Verse 1
[1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
To the sojourners — Upon earth, the Christians, chiefly those of Jewish extraction.
Scattered — Long ago driven out of their own land. Those scattered by the persecution mentioned Acts 8:1, were scattered only through Judea and Samaria, though afterwards some of them travelled to Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch.
Through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia — He names these five provinces in the order wherein they occurred to him, writing from the east. All these countries lie in the Lesser Asia. The Asia here distinguished from the other provinces is that which was usually called the Proconsular Asia being a Roman province.
Verse 2
[2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
According to the foreknowledge of God — Speaking after the manner of men. Strictly speaking, there is no foreknowledge, no more than afterknowledge, with God: but all things are known to him as present from eternity to eternity. This is therefore no other than an instance of the divine condescension to our low capacities.
Elect — By the free love and almighty power of God taken out of, separated from, the world. Election, in the scripture sense, is God's doing anything that our merit or power have no part in. The true predestination, or fore-appointment of God is, 1. He that believeth shall be saved from the guilt and power of sin. 2. He that endureth to the end shall be saved eternally. 3. They who receive the precious gift of faith, thereby become the sons of God; and, being sons, they shall receive the Spirit of holiness to walk as Christ also walked. Throughout every part of this appointment of God, promise and duty go hand in hand. All is free gift; and yet such is the gift, that the final issue depends on our future obedience to the heavenly call. But other predestination than this, either to life or death eternal, the scripture knows not of. Moreover, it is. 1. Cruel respect of persons; an unjust regard of one, and an unjust disregard of another. It is mere creature partiality, and not infinite justice. 2. It is not plain scripture doctrine, if true; but rather, inconsistent with the express written word, that speaks of God's universal offers of grace; his invitations, promises, threatenings, being all general. 3. We are bid to choose life, and reprehended for not doing it. 4. It is inconsistent with a state of probation in those that must be saved or must be lost. 5. It is of fatal consequence; all men being ready, on very slight grounds, to fancy themselves of the elect number. But the doctrine of predestination is entirely changed from what it formerly was. Now it implies neither faith, peace, nor purity. It is something that will do without them all. Faith is no longer, according to the modern predestinarian scheme, a divine "evidence of things not seen," wrought in the soul by the immediate power of the Holy Ghost; not an evidence at all; but a mere notion. Neither is faith made any longer a means of holiness; but something that will do without it. Christ is no more a Saviour from sin; but a defence, a countenancer of it. He is no more a fountain of spiritual life in the soul of believers, but leaves his elect inwardly dry, and outwardly unfruitful; and is made little more than a refuge from the image of the heavenly; even from righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Through sanctification of the Spirit — Through the renewing and purifying influences of his Spirit on their souls.
Unto obedience — To engage and enable them to yield themselves up to all holy obedience, the foundation of all which is, the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ - The atoning blood of Christ, which was typified by the sprinkling of the blood of sacrifices under the law; in allusion to which it is called "the blood of sprinkling."
Verse 3
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ — His Father, with respect to his divine nature; his God, with respect to his human.
Who hath regenerated us to a living hope — An hope which implies true spiritual life, which revives the heart, and makes the soul lively and vigorous.
By the resurrection of Christ — Which is not only a pledge of ours, but a part of the purchase-price. It has also a close connexion with our rising from spiritual death, that as he liveth, so shall we live with him. He was acknowledged to be the Christ, but usually called Jesus till his resurrection; then he was also called Christ.
Verse 4
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
To an inheritance — For if we are sons, then heirs.
Incorruptible — Not like earthly treasures.
Undefiled — Pure and holy, incapable of being itself defiled, or of being enjoyed by any polluted soul.
And that fadeth not away — That never decays in its value, sweetness, or beauty, like all the enjoyments of this world, like the garlands of leaves or flowers, with which the ancient conquerors were wont to be crowned.
Reserved in heaven for you — Who "by patient continuance in welldoing, seek for glory and honour and immortality."
Verse 5
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Who are kept — The inheritance is reserved; the heirs are kept for it.
By the power of God — Which worketh all in all, which guards us against all our enemies.
Through faith — Through which alone salvation is both received and retained.
Ready to be revealed — That revelation is made in the last day. It was more and more ready to be revealed, ever since Christ came.
Verse 6
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Wherein — That is, in being so kept. Ye even now greatly rejoice, though now for a little while - Such is our whole life, compared to eternity.
