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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T P E T E R.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. IV.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The work of a Christian is twofold--doing the will of God and suffering
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his pleasure. This chapter directs us in both. The duties we are here
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exhorted to employ ourselves in are the mortification of sin, living to
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God, sobriety, prayer, charity, hospitality, and the best improvement
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of our talents, which the apostle presses upon Christians from the
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consideration of the time they have lost in their sins, and the
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approaching end of all things,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:1-11">ver. 1-11</A>.
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The directions for sufferings are that we should not be surprised at
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them, but rejoice in them, only take care not to suffer as evil-doers.
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He intimates that their trials were near at hand, that their souls were
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in danger as well as their bodies, and that the best way to preserve
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their souls is to commit them to God in well-doing.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Mortification of Sin.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 66.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh,
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arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath
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suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
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2 That he no longer should live the rest of <I>his</I> time in the
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flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
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3 For the time past of <I>our</I> life may suffice us to have
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wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in
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lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings,
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and abominable idolatries:
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The apostle here draws a new inference from the consideration of
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Christ's sufferings. As he had before made use of it to persuade to
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patience in suffering, so here to mortification of sin. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. How the exhortation is expressed. The antecedent or supposition is
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<I>that Christ had suffered</I> for us in the flesh, or in his human
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nature. The consequent or inference is, "<I>Arm</I> and fortify
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<I>yourselves likewise with the same mind,</I> courage, and
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resolution." The word flesh in the former part of the verse signifies
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Christ's human nature, but in the latter part it signifies man's
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corrupt nature. So the sense is, "As Christ suffered in his human
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nature, do you, according to your baptismal vow and profession, make
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your corrupt nature suffer, by putting to death the body of sin by
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self-denial and mortification; for, if you do not thus suffer, you will
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be conformable to Christ in his death and resurrection, and will cease
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<I>from sin.</I>" Learn,
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1. Some of the strongest and best arguments against all sorts of sin
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are taken from the sufferings of Christ. All sympathy and tenderness
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for Christ as a sufferer are lost of you do not put away sin. He dies
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to destroy it; and, though he could cheerfully submit to the worst
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sufferings, yet he could never submit to the least sin.
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2. The beginning of all true mortification lies in the mind, not in
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penances and hardships upon the body. The mind of man is carnal, full
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of enmity; the understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life
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of God,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:18">Eph. iv. 18</A>.
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Man is not a sincere creature, but partial, blind, and wicked, till he
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be renewed and sanctifies by the regenerating grace of God.</P>
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<P>
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II. How it is further explained,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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The apostle explains what he means by being dead to sin, and ceasing
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from sin, both negatively and positively. Negatively, a Christian ought
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<I>no longer to live the rest of his time in the flesh,</I> to the
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sinful lusts and corrupt desires of carnal wicked men; but, positively,
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he ought to conform himself to the revealed will of the holy God.
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Learn,
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1. The lusts of men are the springs of all their wickedness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+1:13,14">Jam. i. 13, 14</A>.
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Let occasional temptations be what they will, they could not prevail,
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were it not for men's own corruptions.
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2. All good Christians make the will of God, not their own lusts or
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desires, the rule of their lives and actions.
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3. True conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life of
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every one who partakes of it. It brings a man off from all his old,
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fashionable, and delightful lusts, and from the common ways and vices
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of the world, to the will of God. It alters the mind, judgment,
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affections, way, and conversation of every one who has experienced
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it.</P>
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<P>
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III. How it is enforced
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the
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will of the Gentiles,</I> &c. Here the apostle argues from equity. "It
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is but just, equal, and reasonable, that as you have hitherto all the
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former part of your life served sin and Satan, so you should now serve
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the living God." Though those were Jews to whom the apostle wrote, yet
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the living among the Gentiles they had learned their way. Observe,
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1. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think
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how the time past of his life has been spent; the hazard he has run so
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many years, the mischief he has done to others, the dishonour done to
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God, and the loss he has sustained, are very afflicting to him.
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2. While the will of man is unsanctified and corrupt, he walks
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continually in wicked ways; he makes them his choice and delight, his
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work and business, and he makes a bad condition daily worse and worse.
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3. One sin, allowed, draws on another. Here are six named, and they
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have a connection and dependence one upon another.
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(1.) <I>Lasciviousness</I> or wantonness, expressed in looks, gesture,
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or behaviour,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+13:13">Rom. xiii. 13</A>.
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(2.) <I>Lusts,</I> acts of lewdness, such as whoredom and adultery.
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(3.) <I>Excess of wine,</I> though short of drunkenness, an immoderate
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use of it, to the prejudice of health or business, is here condemned.
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(4.) <I>Revellings,</I> or luxurious feastings, too frequent, too full,
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or too expensive.
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(5.) <I>Banquetings,</I> by which is meant gluttony or excess in
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eating.
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(6.) <I>Abominable</I> idolatry; the idol-worship of the Gentiles was
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attended with lewdness, drunkenness, gluttony, and all sorts of
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brutality and cruelty; and these Jews living long among them were, some
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of them at least, debauched and corrupted by such practices.
