Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

“"To God," is Greek dative (not the preposition and case), implying that God wishes it [BENGEL]. put to death--the means of His bringing us to God. in the flesh--that is, in respect to the life of flesh and blood.”

And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of…

“As Christ's death unto sin is the source of the believer's death unto, and so deliverance from, sin's penalty and power; so His resurrection life is the source of the believer's new spiritual life.”

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.

“Literally, "is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven." The oldest manuscripts of the Vulgate and the Latin Fathers, add what expresses the benefit to us of Christ's sitting on God's right hand, "Who is on the right hand of God, having…”

Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

“The Christian is by faith one with Christ: as then Christ by death is judicially freed from sin; so the Christian who has in the person of Christ died, has no more to do with it judicially, and ought to have no more to do…”

Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.

“"Rest of his time in the flesh" (the Greek has the preposition "in" here, not in 1Pe 4:1 as to Christ) proves that the reference is here not to Christ, but to the believer, whose remaining time for glorifying God is short (1Pe 4:3).”

Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

“However, there is no "of you" in the Greek, but simply "blaspheming." It seems to me always to be used, either directly or indirectly, in the sense of impious reviling against God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit, and the Christian religion, not merely against men…”

That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God…

“"Dead" must be taken in the same literal sense as in 1Pe 4:5, which refutes the explanation "dead" in sins.”

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

“Thus "sober" is the opposite of "lasciviousness" (1Pe 4:3). watch--Greek, "be soberly vigilant"; not intoxicated with worldly cares and pleasures. Temperance promotes wakefulness or watchfulness, and both promote prayer. Drink makes drowsy, and drowsiness prevents prayer.”

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

“It is not, as Rome teaches, "covereth" his own sins; for then the Greek middle voice would be used; and Pr 10:12; 17:9 support the Protestant view.”

If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God.

“Through Christ alone can God be glorified in us and our sayings and doings. to whom--Christ. be--Greek, "is." for ever and ever--Greek, "unto the ages of the ages."”

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.

“The Greek adds, "in your case." which is to try you--Greek, "which is taking place for a trial to you." Instead of its "happening to you" as some strange and untoward chance, it "is taking place" with the gracious design of trying you;”

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

“Let your suffering be on account of Christ, not on account of evil-doing (1Pe 2:20). reproached--Reproach affects noble minds more than loss of goods, or even bodily sufferings. the spirit . . . upon you--the same Spirit as rested on Christ (Lu 4:18).”

Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

“But--Greek, "For." "Reproached in the name of Christ" I say (1Pe 4:14), "FOR let none," &c. as . . . as . . . as . . . as--the "as" twice in italics is not in the Greek.”

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

“To suffer for one's own faults is no honor (1Pe 4:15; 1Pe 2:20), --for Christ, is no shame (1Pe 4:14; 1Pe 3:13). but let him glorify God--not merely glory in persecution;”

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel…

“Judgment is already begun, the Gospel word, as a "two-edged sword," having the double effect of saving some and condemning others, and shall be consummated at the last judgment.”

And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

“The "scarcely" marks the severity of the ordeal, and the unlikelihood (in a mere human point of view) of the righteous sustaining it; but the righteousness of Christ and God's everlasting covenant make it all sure. ungodly--having no regard for God; negative description.”

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

“God's will that the believer should suffer (1Pe 4:17), is for his good. One oldest manuscript and Vulgate read, "in well-doings"; contrast ill-doings, 1Pe 4:15. Our committing of ourselves to God is to be, not in indolent and passive quietism, but accompanied with active well-doings.”

As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:

“His higher dignity as an apostle is herein delicately implied, as eye-witnessing was a necessary qualification for apostleship: compare Peter's own speeches, Ac 1:21, 22; 10:39. also--implying the righteous recompense corresponding to the sufferings.”

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

“The flock is Christ's. which is among you--While having a concern for all the Church, your special duty is to feed that portion of it "which is among you." oversight--Greek, "bishopric," or duty of bishops, that is, overseer.”

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

“Our crown is distinguished from theirs in that it is "incorruptible" and "fadeth not away," as the leaves of theirs soon did. "The crown of life." Not a kingly "crown" (a different Greek word, diadema): the prerogative of the Lord Jesus (Re 19:12).”

Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace…

“Clothing was the original badge of man's sin and shame. Pride caused the need of man's clothing, and pride still reigns in dress; the Christian therefore clothes himself in humility (1Pe 3:3, 4).”

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

“Exemption from care goes along with humble submission to God. careth for you--literally "respecting you." Care is a burden which faith casts off the man on his God. 55:22, to which Peter alludes; Php 4:6.”

Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

“It is a sign of God's favor rather than displeasure, that Satan is allowed to harass you, as he did Job. Your fellow Christians have the same battle of faith and prayer against Satan. are--are being accomplished according to the appointment of God.”

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you…

“If He does so in punishing, much more in grace. The three are fitly conjoined: the call, the glory to which we are called, and the way (suffering); the fourth is the ground of the calling, namely, the grace of God in Christ. by--Greek, "in."”

To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

“To Him and Him alone: not to ourselves. Compare "Himself," see on 1Pe 5:10. glory and--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions. dominion--Greek, "the might" shown in so "perfecting," you, 1Pe 5:10.”