1 Peter 4

      7-11. The end of all things is at hand. The end of Jerusalem was not far off, and it does not seem that it was given to Peter to distinguish clearly between that and the end of all things, which truly draweth near. Watch unto prayer. Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:6 1 Thessalonians 5:8 8 . 8. Love covereth a multitude of sins. Compare Proverbs 10:12 Proverbs 10:1 1 Cor. 13:7 . Love is a mantle which seeks to condone sin rather than exaggerate it. 9. Using hospitality. A duty very needful in that age of persecution when Christians were so often driven from home. See notes on Rom. 12:13;/Commentaries/PeoplesNewTestament/pnt.cgi?book=&chapter=000#_" 10. Even as each hath received a gift. All these are to be freely used for others. Spiritual gifts ( 1 Corinthians 12:4 1 Corinthians 12:28 ) are primarily meant, but the principle is of general application. As good stewards. Those to whom God has given gifts must use them, not as their own, but as God's. 11. If any man speaketh. Through a gift of the Spirit. He must speak not his own words, but speak as though they were God's oracles, speakers of a divine message. Ministereth. Let him act as one of God's ministers and act in his strength. That God may be glorified. Since all is of God.

      12-14. The fiery trials. Persecution. As though a strange thing. Christians, with the world against them, must expect to endure such things. 13. Rejoice. Because thus you are made partakers of Christ's sufferings. See notes on Rom. 8:17, and 2 Cor. 1:7 . At the revelation of his glory. All who suffer with him will be glorified. 14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ. Because you are a Christian. Because the spirit of glory. Spirit is not found in the Greek. The idea is, that the sufferer for Christ is happy because the glory of Christ awaits him, and God's spirit is with him.

      15-19. Let none of you suffer as a murderer. As an evil doer. 16. If any man suffer as a Christian. This name was now widely known, and good men suffered only because they were Christians. 17. The time for judgment is come. it begins at the house of God, the church. In Matt., chapter 25 , the righteous are judged first. If it begin first at us. If even the righteous are called to judgment, what shall be the fate of the disobedient? 18. And if the righteous. A passage quoted from Prov. 11:31 . The idea is that if sufferings and judgments (chastenings) come upon good people, what hope is there for the wicked? 19. Wherefore let them also that suffer. Let all who suffer, not for evil doing but for righteousness sake, keep on in well doing and commit their souls to the care of the all seeing and faithful God.