talents, which the
apostle presses upon Christians from the consideration of the time
they have lost in their sins, and the approaching end of all
things, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.1-1Pet.4.11" parsed="|1Pet|4|1|4|11" passage="1Pe 4:1-11">ver. 1-11</scripRef>. The
directions for sufferings are that we should not be surprised at
them, but rejoice in them, only take care not to suffer as
evil-doers. He intimates that their trials were near at hand, that
their souls were in danger as well as their bodies, and that the
best way to preserve their souls is to commit them to God in
well-doing.</p>
<scripCom id="iPet.v-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4" parsed="|1Pet|4|0|0|0" passage="1Pe 4" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iPet.v-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.1-1Pet.4.3" parsed="|1Pet|4|1|4|3" passage="1Pe 4:1-3" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Pet.4.1-1Pet.4.3">
<h4 id="iPet.v-p1.4">The Mortification of Sin. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iPet.v-p1.5">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iPet.v-p2">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;   2 That
he no longer should live the rest of <i>his</i> time in the flesh
to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.   3 For the time
past of <i>our</i> 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:</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p3">The apostle here draws a new inference from
the consideration of Christ's sufferings. As he had before made use
of it to persuade to patience in suffering, so here to
mortification of sin. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p4">I. How the exhortation is expressed. The
antecedent or supposition is <i>that Christ had suffered</i> for us
in the flesh, or in his human nature. The consequent or inference
is, "<i>Arm</i> and fortify <i>yourselves likewise with the same
mind,</i> courage, and resolution." The word flesh in the former
part of the verse signifies Christ's human nature, but in the
latter part it signifies man's corrupt nature. So the sense is, "As
Christ suffered in his human nature, do you, according to your
baptismal vow and profession, make your corrupt nature suffer, by
putting to death the body of sin by self-denial and mortification;
for, if you do not thus suffer, you will be conformable to Christ
in his death and resurrection, and will cease <i>from sin.</i>"
Learn, 1. Some of the strongest and best arguments against all
sorts of sin are taken from the sufferings of Christ. All sympathy
and tenderness for Christ as a sufferer are lost of you do not put
away sin. He dies to destroy it; and, though he could cheerfully
submit to the worst sufferings, yet he could never submit to the
least sin. 2. The beginning of all true mortification lies in the
mind, not in penances and hardships upon the body. The mind of man
is carnal, full of enmity; the understanding is darkened, being
alienated from the life of God, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Eph.4.18" parsed="|Eph|4|18|0|0" passage="Eph 4:18">Eph.
iv. 18</scripRef>. Man is not a sincere creature, but partial,
blind, and wicked, till he be renewed and sanctifies by the
regenerating grace of God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p5">II. How it is further explained, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.2" parsed="|1Pet|4|2|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. The apostle explains what
he means by being dead to sin, and ceasing from sin, both
negatively and positively. Negatively, a Christian ought <i>no
longer to live the rest of his time in the flesh,</i> to the sinful
lusts and corrupt desires of carnal wicked men; but, positively, he
ought to conform himself to the revealed will of the holy God.