If need be — For it is not always needful. If God sees it to be the best means for your spiritual profit.
Ye are in heaviness — Or sorrow; but not in darkness; for they still retained both faith, 1 Peter 1:5, hope, and love; yea, at this very time were rejoicing with joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8.
Verse 7
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
That the trial of your faith — That is, your faith which is tried.
Which is much more precious than gold — For gold, though it bear the fire, yet will perish with the world.
May be found — Though it doth not yet appear.
Unto praise — From God himself.
And honour — From men and angels.
And glory — Assigned by the great Judge.
Verse 8
[8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Having not seen — In the flesh.
Verse 9
[9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Receiving — Now already.
Salvation — From all sin into all holiness, which is the qualification for, the forerunner and pledge of, eternal salvation.
Verse 10
[10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Of which salvation — So far beyond all that was experienced under the Jewish dispensation. The very prophets who prophesied long ago of the grace of God toward you - Of his abundant, overflowing grace to be bestowed on believers under the Christian dispensation.
Inquired — Were earnestly inquisitive.
And searched diligently — Like miners searching after precious ore, after the meaning of the prophecies which they delivered.
Verse 11
[11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Searching what time — What particular period.
And what manner of time — By what marks to be distinguished.
The glories that were to follow — His sufferings; namely, the glory of his resurrection, ascension, exaltation, and the effusion of his Spirit; the glory of the last judgment, and of his eternal kingdom; and also the glories of his grace in the hearts and lives of Christians.
Verse 12
[12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
To whom — So searching.
It was revealed, that not for themselves, but for us they ministered — They did not so much by those predictions serve themselves, or that generation, as they did us, who now enjoy what they saw afar off.
With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven — Confirmed by the inward, powerful testimony of the Holy Ghost, as well as the mighty effusion of his miraculous gifts.
Which things angels desire to look into — A beautiful gradation; prophets, righteous men, kings, desired to see and hear what Christ did and taught. What the Holy Ghost taught concerning Christ the very angels long to know.
Verse 13
[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Wherefore — Having such encouragement.
Gird up the loins of your mind — As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you.
Be watchful — As servants that wait for their Lord.
And hope to the end — Maintain a full expectation of all the grace - The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ - And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.
Verse 14
[14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Your desires — Which ye had while ye were ignorant of God.
Verse 16
[16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Verse 17
[17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Who judgeth according to every man's work — According to the tenor of his life and conversation.
Pass the time of your sojourning — Your short abode on earth. In humble, loving fear - The proper companion and guard of hope.
Verse 18
[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
Your vain conversation — Your foolish, sinful way of life.
Verse 19
[19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Without blemish — In himself.
Without spot — From the world.
Verse 21
[21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Who through him believe — For all our faith and hope proceed from the power of his resurrection. In God that raised Jesus, and gave him glory - At his ascension. Without Christ we should only dread God; whereas through him we believe, hope, and love.
Verse 22
[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Having purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit, who bestows upon you freely, both obedience and purity of heart, and unfeigned love of the brethren, go on to still higher degrees of love.
Love one another fervently — With the most strong and tender affection; and yet with a pure heart - Pure from any spot of unholy desire or inordinate passion.
Verse 23
[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Which liveth — Is full of divine virtue. And abideth the same for ever.
Verse 24
[24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
All flesh — Every human creature is transient and withering as grass. And all the glory of it - His wisdom, strength, wealth, righteousness.
As the flower — The most short-lived part of it.
The grass — That is, man.
The flower — That is, his glory.
Is fallen off — As it were, while we are speaking. Isaiah 40:6, etc.
***
Verse 1
[1] Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
Wherefore laying aside — As inconsistent with that pure love.
All dissimulation — Which is the outward expression of guile in the heart.
Verse 2
[2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Desire — Always, as earnestly as new born babes do, 1 Peter 1:3.
The milk of the word — That word of God which nourishes the soul as milk does the body, and which is sincere, pure from all guile, so that none are deceived who cleave to it.
That you may grow thereby — In faith, love, holiness, unto the full stature of Christ.
Verse 3
[3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Since ye have tasted — Sweetly and experimentally known.
Verse 4
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
To whom coming — By faith.
