1 Petrus 4
1 Da nun Christus am Fleische gelitten hat, so wappnet auch ihr euch mit derselben Gesinnung; denn wer am Fleische gelitten hat, der hat mit den Sünden abgeschlossen,
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].
2 um die noch verbleibende Zeit im Fleische nicht mehr den Lüsten der Menschen, sondern dem Willen Gottes zu leben.
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.
3 Denn es ist genug, daß ihr die vergangene Zeit des Lebens nach heidnischem Willen zugebracht habt, indem ihr euch gehen ließet in Ausschweifungen, Lüsten, Trunksucht, Schmausereien, Zechgelagen und unerlaubtem Götzendienst.
[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.
4 Das befremdet sie, daß ihr nicht mitlaufet in denselben heillosen Schlamm, und darum lästern sie;
[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.
5 sie werden aber dem Rechenschaft geben müssen, der bereit ist zu richten die Lebendigen und die Toten.
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.
6 Denn dazu ist auch Toten das Evangelium verkündigt worden, daß sie gerichtet werden als Menschen am Fleisch, aber Gott gemäß leben im Geist.
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].
7 Es ist aber nahe gekommen das Ende aller Dinge. So seid nun verständig und nüchtern zum Gebet.
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].
8 Vor allem aber habet gegeneinander nachhaltige Liebe; denn die Liebe deckt eine Menge von Sünden.
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].
9 Seid gastfrei gegeneinander ohne Murren!
Provide food and a place to sleep for those [who come to your community], [and do it] without complaining.
10 Dienet einander, ein jeder mit der Gabe, die er empfangen hat, als gute Haushalter der mannigfachen Gnade Gottes:
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.
11 Wenn jemand redet, so rede er es als Gottes Wort; wenn jemand dient, so tue er es als aus dem Vermögen, das Gott darreicht, auf daß in allem Gott verherrlicht werde durch Jesus Christus, welchem die Herrlichkeit und die Gewalt gehört von Ewigkeit zu Ewigkeit! Amen. (aiōn g165)
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)
12 Geliebte, lasset euch die unter euch entstandene Feuerprobe nicht befremden, als widerführe euch etwas Fremdartiges;
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.
13 sondern je mehr ihr der Leiden Christi teilhaftig seid, freuet euch, damit ihr auch bei der Offenbarung seiner Herrlichkeit frohlocken könnt.
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.
14 Selig seid ihr, wenn ihr um des Namens Christi willen geschmäht werdet! Denn der Geist der Herrlichkeit und Gottes ruht auf euch; bei ihnen ist er verlästert, bei euch aber gepriesen.
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.
15 Niemand aber unter euch leide als Mörder oder Dieb oder Übeltäter, oder weil er sich in fremde Dinge mischt;
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.
16 leidet er aber als Christ, so schäme er sich nicht, verherrliche aber Gott mit diesem Namen!
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].
17 Denn es ist Zeit, daß das Gericht anfange am Hause Gottes; wenn aber zuerst bei uns, wie wird das Ende derer sein, die sich von dem Evangelium Gottes nicht überzeugen lassen?
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!
18 Und wenn der Gerechte kaum gerettet wird, wo will der Gottlose und Sünder erscheinen?
[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]!
19 So mögen denn die, welche nach Gottes Willen leiden, dem treuen Schöpfer ihre Seelen anbefehlen und dabei tun, was recht ist.
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.
