What happensPermalink
Believers must arm themselves with Christ’s resolve, leaving former passions to live for God’s will. Former companions may malign them, but everyone will answer to the Judge of living and dead. Since the end is near, Christians should pray soberly, love earnestly, practice hospitality, and faithfully steward God’s varied grace. Fiery trials should not surprise them. They must not suffer for wrongdoing, but suffering as Christians is no shame; sharing Christ’s sufferings anticipates joy when His glory appears. Therefore, they can entrust themselves to the faithful Creator while continuing to do good.
Why it mattersPermalink
Chapter 4 turns salvation into life. Grace calls believers to leave former desires and creates a loving, serving community. Peter contrasts shameful suffering for wrongdoing with suffering for Christ, which follows His path to glory. The difficult reference to the gospel preached to the dead reinforces Peter’s hope: judgment and death do not have the last word.
Key versePermalink
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.