A changed course of life
1 Peter 4:1–6FocusGod's will rather than former desires
Connection to the wholePeter calls the readers to leave former conduct and explains the hostility that may follow when others see that change.
interpretation 1 Peter 4:7
KJVBut the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Read it in context
Serve one another
Start reading at 1 Peter 4:7 (1 Peter 4:7 to 1 Peter 4:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The community's response to the approaching end is practical vigilance and the use of gifts in service so God is glorified.
- 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
- 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
- 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
- 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister 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 oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Peter the apostle is the named author. Silvanus is associated with the letter's delivery or composition in the closing statement; his precise role is not fully explained. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Peter 4:1–4:19): Peter instructs believers facing hostility for leaving their former conduct, urging service, sobriety, and faithfulness in suffering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect strangers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: Christian communities facing suffering in Asia Minor. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 4:12. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Serve one another. Read 1 Peter 4:7 through 1 Peter 4:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The community's response to the approaching end is practical vigilance and the use of gifts in service so God is glorified. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses believers facing trials and speaks of Christ's revelation as their hope. It gives no calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The opening names regions of dispersion. The greeting from Babylon should be reported as written; identifying it with another city is an interpretation. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Serve one another (1 Peter 4:7 to 1 Peter 4:11). Start reading at 1 Peter 4:7. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's suffering, resurrection, and example ground the exhortation. The baptism statement in chapter 3 should be read with its own qualification and its reference to Jesus' resurrection. See 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Peter 5:13. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Live faithfully and do good under pressure, entrusting judgment to God. Instructions about suffering do not make wrongdoing by those who cause it righteous. interpretation
Cited: 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Peter 5:13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and mentions Silvanus as the one who wrote it.
1 Peter 1:11 Peter 5:12
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Peter.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question the polished Greek, though the letter itself credits Silvanus.
Related passages
- the end Eccl 7:2 Jer 5:31 Ezek 7:2-3,6 Matt 24:13-14 Rom 13:12 1 Cor 7:29 1 Cor 15:24 Phil 4:5
- ye 1 Pet 1:13 1 Pet 5:8 1 Thess 5:6-8 Titus 2:12
- and 1 Pet 3:7 Matt 24:42 Matt 25:13 Matt 26:38-41 Mark 13:33-37 Mark 14:37-38 Luke 21:34,36 Luke 22:46
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Peter 4
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
FocusPrayer, love, hospitality, and gifts
Connection to the wholeThe community's response to the approaching end is practical vigilance and the use of gifts in service so God is glorified.
interpretation The fiery trial
1 Peter 4:12–19FocusSuffering as a Christian
Connection to the wholePeter distinguishes suffering for Christ from suffering for wrongdoing and calls believers to entrust themselves to God while continuing to do good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Peter
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
A living hope
1 Peter 1:1–12FocusResurrection and salvation
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving places the readers' present trials within their hope and the salvation announced to them.
interpretation A holy and built-together people
1 Peter 1:13–2:10FocusNew birth, obedience, and identity
Connection to the wholeThe hope leads into holiness, love, and the image of believers coming to Christ as living stones.
interpretation Honourable conduct
1 Peter 2:11–3:12FocusLife among others and within households
Connection to the wholePeter applies the calling to public conduct, service, marriage, and the community's manner toward one another.
interpretation FocusChrist's example and God's judgment
Connection to the wholeThe letter addresses opposition by directing believers toward Christ and toward continued doing of good under trial.
interpretation Shepherding and steadfastness
1 Peter 5:1–14FocusHumility, vigilance, and grace
Connection to the wholeFinal instructions to elders and the church join mutual humility with watchfulness and steadfast resistance to the adversary.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.