Learn, 1. The lusts of men are the springs of all their wickedness,
<scripRef id="iPet.v-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Jas.1.13-Jas.1.14" parsed="|Jas|1|13|1|14" passage="Jam 1:13,14">Jam. i. 13, 14</scripRef>. Let
occasional temptations be what they will, they could not prevail,
were it not for men's own corruptions. 2. All good Christians make
the will of God, not their own lusts or desires, the rule of their
lives and actions. 3. True conversion makes a marvellous change in
the heart and life of every one who partakes of it. It brings a man
off from all his old, fashionable, and delightful lusts, and from
the common ways and vices of the world, to the will of God. It
alters the mind, judgment, affections, way, and conversation of
every one who has experienced it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p6">III. How it is enforced (<scripRef id="iPet.v-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.3" parsed="|1Pet|4|3|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>): <i>For the time past of our life
may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles,</i>
&amp;c. Here the apostle argues from equity. "It is but just,
equal, and reasonable, that as you have hitherto all the former
part of your life served sin and Satan, so you should now serve the
living God." Though those were Jews to whom the apostle wrote, yet
the living among the Gentiles they had learned their way. Observe,
1. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to
think how the time past of his life has been spent; the hazard he
has run so many years, the mischief he has done to others, the
dishonour done to God, and the loss he has sustained, are very
afflicting to him. 2. While the will of man is unsanctified and
corrupt, he walks continually in wicked ways; he makes them his
choice and delight, his work and business, and he makes a bad
condition daily worse and worse. 3. One sin, allowed, draws on
another. Here are six named, and they have a connection and
dependence one upon another. (1.) <i>Lasciviousness</i> or
wantonness, expressed in looks, gesture, or behaviour, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.13.13" parsed="|Rom|13|13|0|0" passage="Ro 13:13">Rom. xiii. 13</scripRef>. (2.) <i>Lusts,</i>
acts of lewdness, such as whoredom and adultery. (3.) <i>Excess of
wine,</i> though short of drunkenness, an immoderate use of it, to
the prejudice of health or business, is here condemned. (4.)
<i>Revellings,</i> or luxurious feastings, too frequent, too full,
or too expensive. (5.) <i>Banquetings,</i> by which is meant
gluttony or excess in eating. (6.) <i>Abominable</i> idolatry; the
idol-worship of the Gentiles was attended with lewdness,
drunkenness, gluttony, and all sorts of brutality and cruelty; and
these Jews living long among them were, some of them at least,
debauched and corrupted by such practices. 4. It is a Christian's
duty not only to abstain from what is grossly wicked, but also from
those things that are generally the occasions of sin, or carry the
appearance of evil. <i>Excess of wine</i> and immoderate feasting
are forbidden as well as lust and idolatry.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iPet.v-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.4-1Pet.4.6" parsed="|1Pet|4|4|4|6" passage="1Pe 4:4-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Pet.4.4-1Pet.4.6">
<h4 id="iPet.v-p6.4">Comfort of the Servants of
God. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iPet.v-p6.5">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iPet.v-p7">4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not
with <i>them</i> to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of
<i>you:</i>   5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to
judge the quick and the dead.   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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p8">I. Here you have the visible change wrought
in those who in the <scripRef id="iPet.v-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.3" parsed="|1Pet|4|3|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:3">foregoing
verse</scripRef> were represented as having been in the former part
of their life very wicked. They no longer run on in the same
courses, or with the same companions, as they used to do. Hereupon
observe the conduct of their wicked acquaintance towards them. 1.
<i>They think it strange,</i> they are surprised and wonder at it,
as at something new and unusual, that their old friends should be
so much altered, and not run with as much violence as they used to
do <i>to the same excess of riot,</i> to the same sottish excesses
and luxury which before they had greedily and madly followed. 2.
<i>They speak evil of them.</i> Their surprise carries them to
blasphemy. They speak evil of their persons, of their way, their
religion, and their God. Learn, (1.) Those that are once really
converted will not return to their former course of life, though
ever so much tempted by the frowns or flatteries of others to do
so. Neither persuasion nor reproach will prevail with them to be or
to do as they were wont to do. (2.) The temper and behaviour of
true Christians seem very strange to ungodly men. That they should
despise that which every one else is fond of, that they should
believe many things which to others seem incredible, that they
should delight in what is irksome and tedious, be zealous where
they have no visible interest to serve, and depend so much upon
hope, is what the ungodly cannot comprehend. (3.) The best actions
of religious people cannot escape the censures and slanders of
those who are irreligious. Those actions which cost a good man the
most pains, hazard, and self-denial, shall be most censured by the
uncharitable and ill-natured world; they will speak evil of good
people, though they themselves reap the fruits of their charity,
piety, and goodness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p9">II. For the comfort of the servants of God,
it is here added,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p10">1. That all wicked people, especially those
who speak evil of such as are not as bad as themselves, shall
<i>give an account,</i> and be put to give a reason of their
behaviour, to him who is ready to judge, who is both able and duly
authorized, and who will ere long judge and pass sentence upon all
who shall then be found alive, and all such as being dead shall
then be raised again, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Jas.5.8-Jas.5.9 Bible:2Pet.3.7" parsed="|Jas|5|8|5|9;|2Pet|3|7|0|0" passage="Jam 5:8,9;2Pe 3:7">Jam. v.
