1 Peter 4

1 Therefore, because Christ suffered physically, you also must think the way that he did [when he was willing to suffer], because those who suffer [because of belonging to Jesus] have stopped sinning [the way they used to sin].

Christ, then, having suffered in flesh, do, ye also, with the same purpose, arm yourselves, —because, he that hath suffered in flesh, hath done with sins, —

2 As a result, during their remaining time here on earth, they do not do the things that sinful people desire to do, but instead they do the things that God wants them to do.

To the end that, no longer, in men’s covetings, but in God’s will, ye may live, the still remaining time.

3 [I say that to you] because [SAR] you have already spent too much of your time [here on earth] doing what the people who do not know God like to do. In the past you committed all kinds of sexually immoral acts [DOU], you got drunk and then participated in (orgies/wild parties) and carousing/revelry, and you [worshipped] idols, which is very displeasing to God.

For, sufficient, is the bygone time—to have wrought out, the will of the nations, having gone on in wanton ways, covetings, wine-drinkings, revellings, drinking-bouts, and impious idolatries: —

4 [Because you used to do those things], [your friends] are surprised that you do not join them any more when they participate in that kind of wild behavior [that] ([is rushing to/will quickly]) [destroy them like] [MET] a flood. As a result, they say evil things about you.

Wherein they are taken by surprise that ye run not with them into the same overflow of riotous excess, —uttering defamation:

5 But [God] is ready to judge the people who are living [now] and the people who have died, and he is the one who will decide whether he approves of what each of them has done.

Who shall render an account unto him who is holding in readiness to judge living and dead;

6 That is the reason why the message [about Christ] was preached {[people] preached the message [about Christ]} to believers who have now died. [That message was preached to them] in order that even though [sinful] people might judge them [and say that they are guilty], God’s Spirit would [enable them to] live [eternally].

For, unto this end, even unto the dead, was the glad-message delivered, —in order that they might be judged, indeed, according to men in flesh, but might live according to God in spirit.

7 It is almost the time when everything on this earth will come to an end. Therefore, keep thinking sensibly/reasonably and control what you think [DOU], so that you can pray [clearly].

But, the end of all things, hath drawn near: —be of sound mind, therefore, and be sober for prayers;

8 Most important of all, love each other earnestly/wholeheartedly, because if we love others [PRS], we will just ignore many of the sinful things that [they do to us].

Before all things, keeping, fervent, your love, among yourselves, because, love, covereth a multitude of sins;

9 Provide food and a place to sleep for those [who come to your community], [and do it] without complaining.

Showing hospitality one to another without murmuring, —

10 Believers should all use the spiritual gifts that God has given them to serve others. They should manage/use well the various gifts that God has kindly given them.

Each one, according as he hath received a gift of favour, unto one another, ministering the same, as careful stewards of the manifold favour of God:

11 Those who speak [to the congregation] should do that as though they are speaking the [very] words of God. Those who do kind things to others should do it with the strength that God gives them, in order that God may be honored by all this {that all this may honor God} as Jesus Christ [enables us to do it. I pray that we will] praise [God] (OR, [Jesus]) and allow him [to rule over us] forever. (May it be so!/Amen!) (aiōn g165)

If any one speaketh, as oracles of God, if any one ministereth, as of strength which, God, supplieth, —that, in all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, —unto whom are the glory and the dominion, unto the ages of ages. Amen! (aiōn g165)

12 You whom I love, do not be surprised about the painful things that you are suffering [because you belong to Christ]. [Those] things are [testing you as metals are tested by people putting them] in a fire. Do not think that something strange is happening to you.

Beloved! be not held in surprise by the burning among you, which, for putting you to the proof, is befalling you, as though a, surprising, thing were happening unto you;

13 Instead, rejoice that you are suffering the same kinds of things that Christ endured. Rejoice when [you suffer], in order that you may also be very glad [DOU] when Christ returns and reveals how glorious/wonderful he is.

But, in so far as ye are taking fellowship in the Christ’s sufferings, rejoice! in order that, in the revealing of his glory also, ye may rejoice with exultation:

14 If you are insulted {If [people] insult you} because you believe in Christ [MTY], [God is] pleased with you, because it shows that the Spirit of God, the Spirit who [reveals how] great [God is], lives within you.

If ye are being reproached in the name of Christ, happy [are ye]! Because, the Spirit, of the glory, and the [Spirit] of God, unto you is bringing rest.

15 If you suffer, do not let that suffering be the result of your being a murderer or a thief or as a result of doing some other evil thing, or as a result of interfering in someone else’s affairs.

For let, none of you, be suffering as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as one prying into other men’s affairs;

16 But if you suffer because of being a Christian, do not be ashamed about it. Instead, praise God that you are suffering because of belonging to Christ [MTY].

But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but be glorifying God in this name.

17 I say that, because it is now time for God to begin judging people, and first he will judge those who belong [MTY] to him. Since he will judge us believers first, think about the terrible things that will happen to [RHQ] those who do not obey the good message that comes from him!

For it is the ripe time for the judgment to begin with the house of God; but, if first with us, what shall be the end of them who yield not unto the glad-message of God?

18 [That will be as it] is written in the Scriptures, [Many] righteous people [will have to suffer] many [difficult trials before going to heaven]. So ungodly and sinful people will surely have to suffer [much severe punishment from God]!

And, if, the righteous man, is, with difficulty, saved, where then shall, the ungodly and sinful man, appear?

19 Therefore, those who suffer because of its being God’s will that they suffer [because of being Christians] should commit themselves to God, the one who created them and the one who always does what he promises to do. And they should continue to do what is right.

So then, let, them who are even suffering, according to the will of God, unto a faithful Creator, be committing their souls, in well-doing.