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4. It is a Christian's duty not only to abstain from what is grossly
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wicked, but also from those things that are generally the occasions of
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sin, or carry the appearance of evil. <I>Excess of wine</I> and
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immoderate feasting are forbidden as well as lust and idolatry.</P>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Comfort of the Servants of God.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 66.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with <I>them</I> to
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the same excess of riot, speaking evil of <I>you:</I>
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5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the
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quick and the dead.
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6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that
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are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the
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flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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I. Here you have the visible change wrought in those who in the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:3">foregoing verse</A>
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were represented as having been in the former part of their life very
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wicked. They no longer run on in the same courses, or with the same
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companions, as they used to do. Hereupon observe the conduct of their
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wicked acquaintance towards them.
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1. <I>They think it strange,</I> they are surprised and wonder at it,
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as at something new and unusual, that their old friends should be so
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much altered, and not run with as much violence as they used to do
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<I>to the same excess of riot,</I> to the same sottish excesses and
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luxury which before they had greedily and madly followed.
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2. <I>They speak evil of them.</I> Their surprise carries them to
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blasphemy. They speak evil of their persons, of their way, their
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religion, and their God. Learn,
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(1.) Those that are once really converted will not return to their
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former course of life, though ever so much tempted by the frowns or
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flatteries of others to do so. Neither persuasion nor reproach will
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prevail with them to be or to do as they were wont to do.
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(2.) The temper and behaviour of true Christians seem very strange to
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ungodly men. That they should despise that which every one else is fond
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of, that they should believe many things which to others seem
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incredible, that they should delight in what is irksome and tedious, be
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zealous where they have no visible interest to serve, and depend so
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much upon hope, is what the ungodly cannot comprehend.
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(3.) The best actions of religious people cannot escape the censures
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and slanders of those who are irreligious. Those actions which cost a
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good man the most pains, hazard, and self-denial, shall be most
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censured by the uncharitable and ill-natured world; they will speak
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evil of good people, though they themselves reap the fruits of their
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charity, piety, and goodness.</P>
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<P>
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II. For the comfort of the servants of God, it is here added,</P>
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<P>
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1. That all wicked people, especially those who speak evil of such as
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are not as bad as themselves, shall <I>give an account,</I> and be put
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to give a reason of their behaviour, to him who is ready to judge, who
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is both able and duly authorized, and who will ere long judge and pass
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sentence upon all who shall then be found alive, and all such as being
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dead shall then be raised again,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:8,9;2Pe+3:7">Jam. v. 8, 9; 2 Pet. iii. 7</A>.
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Observe, The malignant world shall in a little time give an account to
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the great God of all their evil speeches against his people,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jude+1:14,15">Jude 14, 15</A>.
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They will soon be called to a sad account for all their curses, their
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foolish jests, their slanders and falsehoods, uttered against the
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faithful people of God.</P>
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<P>
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2. That <I>for this cause was the gospel preached also to those that
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are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but
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live according to God in the Spirit,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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Some understand this difficult place thus: <I>For this cause was the
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gospel preached</I> to all the faithful of old, who are now dead in
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Christ, that thereby they might be taught and encouraged to bear the
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unrighteous judgments and persecutions which the rage of men put upon
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them <I>in the flesh, but might live in the Spirit unto God.</I> Others
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take the expression, <I>that they might be judged according to men in
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the flesh,</I> in a spiritual sense, thus: The gospel was preached to
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them, to judge them, condemn them, and reprove them, for the corruption
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of their natures, and the viciousness of their lives, while they lived
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after the manner of the heathen or the mere natural man; and that,
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having thus mortified their sins, they might live according to God, a
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new and spiritual life. Take it thus; and thence learn,
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1. The mortifying of our sins and living to God are the expected
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effects of the gospel preached to us.
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2. God will certainly reckon with all those who have had the gospel
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preached to them, but without these good effects produced by it. God is
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ready to judge all those who have received the gospel in vain.
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3. It is no matter how we are judged according to men in the flesh, if
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we do but live according to God in the Spirit.</P>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Pe4_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Sobriety, Watchfulness, and Charity; Improvement of Talents.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 66.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober,
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and watch unto prayer.
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8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:
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for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
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9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
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10 As every man hath received the gift, <I>even so</I> minister the
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same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
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God.
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11 If any man speak, <I>let him speak</I> as the oracles of God; if
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any man minister, <I>let him do it</I> as of the ability which God
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giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus
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Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here an awful position or doctrine, and an inference drawn from
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it. The position is that the <I>end of all things is at hand.</I> The
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miserable destruction of the Jewish church and nation foretold by our
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Saviour is now very near; consequently, the time of their persecution
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and your sufferings is but very short. Your own life and that of your
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enemies will soon come to their utmost period. Nay, the world itself
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will not continue very long. The conflagration will put an end to it;
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and all things must be swallowed up in an endless eternity. The
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inference from this comprises a series of exhortations.</P>
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<P>
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1. To sobriety and watchfulness: "<I>Be you therefore sober,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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Let the frame and temper of your minds be grave, stayed, and solid; and
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observe strict temperance and sobriety in the use of all worldly
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enjoyments. Do not suffer yourselves to be caught with your former sins
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and temptations,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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<I>An watch unto prayer.</I> Take care that you be continually in a
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calm sober disposition, fit for prayer; and that you be frequent in
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prayers, lest this end come upon you unawares,"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+21:34;Mt+26:40,41">Luke xxi. 34; Matt. xxvi. 40, 41</A>.
