Exhortations to cease from sin, to mutual charity, to do all for the
glory of God, to be willing to suffer for Christ.
4:1. Christ therefore having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed
with the same thought: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath
ceased from sins:
4:2. That now he may live the rest of his time in the flesh, not after
the desires of men but according to the will of God.
4:3. For the time past is sufficient to have fulfilled the will of the
Gentiles, for them who have walked in riotousness, lusts, excess of
wine, revellings, banquetings and unlawful worshipping of idols.
4:4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them into the
same confusion of riotousness: speaking evil of you.
4:5. Who shall render account to him who is ready to judge the living
and the dead.
4:6. For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to the dead: That
they might be judged indeed according to men, in the flesh: but may
live according to God, in the Spirit.
4:7. But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore and watch in
prayers.
4:8. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among
yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
4:9. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring,
4:10. As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to
another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4:11. If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any
minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administereth: that
in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is
glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.
4:12. Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to
try you: as if some new thing happened to you.
4:13. But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that,
when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding
joy.
4:14. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be
blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory and power of God, and
that which is his Spirit resteth upon you.
4:15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a railer
or coveter of other men's things.
4:16. But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him
glorify God in that name.
4:17. For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God.
And if at first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not
the gospel of God?
4:18. And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?
Scarcely. . .That is, not without much labour and difficulty; and
because of the dangers which constantly surround, the temptations of
the world, of the devil, and of our own corrupt nature.
4:19. Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God
commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.