As unto a living stone — Living from eternity; alive from the dead. There is a wonderful beauty and energy in these expressions, which describe Christ as a spiritual foundation, solid, firm, durable; and believers as a building erected upon it, in preference to that temple which the Jews accounted their highest glory. And St. Peter speaking of him thus, shows he did not judge himself, but Christ, to be the rock on which the church was built.
Rejected indeed by men — Even at this day, not only by Jews, Turks, heathens, infidels; but by all Christians, so called, who live in sin, or who hope to be saved by their own works.
But chosen of God — From all eternity, to be the foundation of his church.
And precious — In himself, in the sight of God, and in the eyes of all believers.
Verse 5
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Ye — Believers.
As living stones — Alive to God through him.
Are built up — In union with each other.
A spiritual house — Being spiritual yourselves, and an habitation of God through the Spirit.
An holy priesthood — Consecrated to God, and "holy as he is holy." To offer up - Your souls and bodies, with all your thoughts, words, and actions, as spiritual sacrifices to God.
Verse 6
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
He that believeth shall not be confounded — In time or in eternity. Isaiah 28:16.
Verse 7
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
To them who believe, he is become the head of the corner — The chief corner stone, on which the whole building rests. Unbelievers too will at length find him such to their sorrow, Matthew 21:44. Psalms 118:22.
Verse 8
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Who stumble, whereunto also they were appointed — They who believe not, stumble, and fall, and perish for ever; God having appointed from all eternity, "he that believeth not shall be damned."
Verse 9
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
But ye — Who believe in Christ Are - In a higher sense than ever the Jews were. A chosen or elect race, a royal priesthood - "Kings and priests unto God," Revelation 1:6. As princes, ye have power with God, and victory over sin, the world, and the devil: as priests, ye are consecrated to God, for offering spiritual sacrifices. Ye Christians are as one holy nation, under Christ your King.
A purchased people — Who are his peculiar property.
That ye may show forth — By your whole behaviour, to all mankind.
The virtues — The excellent glory, the mercy, wisdom, and power of him, Christ, who hath called you out of the darkness of ignorance, error, sin, and misery.
Verse 10
[10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Who in time past were not a people — Much less the people of God; but scattered individuals of many nations. The former part of the verse particularly respects the gentiles; the latter, the Jews.
Verse 11
[11] Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Here begins the exhortation drawn from the second motive.
Sojourners: pilgrims — The first word properly means, those who are in a strange house; the second, those who are in a strange country. You sojourn in the body; you are pilgrims in this world. Abstain from desires of anything in this house, or in this country.
Verse 12
[12] Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Honest — Not barely unblamable, but virtuous in every respect. But our language sinks under the force, beauty, and copiousness of the original expressions.
That they by your good works which they shall behold— See with their own eyes.
May glorify God — By owning his grace in you, and following your example.
In the day of visitation — The time when he shall give them fresh offers of his mercy.
Verse 13
[13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man — To every secular power. Instrumentally these are ordained by men; but originally all their power is from God.
Verse 14
[14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Or to subordinate governors, or magistrates.
Verse 15
[15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
The ignorance — Of them who blame you, because they do not know you: a strong motive to pity them.
Verse 16
[16] As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
As free — Yet obeying governors, for God's sake.
Verse 17
[17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Honour all men — As being made in the image of God, bought by his Son, and designed for his kingdom.
Honour the king — Pay him all that regard both in affection and action which the laws of God and man require.
Verse 18
[18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
Servants — Literally, household servants. With all fear - Of offending them or God.
Not only to the good — Tender, kind.
And gentle — Mild, easily forgiving.
Verse 19
[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
For conscience toward God — From a pure desire of pleasing him.
Grief — Severe treatment.
Verse 21
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Hereunto are ye — Christians.
Called — To suffer wrongfully.
Leaving you an example — When he went to God.
That ye might follow his steps — Of innocence and patience.
Verses 22-23
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
In all these instances the example of Christ is peculiarly adapted to the state of servants, who easily slide either into sin or guile, reviling their fellowservants, or threatening them, the natural result of anger without power.
He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously— The only solid ground of patience in affliction. Isaiah 53:4,6,7,9.
Verse 24
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Who himself bore our sins — That is, the punishment due to them. In his afflicted, torn, dying body on the tree - The cross, whereon chiefly slaves or servants were wont to suffer.
That we being dead to sin — Wholly delivered both from the guilt and power of it: indeed, without an atonement first made for the guilt, we could never have been delivered from the power.