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Learn,
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(1.) The consideration of our approaching end is a powerful argument to
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make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religious affairs.
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(2.) Those who would pray to purpose must <I>watch unto prayer.</I>
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They must watch over their own spirits, watch all fit opportunities,
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and do their duty in the best manner they can.
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(3.) The right ordering of the body is of great use to promote the good
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of the soul. When the appetites and inclinations of the body are
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restrained and governed by God's word and true reason, and the
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interests of the body are submitted to the interests and necessities of
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the soul, then it is not the soul's enemy, but its friend and
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helper.</P>
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<P>
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2. To charity: <I>And above all things have fervent charity among
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yourselves,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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Here is a noble rule in Christianity. Christians ought to love one
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another, which implies an affection to their persons, a desire of their
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welfare, and a hearty endeavour to promote it. This mutual affection
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must not be cold, but fervent, that is, sincere, strong, and lasting.
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This sort of earnest affection is recommended <I>above all things,</I>
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which shows the importance of it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:14">Col. iii. 14</A>.
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It is greater than faith or hope,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+13:13">1 Cor. xiii. 13</A>.
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One excellent effect of it is that it will <I>cover a multitude of
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sins.</I> Learn,
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(1.) There ought to be in all Christians a more fervent charity towards
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one another than towards other men: <I>Have charity among
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yourselves.</I> He does not say for pagans, for idolaters, or for
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apostates, but among yourselves. <I>Let brotherly love continue,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:1">Heb. xiii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:14">Matt. vi. 14</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. To hospitality,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:1,2;Ro+12:13">Heb. xiii. 1, 2; Rom. xii. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
4. To the improvement of talents,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(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>
|
|
|
|
(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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:16">Matt. v. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>through Jesus Christ,</I> who has procured and given these gifts to
|
|
men
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:8">Eph. iv. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
and through whom alone we and our services are accepted of God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:15">Heb. xiii. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:16;Eph+4:29;Ps+145:10-12">Mal. iii. 16;
|
|
Eph. iv. 29; Ps. cxlv. 10-12</A>.
|
|
|
|
<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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:31">1 Cor. x. 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Pe4_19"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Fortitude and Circumspection; Advice to Suffering Christians.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 66.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
I. The apostle's kind manner of address to these poor despised
|
|
Christians: they were his <I>beloved,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. His advice to them, relating to their sufferings, which is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That they should not think them strange, nor be surprised at them,
|
|
as if some unexpected event befel them; for,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+1:7">2 Thess. i. 7</A>,
|
|
|
|
&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>
|
|
|
|
(2.) From the fiery trial the apostle descends to a lower degree of
|
|
persecution--that of the tongue by slander and reproach,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
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> &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>
|
|
|
|
2. That they should take care they did not suffer justly, as
|
|
evil-doers,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
3. That their trials were now at hand, and they should stand prepared
|
|
accordingly,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:17,18"><I>v.</I> 17, 18</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+10:12;Jer+25:29;Eze+9:6">Isa. x. 12;
|
|
Jer. xxv. 29; Ezek. ix. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Such a time of universal calamity is now at hand, which was foretold
|
|
by our Saviour,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:9,10">Matt. xxiv. 9, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He intimates the irremediable doom of the wicked: <I>If the
|
|
righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner
|
|
appear,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
This whole verse is taken from
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:31">Prov. xi. 31</A>,
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+2:10">Rev. ii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
[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>
|
|
|
|
4. That when called to suffer, <I>according to the will of God,</I>
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they should look chiefly to the safety of their souls, which are put
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into hazard by affliction, and cannot be kept secure otherwise than by
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<I>committing them to God,</I> who will undertake the charge, if we
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commit them to him in well-doing; for he is their Creator, and has out
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of mere grace made many kind promises to them of eternal salvation, in
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which he will show himself faithful and true,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
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Learn,
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(1.) All the sufferings that befal good people come upon them
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<I>according to the will of God.</I>
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(2.) It is the duty of Christians, in all their distresses, to look
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more to the keeping of their souls than to the preserving of their
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bodies. The soul is of greatest value, and yet in most danger. If
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suffering from without raise uneasiness, vexation, and other sinful and
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|
tormenting passions within, the soul is then the greatest sufferer. If
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the soul be not well kept, persecution will drive people to apostasy,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+125:3">Ps. cxxv. 3</A>.
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(3.) The only way to keep the soul well is to commit it to God, in
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|
well-doing. Commit your souls to God by solemn dedication, prayer, and
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patient perseverance in well-doing,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:7">Rom. ii. 7</A>.
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(4.) Good people, when they are in affliction, have great encouragement
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to commit their souls to God, because he is their Creator, and faithful
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in all his promises.</P>
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