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].
Since, then, Christ suffered in body, arm yourselves with the same resolve as he; for he who has suffered in body has ceased to sin,
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.
and so will live the rest of his earthly life guided, not by human passions, but by the will of God.
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.
Surely in the past you have spent time enough living as the Gentiles delight to live. For your path has lain among scenes of debauchery, licentiousness, drunkenness, revelry, hard-drinking, and profane idolatry.
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.
And, because you do not run to the same extremes of profligacy as others, they are astonished, and malign you.
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.
But they will have to answer for their conduct to him who is ready to judge both the living and the 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 that was why the Good News was told to the dead also — that, after they have been judged in the body, as men are judged, they might live in the spirit, as God lives.
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 is near. Therefore exercise self-restraint and be calm, that you may be able to pray.
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].
Above all things, let your love for one another be earnest, for ‘Love throws a veil over countless sins.’
9 Provide food and a place to sleep for those [who come to your community], [and do it] without complaining.
Never grudge hospitality to one another.
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.
Whatever the gift that each has received, use it in the service of others, as good stewards of the varied bounty 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)
When any one speaks, let him speak as one who is delivering the oracles of God. When any one is endeavouring to serve others, let him do so in reliance on the strength which God supplies; so that in everything God may be honour ed through Jesus Christ — to whom be ascribed all honour and might for ever and ever. 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.
Dear friends, do not be astonished at the fiery trials that you are passing through, to test you, as though something strange were happening to 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.
No, the more you share the sufferings of the Christ, the more may you rejoice, that, when the time comes for the manifestation of his Glory, you may rejoice and exult.
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 you are reviled for bearing the name of Christ, count yourselves blessed; because the divine Glory and the Spirit of God are resting upon you.
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.
I need hardly say that no one among you must suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a criminal, or for interfering in matters which do not concern Christians.
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 a man suffers as a Christian, do not let him be ashamed of it; let him bring honour to God even though he bears that 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 the time has come for judgment to begin with the House of God; and, if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who reject God’s Good News?
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]!
If ‘a good man is saved only with difficulty, what will become of the godless and the sinful?’
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.
Therefore, I say, let those who suffer, because God wills it so, commit their lives into the hands of a faithful Creator, and persevere in doing right.