8, 9; 2 Pet. iii. 7</scripRef>. Observe, The malignant world shall
in a little time give an account to the great God of all their evil
speeches against his people, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.14-Jude.1.15" parsed="|Jude|1|14|1|15" passage="Jude 1:14,15">Jude
14, 15</scripRef>. They will soon be called to a sad account for
all their curses, their foolish jests, their slanders and
falsehoods, uttered against the faithful people of God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p11">2. That <i>for this cause was the gospel
preached also to those that are dead, that they might be judged
according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the
Spirit,</i> <scripRef id="iPet.v-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.6" parsed="|1Pet|4|6|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>.
Some understand this difficult place thus: <i>For this cause was
the gospel preached</i> to all the faithful of old, who are now
dead in Christ, that thereby they might be taught and encouraged to
bear the unrighteous judgments and persecutions which the rage of
men put upon them <i>in the flesh, but might live in the Spirit
unto God.</i> Others take the expression, <i>that they might be
judged according to men in the flesh,</i> in a spiritual sense,
thus: The gospel was preached to them, to judge them, condemn them,
and reprove them, for the corruption of their natures, and the
viciousness of their lives, while they lived after the manner of
the heathen or the mere natural man; and that, having thus
mortified their sins, they might live according to God, a new and
spiritual life. Take it thus; and thence learn, 1. The mortifying
of our sins and living to God are the expected effects of the
gospel preached to us. 2. God will certainly reckon with all those
who have had the gospel preached to them, but without these good
effects produced by it. God is ready to judge all those who have
received the gospel in vain. 3. It is no matter how we are judged
according to men in the flesh, if we do but live according to God
in the Spirit.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iPet.v-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.7-1Pet.4.11" parsed="|1Pet|4|7|4|11" passage="1Pe 4:7-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Pet.4.7-1Pet.4.11">
<h4 id="iPet.v-p11.3">Sobriety, Watchfulness, and Charity;
Improvement of Talents. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iPet.v-p11.4">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iPet.v-p12">7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye
therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.   8 And above all
things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall
cover the multitude of sins.   9 Use hospitality one to
another without grudging.   10 As every man hath received the
gift, <i>even so</i> minister the same one to another, as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God.   11 If any man speak,
<i>let him speak</i> as the oracles of God; if any man minister,
<i>let him do it</i> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p13">We have here an awful position or doctrine,
and an inference drawn from it. The position is that the <i>end of
all things is at hand.</i> The miserable destruction of the Jewish
church and nation foretold by our Saviour is now very near;
consequently, the time of their persecution and your sufferings is
but very short. Your own life and that of your enemies will soon
come to their utmost period. Nay, the world itself will not
continue very long. The conflagration will put an end to it; and
all things must be swallowed up in an endless eternity. The
inference from this comprises a series of exhortations.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p14">1. To sobriety and watchfulness: "<i>Be you
therefore sober,</i> <scripRef id="iPet.v-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.7" parsed="|1Pet|4|7|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>. Let the frame and temper of your minds be grave,
stayed, and solid; and observe strict temperance and sobriety in
the use of all worldly enjoyments. Do not suffer yourselves to be
caught with your former sins and temptations, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.3" parsed="|1Pet|4|3|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. <i>An watch unto prayer.</i> Take
care that you be continually in a calm sober disposition, fit for
prayer; and that you be frequent in prayers, lest this end come
upon you unawares," <scripRef id="iPet.v-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Luke.21.34 Bible:Matt.26.40-Matt.26.41" parsed="|Luke|21|34|0|0;|Matt|26|40|26|41" passage="Lu 21:34;Mt 26:40,41">Luke
xxi. 34; Matt. xxvi. 40, 41</scripRef>. Learn, (1.) The
consideration of our approaching end is a powerful argument to make
us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religious affairs.