Might live to righteousness — Which is one only. The sins we had committed, and he bore, were manifold.
Verse 25
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The bishop — The kind observer, inspector, or overseer of your souls.
***
Verse 1
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
If any — He speaks tenderly.
Won — Gained over to Christ.
Verse 2
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Joined with a loving fear of displeasing them.
Verse 3
[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Three things are here expressly forbidden: curling the hair, wearing gold, (by way of ornament,) and putting on costly or gay apparel. These, therefore, ought never to be allowed, much less defended, by Christians.
Verse 4
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
The hidden man of the heart — Complete inward holiness, which implies a meek and quiet spirit. A meek spirit gives no trouble willingly to any: a quiet spirit bears all wrongs without being troubled.
In the sight of God — Who looks at the heart. All superfluity of dress contributes more to pride and anger than is generally supposed. The apostle seems to have his eye to this by substituting meekness and quietness in the room of the ornaments he forbids. "I do not regard these things," is often said by those whose hearts are wrapped up in them: but offer to take them away, and you touch the very idol of their soul. Some, indeed only dress elegantly that they may be looked on; that is, they squander away their Lord's talent to gain applause: thus making sin to beget sin, and then plead one in excuse of the other.
Verse 5
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
The adorning of those holy women, who trusted in God, and therefore did not act thus from servile fear, was, 1. Their meek subjection to their husbands: 2. Their quiet spirit, "not afraid," or amazed: and 3. Their unblamable behaviour, "doing" all things "well."
Verse 6
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Whose children ye are — In a spiritual as well as natural sense, and entitled to the same inheritance, while ye discharge your conjugal duties, not out of fear, but for conscience' sake. Genesis 18:12.
Verse 7
[7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Dwell with the woman according to knowledge — Knowing they are weak, and therefore to be used with all tenderness. Yet do not despise them for this, but give them honour - Both in heart, in word, and in action; as those who are called to be joint-heirs of that eternal life which ye and they hope to receive by the free grace of God.
That your prayers be not hindered — On the one part or the other. All sin hinders prayer; particularly anger. Anything at which we are angry is never more apt to come into our mind than when we are at prayer; and those who do not forgive will find no forgiveness from God.
Verse 8
[8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Finally — This part of the epistle reaches to 1 Peter 4:11. The apostle seems to have added the rest afterwards.
Sympathizing — Rejoicing and sorrowing together. Love all believers as brethren. Be pitiful - Toward the afflicted.
Be courteous — To all men. Courtesy is such a behaviour toward equals and inferiors as shows respect mixed with love.
Verse 9
[9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Ye are called to inherit a blessing — Therefore their railing cannot hurt you; and, by blessing them, you imitate God, who blesses you.
Verse 10
[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
For he that desireth to love life, and to see good days— That would make life amiable and desirable. Psalms 34:12, etc.
Verse 11
[11] Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Let him seek — To live peaceably with all men.
And pursue it — Even when it seems to flee from him.
Verse 12
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous — For good. Anger appears in the whole face; love, chiefly in the eyes.
Verse 13
[13] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Who is he that will harm you — None can.
Verse 14
[14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
But if ye should suffer - This is no harm to you, but a good.
Fear ye not their fear — The very words of the Septuagint, Isaiah 8:12,13. Let not that fear be in you which the wicked feel.
Verse 15
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts — Have an holy fear, and a full trust in his wise providence.
The hope — Of eternal life.
With meekness — For anger would hurt your cause as well as your soul.
And fear — A filial fear of offending God, and a jealousy over yourselves, lest ye speak amiss.
Verse 16
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Having a good conscience — So much the more beware of anger, to which the very consciousness of your innocence may betray you. Join with a good conscience meekness and fear, and you obtain a complete victory.
Your good conversation in Christ — That is, which flows from faith in him.
Verse 17
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
It is infinitely better, if it be the will of God, ye should suffer. His permissive will appears from his providence.
Verse 18
[18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
For — This is undoubtedly best, whereby we are most conformed to Christ. Now Christ suffered once - To suffer no more.
For sins — Not his own, but ours.
The just for the unjust — The word signifies, not only them who have wronged their neighbours, but those who have transgressed any of the commands of God; as the preceding word, just, denotes a person who has fulfilled, not barely social duties, but all kind of righteousness.
