4:1 Therefore, since Christ has ①suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has ②suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
▷ ①I.e., suffered death ②I.e., suffered death
4:2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.
4:3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, ①having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.
▷ ①Lit having gone in
4:4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of ①debauchery, and they slander you;
▷ ①Or reckless abandon
4:5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been ①preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
▷ ①I.e., preached in their lifetimes
4:7 The end of all things ①is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of ②prayer.
▷ ①Lit has come near ②Lit prayers
4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the ①multifaceted grace of God.
▷ ①Or manifold
4:11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving ①by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and ②dominion forever and ever. Amen.
▷ ①Lit from ②Or power
4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you;
4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.
4:14 If you are insulted ①for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.
▷ ①Lit in
4:15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a ①troublesome meddler;
▷ ①Lit one who oversees others’ affairs
4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin ①with the household of God; and if it begins ②with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
▷ ①Lit from ②Lit from
4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, ①WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
▷ ①Lit where will appear
4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.