(2.) Those who would pray to purpose must <i>watch unto prayer.</i>
They must watch over their own spirits, watch all fit
opportunities, and do their duty in the best manner they can. (3.)
The right ordering of the body is of great use to promote the good
of the soul. When the appetites and inclinations of the body are
restrained and governed by God's word and true reason, and the
interests of the body are submitted to the interests and
necessities of the soul, then it is not the soul's enemy, but its
friend and helper.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p15">2. To charity: <i>And above all things have
fervent charity among yourselves,</i> <scripRef id="iPet.v-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.8" parsed="|1Pet|4|8|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. Here is a noble rule in
Christianity. Christians ought to love one another, which implies
an affection to their persons, a desire of their welfare, and a
hearty endeavour to promote it. This mutual affection must not be
cold, but fervent, that is, sincere, strong, and lasting. This sort
of earnest affection is recommended <i>above all things,</i> which
shows the importance of it, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Col.3.14" parsed="|Col|3|14|0|0" passage="Col 3:14">Col. iii.
14</scripRef>. It is greater than faith or hope, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.13.13" parsed="|1Cor|13|13|0|0" passage="1Co 13:13">1 Cor. xiii. 13</scripRef>. One excellent effect of it
is that it will <i>cover a multitude of sins.</i> Learn, (1.) There
ought to be in all Christians a more fervent charity towards one
another than towards other men: <i>Have charity among
yourselves.</i> He does not say for pagans, for idolaters, or for
apostates, but among yourselves. <i>Let brotherly love
continue,</i> <scripRef id="iPet.v-p15.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.13.1" parsed="|Heb|13|1|0|0" passage="Heb 13:1">Heb. xiii. 1</scripRef>.
There is a special relation between all sincere Christians, and a
particular amiableness and good in them, which require special
affection. (2.) It is not enough for Christians not to bear malice,
nor to have common respect for one another, they must intensely and
fervently love each other. (3.) It is the property of true charity
<i>to cover a multitude of sins.</i> It inclines people to forgive
and forget offences against themselves, to cover and conceal the
sins of others, rather than aggravate them and spread them abroad.
It teaches us to love those who are but weak, and who have been
guilty of many evil things before their conversion; and it prepares
for mercy at the hand of God, who hath promised to forgive those
that forgive others, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p15.5" osisRef="Bible:Matt.6.14" parsed="|Matt|6|14|0|0" passage="Mt 6:14">Matt. vi.
14</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p16">3. To hospitality, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.9" parsed="|1Pet|4|9|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. The hospitality here required is
a free and kind entertainment of strangers and travellers. The
proper objects of Christian hospitality are one another. The
nearness of their relation, and the necessity of their condition in
those times of persecution and distress, obliged Christians to be
hospitable one to another. Sometimes Christians were spoiled of all
they had, and were driven away to distant countries for safety. In
this case they must starve if their fellow-christians would not
receive them. Therefore it was a wise and necessary rule which the
apostle here laid down. It is elsewhere commanded, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.13.1-Heb.13.2 Bible:Rom.12.13" parsed="|Heb|13|1|13|2;|Rom|12|13|0|0" passage="Heb 13:1,2;Ro 12:13">Heb. xiii. 1, 2; Rom. xii.
13</scripRef>. The manner of performing this duty is this: it must
be done in an easy, kind, handsome manner, <i>without grudging</i>
or grumbling at the expense or trouble. Learn, (1.) Christians
ought not only to be charitable, but hospitable, one to another.
