Teaching Notes Book of 1 Peter Chapters 4 to 5
Hugh Wood, Atlanta, Georgia
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The first Quarantine in the USA since 1918 continues. It is Day 38.
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"The grass withers and the flower [fades], but the word of [the Lord] endures forever." Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25.
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Book of 1 Peter.
Papyrus 81
Papyrus 74
Papyrus of 1 Peter
(See teaching Notes on 1 Peter 1 to 3 for links to these papyri
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Chapters
4, 5. The Fiery Trial of Christians
Be
Armed for Suffering, 4:1-6. It was a time of Persecution.
The
special exhortation of this Epistle was for Christians to be
ready
for it. But there is comfort here for Christians who live
in
normal times; for very few people get through life without а
good
deal of Suffering of one kind or another: physical suffering.
mental
suffering, heart suffering. One of the strange ways of
Providence
is that many people have to suffer in the very way in
which
they would rather not have to suffer, have to go through
life
denied the one thing that most of all they would rather not
be
denied. Such people may very properly comfort themselves in
the
assurance that when God is bearing down extra hard in His
grinding
it is that the finished diamond may be extra bright and
beautiful.
Christian
Love, 4:7-11, the Supreme Virtue of Life. Peter’s
exhortations
to Love are beautiful. Love one another from the
Heart
Fervently, 1:22. Honor a1l men; Love the Brotherhood.
2:17.
Loving as Brothers, Tenderhearted, 3:8. Above all things
being
Fervent in your Love among yourselves, 4:8. Brothers in
a
common Glorious Hope, be real Brothers to one another in
time
of Suffering.
The
Fiery Trial, 4:12-19. Nero's Persecution of Christians was
the
direct work of the Devil, 5:8. Nevertheless, in the mysterious
Providence
of God, it would turn out for the good of the Church,
a
Trial more Precious than gold, 1:7. There have been many
Persecutions
since, many of them more brutal and widespread
than
Nero’s, in which unnumbered millions of Christians have
endured
every conceivable kind of torture. When we think of
this
we ought to be ashamed of ourselves for our fretfulness over
our
petty troubles.
Mark,
13, was with Peter at the time. He is thought to have
written
his Gospel under Peter’s direction, possibly about the
time Peter wrote this Epistle.
time Peter wrote this Epistle.
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Bible Project
Book of 1 Peter
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1
Peter 4 New International Version (NIV)
Living
for God
4
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same
attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result,
they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but
rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing
what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join
them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they
will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now
dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to
the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you
may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks,
they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves,
they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may
be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and
ever. Amen.
Suffering
for Being a Christian
12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to
test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice
inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be
overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the
name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on
you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other
kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a
Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it
is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us,
what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If
it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the
sinner?”[a]
19
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
1
Peter 5 New International Version (NIV)
To
the Elders and the Flock
5 To
the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings
who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock
that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because
you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager
to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of
glory that will never fade away.
5 In
the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of
you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God
opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up
in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be
alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is
undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after
you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong,
firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final
Greetings
12
With the help of Silas,[b] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written
to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of
God. Stand fast in it.
13
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and
so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace
to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes:
1
Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
1
Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
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Note: The Citation to Mark at 1 Peter 5:13. It may be that Mark wrote the "Book of Mark" while he was with Simeon / Peter during this time.
John Mark or Mark the Evangelist
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New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN. © 1927 - 1959, 1964
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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia
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END
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