That he might bring us to God — Now to his gracious favour, hereafter to his blissful presence, by the same steps of suffering and of glory.
Being put to death in the flesh — As man.
But raised to life by the Spirit — Both by his own divine power, and by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Verse 19
[19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
By which Spirit he preached - Through the ministry of Noah.
To the spirits in prison — The unholy men before the flood, who were then reserved by the justice of God, as in a prison, till he executed the sentence upon them all; and are now also reserved to the judgment of the great day.
Verse 20
[20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
When the longsuffering of God waited — For an hundred and twenty years; all the time the ark was preparing: during which Noah warned them all to flee from the wrath to come.
Verse 21
[21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The antitype whereof — The thing typified by the ark, even baptism, now saveth us - That is, through the water of baptism we are saved from the sin which overwhelms the world as a flood: not, indeed, the bare outward sign, but the inward grace; a divine consciousness that both our persons and our actions are accepted through him who died and rose again for us.
Verse 22
[22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Angels and authorities and powers — That is, all orders both of angels and men.
***
Verse 1
[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
Arm yourselves with the same mind — Which will be armour of proof against all your enemies.
For he that hath suffered in the flesh — That hath so suffered as to he thereby made inwardly and truly conformable to the sufferings of Christ.
Hath ceased from sin — Is delivered from it.
Verse 2
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
That ye may no longer live in the flesh — Even in this mortal body.
To the desires of men — Either your own or those of others. These are various; but the will of God is one.
Verse 3
[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
Revellings, banquetings — Have these words any meaning now? They had, seventeen hundred years ago. Then the former meant, meetings to eat; meetings, the direct end of which was, to please the taste: the latter, meetings to drink: both of which Christians then ranked with abominable idolatries.
Verse 4
[4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
The same — As ye did once.
Speaking evil of you — As proud, singular, silly, wicked and the like.
Verse 5
[5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Who shall give account — Of this, as well as all their other ways.
To him who is ready — So faith represents him now.
Verse 6
[6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
For to this end was the gospel preached — Ever since it was given to Adam.
To them that are now dead — In their several generations.
That they might be judged — That though they were judged. In the flesh according to the manner of men - With rash, unrighteous judgment. They might live according to the will and word of God, in the Spirit; the soul renewed after his image.
Verse 7
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
But the end of all things — And so of their wrongs, and your sufferings.
Is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer — Temperance helps watchfulness, and both of them help prayer. Watch, that ye may pray; and pray, that ye may watch.
Verse 8
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Love covereth a multitude of sins — Yea, "love covereth all things." He that loves another, covers his faults, how many soever they be. He turns away his own eyes from them; and, as far as is possible, hides them from others. And he continually prays that all the sinner's iniquities may be forgiven and his sins covered. Meantime the God of love measures to him with the same measure into his bosom.
Verse 9
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
One to another — Ye that are of different towns or countries.
Without murmuring — With all cheerfulness. Proverbs 10:12.
Verse 10
[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.
As every one hath received a gift — Spiritual or temporal, ordinary or extraordinary, although the latter seems primarily intended.
So minister it one to another — Employ it for the common good.
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God — The talents wherewith his free love has intrusted you.
Verse 11
[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.
If any man speak, let him — In his whole conversation, public and private.
Speak as the oracles of God — Let all his words be according to this pattern, both as to matter and manner, more especially in public. By this mark we may always know who are, so far, the true or false prophets. The oracles of God teach that men should repent, believe, obey. He that treats of faith and leaves out repentance, or does not enjoin practical holiness to believers, does not speak as the oracles of God: he does not preach Christ, let him think as highly of himself as he will.
If any man minister — Serve his brother in love, whether in spintuals or temporals.
Let him minister as of the ability which God giveth — That is, humbly and diligently, ascribing all his power to God, and using it with his might.
Whose is the glory — of his wisdom, which teaches us to speak.
And the might — Which enables us to act.
Verse 12
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Wonder not at the burning which is among you — This is the literal meaning of the expression. It seems to include both martyrdom itself, which so frequently was by fire, and all the other sufferings joined with, or previous to, it; which is permitted by the wisdom of God for your trial. Be not surprised at this.
Verse 13
[13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
But as ye partake of the sufferings of Christ — 1 Peter 4:1, while ye suffer for his sake, rejoice in hope of more abundant glory. For the measure of glory answers the measure of suffering; and much more abundantly.