(2.) Whatever a Christian does by way of charity or of hospitality,
he ought to do it cheerfully, and without grudging. <i>Freely you
have received, freely give.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p17">4. To the improvement of talents, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.11" parsed="|1Pet|4|11|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p18">(1.) The rule is that whatever gift,
ordinary or extraordinary, whatever power, ability, or capacity of
doing good is given to us, we should minister, or do service, with
the same <i>one to another,</i> accounting ourselves not masters,
but only <i>stewards of the manifold grace,</i> or the various
gifts, of God. Learn, [1.] Whatever ability we have of doing good
we must own it to be the gift of God and ascribe it to his grace.
[2.] Whatever gifts we have received, we ought to look upon them as
received for the use one of another. We must not assume them to
ourselves, nor hide them in a napkin, but do service with them
<i>one to another</i> in the best manner we are able. [3.] In
receiving and using the manifold gifts of God we must look upon
ourselves as stewards only, and act accordingly. The talents we are
entrusted with are our Lord's goods, and must be employed as he
directs. And it is required in a steward that he be found
faithful.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p19">(2.) The apostle exemplifies his direction
about gifts in two particulars—speaking and ministering,
concerning which he gives these rules:—[1.] <i>If any man,</i>
whether a minister in public or a Christian in private conference,
<i>speak</i> or teach, he must do it <i>as the oracles of God,</i>
which direct us as to the matter of our speech. What Christians in
private, or ministers in public, teach and speak must be the pure
word and oracles of God. As to the manner of speaking, it must be
with the seriousness, reverence, and solemnity, that become those
holy and divine oracles. [2.] <i>If any man minister,</i> either as
a deacon, distributing the alms of the church and taking care of
the poor, or as a private person, by charitable gifts and
contributions, <i>let him do it as of the ability which God
giveth.</i> He who has received plenty and ability from God ought
to minister plentifully, and according to his ability. These rules
ought to be followed and practised for this end, <i>that God in all
things,</i> in all your gifts, ministrations, and services, may be
glorified, <i>that others may see your good works, and glorify your
Father who is in heaven</i> (<scripRef id="iPet.v-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.5.16" parsed="|Matt|5|16|0|0" passage="Mt 5:16">Matt. v.
16</scripRef>), <i>through Jesus Christ,</i> who has procured and
given these gifts to men (<scripRef id="iPet.v-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:Eph.4.8" parsed="|Eph|4|8|0|0" passage="Eph 4:8">Eph. iv.
8</scripRef>), and through whom alone we and our services are
accepted of God (<scripRef id="iPet.v-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.13.15" parsed="|Heb|13|15|0|0" passage="Heb 13:15">Heb. xiii.
15</scripRef>), to whom, Jesus Christ, <i>be praise and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.</i> Learn, <i>First,</i> It is the duty of
Christians in private, as well as ministers in public, to speak to
one another of the things of God, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:Mal.3.16 Bible:Eph.4.29 Bible:Ps.145.10-Ps.145.12" parsed="|Mal|3|16|0|0;|Eph|4|29|0|0;|Ps|145|10|145|12" passage="Mal 3:16;Eph 4:29;Ps 145:10-12">Mal. iii. 16; Eph. iv. 29; Ps.
cxlv. 10-12</scripRef>. <i>Secondly,</i> It highly concerns all
preachers of the gospel to keep close to the word of God, and to
treat that word as becomes the oracles of God. <i>Thirdly,</i>
Christians must not only do the duty of their place, but they must
do it with vigour, and according to the best of their abilities.
The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work,
the goodness and kindness of the Master, and the excellency of the
reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and
vigorous, and that whatever we are called to do for the honour of
God and the good of others we should do it with all our might.
<i>Fourthly,</i> In all the duties and services of life we should
aim at the glory of God as our chief end; all other views must be
subservient to this, which would sanctify our common actions and
affairs, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p19.5" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.10.31" parsed="|1Cor|10|31|0|0" passage="1Co 10:31">1 Cor. x. 31</scripRef>.
