What happensPermalink
Believers must share Christ’s resolve, leaving former passions for God’s will. Former friends may malign them, but all face the Judge of living and dead. With the end near, Christians should pray soberly, love earnestly, show hospitality, and steward God’s varied grace. Expect fiery trials. They must not suffer for wrongdoing, but suffering as Christians is no shame: sharing Christ’s sufferings anticipates joy when His glory appears. They can entrust themselves to their faithful Creator while doing 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.