Verse 14
[14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
If ye are reproached for Christ — Reproaches and cruel mockings were always one part of their sufferings.
The Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you — The same Spirit which was upon Christ, Luke 4:18. He is here termed, the Spirit of glory, conquering all reproach and shame, and the Spirit of God, whose Son, Jesus Christ is.
On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified — That is, while they are blaspheming Christ, you glorify him in the midst of your sufferings, 1 Peter 4:16.
Verse 15
[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Let none of you deservedly suffer, as an evildoer - In any kind.
Verse 16
[16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Let him glorify God — Who giveth him the honour so to suffer, and so great a reward for suffering.
Verse 17
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
The time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God — God first visits his church, and that both in justice and mercy.
What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel — How terribly will he visit them! The judgments which are milder at the beginning, grow more and more severe. But good men, having already sustained their part, are only spectators of the miseries of the wicked.
Verse 18
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
If the righteous scarcely be saved — Escape with the utmost difficulty.
Where shall the ungodly — The man who knows not God. And the open sinner appear - In that day of vengeance. The salvation here primarily spoken of is of a temporal nature. But we may apply the words to eternal things, and then they are still more awful. Proverbs 11:31.
Verse 19
[19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Let them that suffer according to the will of God — Both for a good cause, and in a right spirit.
Commit to him their souls — (Whatever becomes of the body) as a sacred depositum.
In well doing — Be this your care, to do and suffer well: He will take care of the rest.
As unto a faithful Creator — In whose truth, love, and power, ye may safely trust.
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Verse 1
[1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
I who am a fellow-elder — So the first though not the head of the apostles appositely and modestly styles himself.
And a witness of the sufferings of Christ — Having seen him suffer, and now suffering for him.
Verse 2
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Feed the flock — Both by doctrine and discipline.
Not by constraint — Unwillingly, as a burden.
Not for filthy gain — Which, if it be the motive of acting, is filthy beyond expression. O consider this, ye that leave one flock and go to another, merely because there is more gain, a large salary! Is it not astonishing that men can see no harm in this? that it is not only practised, but avowed, all over the nation?
Verse 3
[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Neither as lording over the heritage — Behaving in a haughty, domineering manner, as though you had dominion over their conscience. The word translated heritage, is, literally, the portions. There is one flock under the one chief Shepherd; but many portions of this, under many pastors.
But being examples to the flock — This procures the most ready and free obedience.
Verse 5
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Ye younger, be subject to the elder — In years.
And be all — Elder or younger.
Subject to each other — Let every one be ready, upon all occasions, to give up his own will. Be clothed with humility-Bind it on, (so the word signifies,) so that no force may be able to tear it from you. James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34
Verse 6
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
The hand of God — Is in all troubles.
Verse 7
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Casting all your care upon him — In every want or pressure.
Verse 8
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
But in the mean time watch. There is a close connexion between this, and the duly casting our care upon him. How deeply had St. Peter himself suffered for want of watching! Be vigilant - As if he had said, Awake, and keep awake. Sleep no more: be this your care.
As a roaring lion — Full of rage.
Seeking — With all subtilty likewise.
Whom he may devour or swallow up — Both soul and body.
Verse 9
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Be the more steadfast, as ye know the same kind of afflictions are accomplished in - That is, suffered by, your brethren, till the measure allotted them is filled up.
Verse 10
[10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Now the God of all grace — By which alone the whole work is begun, continued, and finished in your soul.
After ye have suffered a while — A very little while compared with eternity.
Himself — Ye have only to watch and resist the devil: the rest God will perform.
Perfect — That no defect may remain.
Stablish — That nothing may overthrow you.
Strengthen — That ye may conquer all adverse power.
And settle you — As an house upon a rock. So the apostle, being converted, does now "strengthen his brethren."
Verse 12
[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
As I suppose — As I judge, upon good grounds, though not by immediate inspiration.
I have written — That is, sent my letter by him.
Adding my testimony — To that which ye before heard from Paul, that this is the true gospel of the grace of God.
Verse 13
[13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
The church that is at Babylon — Near which St. Peter probably was, when he wrote this epistle.
Elected together with you — Partaking of the same faith with you.
Mark — It seems the evangelist.
My son — Probably converted by St. Peter. And he had occasionally served him, "as a son in the gospel."
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