<i>Fifthly,</i> God is not glorified by any thing we do if we do
not offer it to him through the mediation and merits of Jesus
Christ. <i>God in all things must be glorified through Jesus
Christ,</i> who is the only way to the Father. <i>Sixthly,</i> The
apostle's adoration of Jesus Christ, and ascribing unlimited and
everlasting praise and dominion to him, prove that Jesus Christ is
the most high God, over all blessed for evermore. Amen.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iPet.v-p19.6" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.12-1Pet.4.19" parsed="|1Pet|4|12|4|19" passage="1Pe 4:12-19" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Pet.4.12-1Pet.4.19">
<h4 id="iPet.v-p19.7">Fortitude and Circumspection; Advice to
Suffering Christians. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iPet.v-p19.8">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iPet.v-p20">12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the
fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing
happened unto you:   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.   14 If ye
be reproached for the name of Christ, happy <i>are ye;</i> 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.   15 But let
none of you suffer as a murderer, or <i>as</i> a thief, or
<i>as</i> an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
  16 Yet if <i>any man suffer</i> as a Christian, let him not
be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.   17 For
the time <i>is come</i> that judgment must begin at the house of
God: and if <i>it</i> first <i>begin</i> at us, what shall the end
<i>be</i> of them that obey not the gospel of God?   18 And if
the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?   19 Wherefore let them that suffer according
to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls <i>to him</i>
in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p21">The frequent repetition of counsel and
comfort to Christians, considered as sufferers, in every chapter of
this epistle, shows that the greatest danger these new converts
were in arose from the persecutions to which their embracing
Christianity exposed them. The good behaviour of Christians under
sufferings is the most difficult part of their duty, but yet
necessary both for the honour of Christ and their own comfort; and
therefore the apostle, having extorted them in the former part of
this chapter to the great duty of mortification, comes here to
direct them in the necessary duty of patience under sufferings. An
unmortified spirit is very unfit to bear trials. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p22">I. The apostle's kind manner of address to
these poor despised Christians: they were his <i>beloved,</i>
<scripRef id="iPet.v-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.9" parsed="|1Pet|4|9|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p23">II. His advice to them, relating to their
sufferings, which is,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p24">1. That they should not think them strange,
nor be surprised at them, as if some unexpected event befel them;
for,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p25">(1.) Though they be sharp and fiery, yet
they are designed only to try, not to ruin them, to try their
sincerity, strength, patience, and trust in God. On the contrary,
they ought rather to rejoice under their sufferings, because theirs
may properly be called Christ's sufferings. They are of the same
kind, and for the same cause, that Christ suffered; they make us
conformable to him; he suffers in them, and feels in our
infirmities; and, if we be partakers of his sufferings, we shall
also be make <i>partakers of his glory,</i> and shall meet him with
exceeding joy at his great appearing to judge his enemies, and
crown his faithful servants, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:2Thess.1.7" parsed="|2Thess|1|7|0|0" passage="2Th 1:7">2 Thess.
i. 7</scripRef>, &amp;c. Learn, [1.] True Christians love and own
the children of God in their lowest and most distressing
circumstances. The apostle owns these poor afflicted Christians,
and calls them his beloved. True Christians never look more amiable
one to another than in their adversities. [2.] There is no reason
for Christians to think strange, or to wonder, at the unkindnesses
and persecutions of the world, because they are forewarned of them.
Christ himself endured them; and forsaking all, denying ourselves,
are the terms upon which Christ accepts of us to be his disciples.
[3.] Christians ought not only to be patient, but to rejoice, in
their sharpest sorest sufferings for Christ, because they are
tokens of divine favour; they promote the gospel and prepare for
glory. Those who rejoice in their sufferings for Christ shall
eternally triumph and rejoice with him in glory.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p26">(2.) From the fiery trial the apostle
descends to a lower degree of persecution—that of the tongue by
slander and reproach, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.14" parsed="|1Pet|4|14|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>. He supposes that this sort of suffering would fall
to their lot: they would be reviled, evil-spoken of, and slandered
for the name or sake of Christ. In such case he asserts, <i>Happy
are you,</i> the reason of which is, "Because you have the spirit
of God with you, to fortify and comfort you; and the Spirit of God
is also the Spirit of glory, that will carry you through all, bring
you off gloriously, and prepare and seal you up for eternal glory.
This glorious Spirit <i>resteth upon you,</i> resideth with you,
dwelleth in you, supporteth you, and is pleased with you; and is
not this an unspeakable privilege? By your patience and fortitude
in suffering, by your dependence upon the promises of God, and
adhering to the word which the Holy Spirit hath revealed, <i>he is
on your part glorified;</i> but by the contempt and reproaches cast
upon you <i>the Spirit itself</i> is evil-spoken of and
blasphemed." Learn, [1.] The best men and the best things usually
meet with reproaches in the world. Jesus Christ and his followers,
the Spirit of God and the gospel, are all evil-spoken of. [2.] The
happiness of good people not only consists with, but even flows
from their afflictions: <i>Happy are you.</i> [3.] That man who
hath the Spirit of God resting upon him cannot be miserable, let
his afflictions be ever so great: <i>Happy are you; for the Spirit
of God,</i> &amp;c. [4.] The blasphemies and reproaches which evil
men cast upon good people are taken by the Spirit of God as cast
upon himself: <i>On their part he is evil-spoken of.</i> [5.] When
good people are vilified <i>for the name of Christ</i> his Holy
Spirit is glorified in them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p27">2. That they should take care they did not
suffer justly, as evil-doers, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p27.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.15" parsed="|1Pet|4|15|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. One would think such a caution
as this needless to such an excellent set of Christians as these
were. But their enemies charged them with these and other foul
crimes: therefore the apostle, when he was settling the rules of
the Christian religion, thought these cautions necessary,
forbidding every one of them to hurt the life or the estate and
property of any one, or to do any sort of evil, or, without call
and necessity, to play the <i>bishop in another man's charge,</i>
or busy himself <i>in other men's matters.</i> To this caution he
adds a direction, <i>that if any man suffer</i> for the cause of
Christianity, and with a patient Christian spirit, he ought not to
account it a shame, but an honour to him; and ought to glorify God
who hath thus dignified him, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p27.2" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.16" parsed="|1Pet|4|16|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>. Learn, (1.) The best of men need to be warned
against the worst of sins. (2.) There is very little comfort in
sufferings when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and
folly. It is not the suffering, but the cause, that makes the
martyr. (3.) We have reason to thank God for the honour if he calls
us out to suffer for his truth and gospel, for our adherence to any
of the doctrines or duties of Christianity.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p28">3. That their trials were now at hand, and
they should stand prepared accordingly, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.17-1Pet.4.18" parsed="|1Pet|4|17|4|18" passage="1Pe 4:17,18"><i>v.</i> 17, 18</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p29">(1.) He tells them that the time had come
when <i>judgment must begin at the house of God.</i> The usual
method of Providence has been this: When God brings great
calamities and sore judgments upon whole nations, he generally
begins with his own people, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p29.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.10.12 Bible:Jer.25.29 Bible:Ezek.9.6" parsed="|Isa|10|12|0|0;|Jer|25|29|0|0;|Ezek|9|6|0|0" passage="Isa 10:12;Jer 25:29;Eze 9:6">Isa. x. 12; Jer. xxv. 29; Ezek. ix.
6</scripRef>. "Such a time of universal calamity is now at hand,
which was foretold by our Saviour, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p29.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.24.9-Matt.24.10" parsed="|Matt|24|9|24|10" passage="Mt 24:9,10">Matt. xxiv. 9, 10</scripRef>. This renders all the
foregoing exhortations to patience necessary for you. And you have
two considerations to support you." [1.] "That these judgments will
but <i>begin</i> with you that are God's house and family, and will
soon be over: your trials and corrections will not last long." [2.]
"Your troubles will be but light and short, in comparison of what
shall befal the wicked world, your own countrymen the Jews, and the
infidels and idolatrous people among whom you live: <i>What shall
the end be of those who obey not the gospel of God?</i>" Learn,
<i>First,</i> The best of God's servants, his own household, have
so much amiss in them as renders it fit and necessary that God
should sometimes correct and punish them with his judgments:
<i>Judgment begins at the house of God. Secondly,</i> Those who are
the family of God have their worst things in this life. Their worst
condition is tolerable, and will soon be over. <i>Thirdly,</i> Such
persons or societies of men as <i>disobey the gospel of God</i> are
not of his church and household, though possibly they may make the
loudest pretensions. The apostle distinguishes the disobedient from
the house of God. <i>Fourthly,</i> The sufferings of good people in
this life are demonstrations of the unspeakable torments that are
coming upon the disobedient and unbelieving: <i>What shall the end
be of those that obey not the gospel?</i> Who can express or say
how dreadful their end will be?</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p30">(2.) He intimates the irremediable doom of
the wicked: <i>If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the
ungodly and sinner appear,</i> <scripRef id="iPet.v-p30.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.18" parsed="|1Pet|4|18|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. This whole verse is taken from
<scripRef id="iPet.v-p30.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.11.31" parsed="|Prov|11|31|0|0" passage="Pr 11:31">Prov. xi. 31</scripRef>, <i>Behold the
righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; how much more the
wicked and the sinner?</i> This the LXX. translates exactly as the
apostle here quotes it. Hence we may learn, [1.] The grievous
sufferings of good people in this world are sad presages of much
heavier judgments coming upon impenitent sinners. But, if we take
the salvation here in the highest sense, then we may learn, [2.] It
is as much as the best can do to secure the salvation of their
souls; there are so many sufferings, temptations, and difficulties
to be overcome, so many sins to be mortified, the gate is so strait
and the way so narrow, that it is as much as the righteous can do
to be saved. Let the absolute necessity of salvation balance the
difficulty of it. Consider, Your difficulties are greatest at
first; God offers his grace and help; the contest will not last
long; be but faithful to the death, <i>and God will give you the
crown of life,</i> <scripRef id="iPet.v-p30.3" osisRef="Bible:Rev.2.10" parsed="|Rev|2|10|0|0" passage="Re 2:10">Rev. ii.
10</scripRef>. [3.] The ungodly and the sinner are unquestionably
in a state of damnation. <i>Where shall they appear?</i> How will
they stand before their Judge? Where can they show their heads?
<i>If the righteous scarcely be saved,</i> the wicked must
certainly perish.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iPet.v-p31">4. That when called to suffer, <i>according
to the will of God,</i> they should look chiefly to the safety of
their souls, which are put into hazard by affliction, and cannot be
kept secure otherwise than by <i>committing them to God,</i> who
will undertake the charge, if we commit them to him in well-doing;
for he is their Creator, and has out of mere grace made many kind
promises to them of eternal salvation, in which he will show
himself faithful and true, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p31.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.4.19" parsed="|1Pet|4|19|0|0" passage="1Pe 4:19"><i>v.</i>
19</scripRef>. Learn, (1.) All the sufferings that befal good
people come upon them <i>according to the will of God.</i> (2.) It
is the duty of Christians, in all their distresses, to look more to
the keeping of their souls than to the preserving of their bodies.
The soul is of greatest value, and yet in most danger. If suffering
from without raise uneasiness, vexation, and other sinful and
tormenting passions within, the soul is then the greatest sufferer.
If the soul be not well kept, persecution will drive people to
apostasy, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p31.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.125.3" parsed="|Ps|125|3|0|0" passage="Ps 125:3">Ps. cxxv. 3</scripRef>. (3.)
The only way to keep the soul well is to commit it to God, in
well-doing. Commit your souls to God by solemn dedication, prayer,
and patient perseverance in well-doing, <scripRef id="iPet.v-p31.3" osisRef="Bible:Rom.2.7" parsed="|Rom|2|7|0|0" passage="Ro 2:7">Rom. ii. 7</scripRef>. (4.) Good people, when they are in
affliction, have great encouragement to commit their souls to God,
because he is their Creator, and faithful in all his promises.</p>
</div></div2>